The meaning of Happy New Year

As a Chinese, we celebrate Lunar New Year in China in many ways, and different regions have their own unique customs in celebration. Similar to America holidays, we say blessings to our family and friends, such as happy new year during Lunar New Year. The meaning of these blessings is direct because it will show the listener your caring.

There are many different customs during Lunar New Year. In the two weeks of the New year, every family will visit their relatives in different places and bring gifts to show their blessings. I remember when I was a kid, my mom and grandmother would take me to my aunt and uncle’s and visit the elders. The relatives will prepare a gorgeous meal for the visitor to show their gratitude. During these visits, kids will give their blessings by kowtowing and saying the happy new year to the elders and in return of a red pocket for luck from the elders. These red pockets contain money and represent good luck for the kids.

From my perspective, the phrase “happy new year” has the meaning of benediction and politeness in both China and America culture. It is a good way to start a conversation when you see a friend that you haven’t seen in a long time and ask them how is their new year. In addition, the close family members will gather together and have a new year dinner together, like the Thanksgiving in America. It depends on the family customs on whether how many family members will join the celebration together. However, all family celebrations for Lunar New Year is a way to bring the everyone together and enjoy the time with the family time. Also, families will watch the new year festival show together on TV. In the north part of China, families will make dumplings and in the south part of China, people will have rice cakes from a new year. Altogether, the customs for the new year in different cultures are made the family gathering.