Chinese New Year 2023 is almost upon us. Also known as Lunar New Year, it is a period of festivity that marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar, it’s celebrated by more than 20% of the earth’s population in all corners of the globe.
Its international status has led to the event being observed in a diverse range of different ways. In Singapore – a city-state where around 75% of the population is ethnically Chinese – Chinese New Year is a wholesome family affair where kinship is celebrated over a few weeks. In light of this, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on… Chinese New Year in Singapore!
Chinese New Year Dates
Chinese New Year, which is also known as Chunjie or the Spring Festival, lasts 15 days. Each day within that period is observed in a different way. In Singapore the key dates celebrated are New Years Eve and The Spring Festival:
New Year’s Eve: January 21st
New Year’s Eve is typically experienced as a family. After a reunion dinner, any children in the family will often receive red envelopes from relatives with money inside. In western cultures, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with friends, but on Chinese New Year, the evening is predominantly spent with family members.
The Spring Festival: January 22nd
The Spring Festival is generally known as a day of peace and relaxation. There are no specific ways to celebrate the first day of the Chinese New Year, many tend to continue the convivial family atmosphere from the night before.
Festive Traditions in Singapore
The Lunar New Year is seen as an occasion to spend time with family and friends. Many people in Singapore will spend time visiting relatives and seeing friends – often dressed in red. Red is a significant colour for the season and is seen to be lucky and thought to ward off evil spirits.
Little red envelopes containing money are often given as a gift to wish good luck, and a safe and peaceful year ahead. It is preferred to give brand new crisp notes as giving wrinkled notes or coins can be seen as bad taste. If you receive an envelope, it is tradition to open it in private and not in front of the sender.
Chinese New Year Activities in Singapore
With such a predominantly Chinese ethnic population, it comes as no surprise that Singapore welcomes in the New Year in the manner that it does. From light festivals to festive bazaars, there are so many ways to celebrate Chinese New Year.
From 20th to the 28th January 2023 the River Hongbao hosts a spectacular Chinese new year display. The free event is popular with all ages and as it showcases stunning giant lanterns, impressive stage performances and tempting amusement rides.
Where better to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore than Chinatown itself? Dotted with hanging lanterns and authentic decorations, this part of the city is the perfect place to explore over the New Year period.
Another popular event during Chinese New Year in Singapore is the renowned Chingay Parade. Taking place over two days during the end of Chinese New Year, the parade offers visitors the perfect crescendo to a number of weeks of festivities. The Chingay Parade features floats, costumed dancers, musical performances and, of course, more fireworks. This year the parade takes place on the 3rd and 4th February .
Chinese New Year Animal 2023
2023 is the year of the Rabbit. The rabbit is the fourth of the twelve zodiac animals. A symbol of longevity and peace in Chinese culture, people born in the year of the rabbit are thought to be witty, vigilant and quick minded.
It is also believed that people born in the year of the rabbit are gentle, approachable and are self-disciplined. However, they are also thought to sometimes exhibit elements of emotional instability and can be quite vain.
A few famous faces have been born during the year of the rabbit are actor Johnny Depp, actress Kate Winslet, Golfer Tiger Wood and Football star Lionel Messi.
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Sources
https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/best-chinese-new-year-events-in-Singapore
