Chinese New Year Celebration in Taipei 2011

Though Taipei or the Taiwanese are known for being business oriented, they are also known for grand celebration of different festivals. Chinese New Year is one of the principal festivals of Taipei. Primarily celebrated by the Chinese

community living in Taipei, this is one of the most awaited festivities of the capital city of Taiwan. Similar to other years, Chinese New Year Celebration in Taipei, 2011 will be known for the inclusion of various colorful events and fun activities. The New Year’s Eve as well as the first three days of the New Year is celebrated with grandeur in Taipei.

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, is one of the most celebrated events of the Chinese calendar. Lunar New Year is mainly celebrated in countries or territories that have significant number of Chinese people. Some of the countries where this New Year is celebrated with vigor and grandeur are Mainland China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Taiwan. Other than these Asian countries, Chinese New Year is also an important event of other countries like Canada, Australia and United States. The New Year is generally celebrated in the late January or during early February.

The origin of Chinese New Year dates back to hundreds and thousands of years. Though the celebrations of Lunar New Year generally stretch for quite a few days, the festival usually lasts for three weeks. It is believed that during this festivity, Gods visit the heaven in order to report about the different households and at the same time pay respect to Jade Emperor.

Customs of Chinese New Year Celebration in Taipei

The Chinese living in Taipei follow similar rituals and customs as followed by the Chinese people living in different parts of the world during the Lunar New

Year. During this time, the different Chinese households burn the traditional paper money for honoring the Gods. One of the most common rituals is smearing malt sugar on lips of Kitchen God. One of the first customs to be performed is paying homage to the ancestors.

Another important custom of the celebration is hanging ‘spring couplets’in and around the homes. Made from paper scroll, these Spring Couplets has blessings and inscriptions written on it. These paper squares and scrolls usually represent the oncoming of spring as well as of good fortune.

Hanging ‘hong bao’which is also known as ‘luck money’inside red envelopes is also performed by the different Chinese household.

Chinese New Year is the time when everyone returns back to home for celebrating the festival with their near and dear ones. Family gatherings, visiting friends and relatives are common during this New Year.

Food holds a significant place in the celebration of Chinese New Year in Taipei. One of the most interesting things about the people of Taipei is to give special names to every dish that is prepared during the festival. This is because it is believed it ensures good fortune.

Giving away red envelopes which are symbolic of good luck and wealth, lion and dragon dance, fireworks are some of the other customs followed by Chinese people living in Taipei during the Lunar Year celebration.

Latest Updated on 14/12/2010