Yes, Chinese New Year is about giving 红包 (hong bao) or red packets
to those who are not married and it does not matter how old you are, you will
continue to receive as long as you stay single. Hong Bao only brings joy and happiness
to children; I am talking about more serious and meaningful issues:
1.
Family value: it is the old tradition of Chinese
people all over the world to treasure reunion with the family on the eve of
Chinese New Year. The three Chinese characters 团圆饭 (Tuan yuan fan) mean togetherness
for the first word, round or perfect
for the second character, and rice for the last character. It is a good thing to
do not only once a year but more often if possible to meet and express your affection
to your loved ones at home when you are living far away. It is necessary to do so
because you never know how soon is too late.
2.
Start afresh: The Lunar New Year ushers a fresh
beginning for the Chinese. I think it is good thinking because you don’t want
the past to hold you back. So you start anew with confidence and determination.
3.
Bright outlook: You see only bright colors
during Chinese New Year. The most outstanding color is red. It signifies a
bright future and an optimistic outlook. It is an excellent attitude to look at
life positively and go forward boldly.
4.
Best wishes: I am not talking about words
relating to money though these are common words used to greet others when you
meet during Chinese New Year like 恭喜发财(gong
xi fa cai). I find the following wishes more motivating and meaningful:
·
新年快乐(xin nian kuai le): It means happiness for the New Year.
Happiness is one of the important aims of life.
However, it is not good for those working in the stockbroking firms
because it sounds like 新年快落
(xin nian kuai luo) - going down quickly during the New Year.
·
心想事成(xin xiang shi cheng): It is similar in meaning to what your mind
can conceive you can achieve.
·
步步高升(bu bu gao sheng): It is especially good for those who are
employed. It means you go higher up for each step you take. Such encouraging words!
·
龙马精神(long ma jing shen): Literally it is the spirit of dragon and horse. The true meaning is to wish you an alert and energetic New
Year.
5.
A clutter-free home: It is spring cleaning time
before Chinese New Year. The house is spick and span. It is also more spacious.
While it is good to tidy the house, the Chinese people believe that a clutter-free home will encourage a positive flow of energy.
6.
Things to avoid: During Chinese New Year, you have
to avoid breakage especially china and glassware. It brings bad luck but more
importantly, it is a good lesson in life to be careful in what you do
particularly while you are on the road. The other point is that you don’t start
a quarrel or fight on such auspicious days. The take-home message is that in
life you exercise restraint, patient, and seek understanding.
7.
Gratitude:
To usher in Chinese New Year, the Chinese
people express remembrance, thankfulness, and appreciation to those living far
away by sending them greeting cards. Now you can send messages quickly and more
often in this technology age. When you touch another person’s heart, you bring
joy and happiness to yourself too.
And so I wish you:
新年快乐(
xin nian kuai le)
心想事成
(xin xiang shi cheng)
步步高升
( bu bu gao sheng)
龙马精神
(long ma jing shen)
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