Joy of Chinese New Year around the Globe

The date of Chinese New Year differs from one year to another. Generally, it is celebrated between Spring Festival and Chinese Lantern Festival. It is celebrated all over the world with equal enthusiasm, more prominently in those cities, towns, and villages where Chinese population is predominant. Exchanging gifts, visiting friends, family reunion feast, preparing recipes, and decorating homes are few of the ways in which the joy of Chinese New Year around the globe is experienced by people belonging to different sects.

Chinese New Year 2011

In the year 2011, it will be celebrated on February 3rd. The celebrations will continue until February 17th. This is the Year of Rabbit. Masks form an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations every year. As such this year too, you can expect to see masked people in New Year parades and processions. These masks are made of leather, cloth, shell, metal, grass, and paper. On the masks, you will find images of sacred Chinese symbols, animals, and dragons.

Red is regarded as sacred by Chinese people. It is believed to scare away evil spirits and allow in positive energy in your house.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2011

On Chinese New Year Day, one of the most important activities includes paying respect to ancestors. At the altar, candles and incense sticks are lit, water and food is served to the ancestors and God.

The Chinese households start decorating their houses long before the celebrations start. The houses are swept clean. It is believed that people sweep away bad luck. Doors and windows are painted red.

Lai see is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations in which the elders of the house pack in some money in an envelope and gift them to the youngsters of the house.

Last but not the least, firework display form an important part of the Chinese New Year traditions. In some areas in China, you will also find people parading with candles in their hands. These processions and dragon dances are usually held during the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival usually marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Chinese New Year in Singapore

As stated above, Chinese New Year is celebrated in areas where Chinese population is significant. Singapore is one such place. On the occasion of Chinese New Year, various events and shows take place. Some of them are listed below –

Chingay Parade

Location – Singapore F1 Grand Prix Pit Building, Marina Bay,
Date – February 11th 2011 at 8.30PM, Saturday February 12th 2011 at 8PM.
Highlights – Dragon dance and other festivities

Chinatown Street Light Up

Location – Chinatown
Date – 2/3 week prior to Chinese New Year celebrations on February 3rd 2011 and a couple of weeks after the celebrations
Highlights – Fairy tales enacted on street, firecrackers and firework display

Chinese New Year in Malaysia

Several Chinese New Year events take place in Malaysia. Some of them are

Location – George Town, Penang
Date – February 3rd 2011 and February 4th 2011 at 6PM

Shopping Malls
Date – February 2nd 2011 and February 3rd 2011

Chinese New Year in Thailand

Thailand is another exquisite destination in Asia where you can experience the joy of Chinese New Year. Thailand doesn’t lag behind as far as events and shows are concerned. Given below are few such events scheduled to take place on Chinese New Year.

Bangkok Chinatown Chinese New Year Festival 2011
Date – February 2011
Venue – Phra Tinang, Odeon Circle, Yawarat Road
Highlights – Arts and culture

Ayuthaya Ancient City Chinese New Year festival 2011
Date – February 4th 2011 to February 8th 2011 between 5Pm and 23.00PM
Venue – Naresuan Road