CNY, Day One: Get New Clothes, Eat Dumplings, Send Hongbaos
It is the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year! You know what that means... Dumplings, noodles, family reunions, and countless hongbaos! Here's the lowdown on all the traditions of 大年初一 Dànián chūyī, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
1. Buying new clothes
When I was a kid, celebrating Chinese New Year was always exciting. This wasn't just because of all the food to be had, but mainly because I'd get to flaunt all the new clothes my grandma had bought for me. This time of year is all about warding off evil spirits and letting in good luck, and, surprise surpise, a lot of folks believe swapping out old clothes for new is one way of doing just that. Here in Beijing, there are many malls for you to shop at. Some local favorites include The Place or Beijing Dongfang New World. Why not pick up some new clothes to welcome the new year?
2. Eat dumplings
Another method for getting good luck in the year ahead is making and eating dumplings. This tradition is especially popular among people living in the north, who make dumplings in the shape of 元宝Yuánbǎo, a shoe-shaped type of gold, meaning after you eat the dumplings, your fortune will also start rolling in.
One of my favorite places to indulge in these colorful pockets of goodness is Baoyuan Dumplings Restaurant. Each of these dumplings has a nice blend of rich ingredients and they taste truly delicious when you dip them in soy sauce and vinegar.
3. Spend quality time with family and friends
If I can sum up Chinese New Year in one word, it would be reunion. People always visit family and friends to pass on good wishes for the New Year. So, why not take this opportunity to surround yourself with friends and wish them good luck? Or make that phone call to your family and friends to check on them and send your warmest greetings?
4. Eat more noodles
It is believed if you eat noodles on this day, you will live a long and healthy life. Why not feast on some dan dan noodles at Meizhou Dongpo or get a bowl of 炸酱面 Zhá jiàng miàn at Jingweizhai Roast Duck Shop to usher in a year filled with luck and prosperity?
5. Send your loved ones a hongbao?
You're probably familiar with these red envelopes filled with money by now! In Chinese culture, hongbaos are gifted from the elderly to children to pass down good luck. But just remember to follow the “old to young” rule when you are giving someone hongbaos. Generally, hongbaos are given by people who are older and married to someone who is young and single.
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Images: Dianping
