Talk of the town：Rituals and traditions of the Chinese New Year
【明報專訊】Regardless of the way to celebrate the new year, some traditions will never change. What do you know about the traditions of the Chinese New Year?
◆How is the date of Chinese New Year determined?
The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar, which marks the cycles of astronomical phenomenon, such as the positions and features of the sun and the moon.
◆Distributing red packets
Th red packet is a monetary gift, typically given by the married to the unmarried. It represents the wishes and luck given to their children, grandchildren or relatives. Normally when someone receives red packets, they express gratitude and greet the giver with auspicious phrases. Have you ever heard of virtual red packets?
“ Eason: I am going to put on a firework show. It must be delightful! ”
“ Dr Panda: Hey! These are explosives that may endanger ourselves and other people! ”
◆Hanging fai chun (揮春)
During the Chinese New Year, people hang fai chun on doors and storefronts. They mostly consist of words or phrases written in Chinese calligraphy that wish people good luck and prosperity. There is some interesting folklore about the origin of hanging fai chun .There was a dreadful beast named Nian that only appeared during the Chinese New Year. Over the years, the villagers discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red, deafening noise and the light of flames. Therefore, people wear red clothing, perform lion dances and light firecrackers during the new year.
■Grammar booster
Regardless of
Despite, not being affected by something.
e.g. Eason went on a business trip regardless of the pandemic situation.
■Gear up
1. It is illegal to perform the lion dance in Hong Kong. (True/ False)
2. Scaring off the Nian beast is the sole reason for hanging fai chun. (True/ False)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
astronomical (adj) 天文的
phenomenon (n) 現象
calligraphy (n) 書法
deafening (adj) 震耳欲聾的
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[Smarties' Power English 第333期]
