Basic HTML Version
FireFlyz | 13
Phase of the moon
The Chinese calendar was a complex
timepiece. Its parameters were set
according to the lunar phases as
well as the solar solstices and
equinoxes. Yin and Yang, the
opposing but complementary
principles that make up a
harmonious world, also
ruled the calendar, as
did the Chinese zodiac,
the cycle of twelve sta-
tions or “signs” along
the apparent path of
the sun through the
cosmos. Each new year
was marked by the
characteristics of one of
the 12 zodiacal animals:
the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit,
dragon, snake, horse,
sheep, monkey, rooster, dog
and pig.
Traditionally for the Chinese,
New Year was the most important
festival on the calendar. The entire
attention of the household was fixed on the
celebration. Home and family were the principal
focuses at this time, not business. In preparation for
the holiday, homes were thoroughly cleaned to
rid them of
huiqi
, (inauspicious breaths),
which might have collected during the
old year. Cleaning was also meant
to appease the gods who would
be coming down from heaven
to make inspections. Ritual
sacrifices of food and paper
icons were offered to gods
and ancestors.
People posted scrolls
pr inted wi th lucky
messages on house-
hold gates and set off
firecrackers to frighten
evil spirits. Elders gave
out money to children.
In fact, many of the
rites carried out during
this period were meant
to bring good luck to the
household and long life to
the family, particularly to the
parents. Most important was the
feasting. On New Year’s Eve, the
extended family would join around
the table for a meal that included, as the
last course, a fish. The fish was a symbol of
abundance and therefore not meant to be eaten.
On New Year’s Eve, the
extended family would join
around the table for a meal that
included, as the last course, a
fish. The fish was a symbol of
abundance and therefore not
meant to be eaten
Acrobatic and
amazing Lion
Dance performed
every Chinese
New Year