In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, Chinese families will carry out the following tasks to ensure that good fortune flows through the year.

Paving the way for positivity and prosperity

Spring cleaning is time to discard broken furniture and appliances, and parents will usually rope in their children to help with chores such as cleaning the floors and windows. Thereafter, the house will be awash with auspicious decorations (in red, of course) for the New Year. Although back-breaking, the reward is a clean and fresh home that’s ready to welcome guests and most importantly good luck and fortune!

Putting the essentials together

Clothes, fresh produce, drinks, candies, decorations, potted plants – when it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year, purchases are mostly huge. This is no time to hold back! Therefore, it is not surprising to see long queues snaking around the cashiers at supermarkets during this period, even in the middle of the night.

Fresh vegetables, seafood and poultry – symbols of abundance – are important must-haves for the reunion dinner, which takes place on the eve of the Lunar New Year. As the most important meal of the year, family members from all over will make it a point to gather and enjoy the reunion dinner as one.

It’s easy to forget about our waistlines as we eat and be merry, but do make a mental note to eat in moderation and to burn off those calories later.

Passing on the good fortune to others

At a loss when exchanging customary greetings and good wishes with relatives and friends during this festive period? Here are some auspicious greetings which are easy to remember!

新年快乐，身体健康，事事顺利!
Xīn nián kuài lè, shēn tǐ jiàn kāng, shì shì shun lì!
(Happy New Year, I wish you good health and every success!)

新春快乐, 大吉大利!
Xīn chūn kuài lè, dà jí dà lì!
(Season’s greetings, have a happy and prosperous New Year!)

And given that 2017 is the year of the Rooster, greetings associated with the feathered zodiac can also be used.

鸡年大吉，恭喜发财！
Jī nián dà jí, gong xǐ fā cái!
(Wishing you luck, happiness and prosperity in Year of the Rooster!)


金鸡报喜，万事如意！
Jīnjī bàoxǐ, wànshì rúyì!
(Here’s wishing you happiness and good fortune in the Year of the Rooster!)

And please do remember, no matter how you choose to spend this festive season, the significance of the Lunar New Year is a celebration of unity and togetherness as one happy family.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!