The Community Center of Shanghai hosted a coffee this morning and invited a very interesting women to share the traditions of Chinese New Year. The actual date of the New Year changes from year to year because it follows a lunar cycle instead of the traditional calendar. This year it will begin on the evening of the 17th (New Years Eve) and continue for three days. Three days is the official holiday but most companies give their employees the entire week off work. Employees are expected to make up the extra two days by working two Saturdays.

It is tradition for everyone to return to their parents home no mater how far that may be. On New Years Eve it is customary to have a large family dinner. Chicken must be part of the dinner and will be served whole...this includes the head. (Side Note: In a business setting, old tradition was to have chicken at an employee dinner and if the head of the chicken was facing you it meant that you were being fired. YIKES!!) The New Year begins at midnight so it is important to stay up all night to welcome a fresh beginning. Fireworks begin at midnight and continue through the following two days.

Red banners are hung on the outside entry of your home. One on the left side of the door, one on the right side of the door and one over the top of the door. The banners have Chinese characters written on them that mean Good Health, Much Happiness, Peace, Good Fortune and Safety. Some homes will also hang a gold and red fish which signifies "abundance" or "more than enough".

Red is considered a very lucky color so many of the decorations of the Holiday are red. On New Years Day (18th) new clothing is worn to symbolize a fresh start and much of the clothing will be red. It is good to avoid wearing black or white during this season.

Small red envelops are given to children and to unmarried adults by their parents and close family members. It is good for the money to be new bills and the cash must be in even numbers and must not have the number 4 associated with it. For example you would give someone bad luck if you gave them 40 RMB or 33 RMB. Having good luck in this culture is very very important.

Another tradition when hosting friends and family at your home during the holiday is to pass the "tray of Togetherness". This tray has 8 compartments each compartment will hold a food item (usually candied) that is symbolic. Dried coconut means unity of family, Lotus Root = continuous luck or happiness, Lotus seed = will bring many sons, Candied Melon = keeps you healthy and strong, Tangerine = luck, Peanuts = long life, Watermelon seed = wealth, Candies that look like gold nuggets = continuous prosperity. If you go to someones house it is good to take a gift. One such gift is pineapple cake which says...may you have lots of happiness.

2007 is the year of the Pig and the year of opportunity. This is "Tim's year" because he was born under the sign of the boar/pig. The pig is wealthy, lucky and fun. He/she is blessed with patience and understanding, is fair, loyal and loving.

We have been reading about the characteristics of each of the the animals under the lunar calendar. It is truly amazing how much they fit each of our family members.