WE Smile Magazine February 2016

CULTURE
The Importance
Chinese New Year is a cultural festival of great
importance to Thailand. According to historical
evidence, China and Thailand’s long standing
relations can be traced back to the Sukhothai
era, as the first Chinese trading ships reached
our shores. Later in the early Rattanakosin era,
during the construction of the new capital city,
it became a governmental policy to hire chinese
workers as there was a limited labour force in
Thailand. At the same time, China was in famine
and the immigrants who came to Thailand found
a land of wealth and fertility. Although it started
only with labour, hard work, perseverance
and business savviness allowed the Chinese
population to settle permanently. Today there
is an expected 9.4 million Chinese people living
within in the country, and 26 million of
Chinese descent.
Happy Chinese New Year
Although there are many Chinese festivals,
Chinese New Year is considered one of the
most important. Originally, it was hailed as a
celebration of spring and the planting of new
crops. For the Chinese who mainly lived by
agriculture, this was of utmost importance.
Traditionally, Chinese New Year begins on
the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, and lasts
until the 15th day of the 1st lunar month.
Legends
Like many Chinese Festivals, Chinese New Year
has a myth surrounding its origins. It’s said that
in ancient times, a ferocious beast called the
‘Nian’ would go on a man-eating rampage. God
punished the Nian by only allowing it to be free
once a year, and the Nian choose early spring.
Therefore, people would accumulate food and
supplies in the spring, and not leave the house
until the Nian goes away.
Later, villagers found that the Nian was
afraid of animals. As the Nian passed a village
and saw children playing with a whip, it was
frightened and ran away from the sound. In
another village, the Nian was shocked and
fled at the sight of a red dress. Finally in the
third village, a large burning fire scared away
the Nian. Now, when spring came around the
villagers attached red paper to their front doors,
hung red lanterns and lit firecrackers to scare
away the Nian. When they were able to prevent
the Nian’s rampage, the villagers came out of
their homes and celebrated with a festive meal,
which became today’s Chinese New Year.
Belief in Chinese New Year
The auspicious festival also comes with many
inauspicious things to avoid. For maximum
luck, people refrain from speaking profanities
or crying. The Chinese also believe one should
not wash their hair on Chinese New Year or
they will wash away all their luck. In addition,
many avoid using knives or scissors in the belief
that good fortune may be ‘cut’ off. As the years
passed, people compromise on these restrictions.
However, one thing remains the same, Chinese
New Year is a festival that brings all family
members together again, and it is a festival
of joy that will only flourish over the long
stream of time.
Festival of Joy
Approximately one month before Chinese
New Year, the Chinese would sweep their
homes, the act represents ‘sweeping out bad
luck’. In addition they would furnish their
homes with red paper adorned with words
that would bring prosperity.
Of course, with festivities comes a large
meal. The dinner for Chinese New Year is
considered the most important meal of the year.
Before eating, each family pays respect to their
ancestors. Everyone in the family is expected to
eat together at the same time. For those who
have moved away, it is important for them to
return home for this meal. Even the dishes have
special meanings. For instance, fish and chicken
represent the fulfilment of wealth, and Chinese
chive dumplings represents longevity. After
the meal family members will spend time
together, playing games, watching television
or talking until dawn to ring in the New Year.
Children and other unmarried family members
will get a red envelope containing gifts or money.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
IN THAILAND
In Thailand, Chinese New Year
is celebrated over three days.
‘Buying Day’ is the day before the
New Year, where Thai people of
Chinese descent come out to purchase
food, fruits and offerings.
‘Worship Day’ is the a day to pay
respect to ancestors and the ghosts
of the dead. A feast is held,
‘ang pao’ red envelopes are given,
and firecrackers are lit
to chase away bad luck.
‘Travel Day’ is the day when Chinese
families pay respect to their parents
and bring offerings to them for good
fortune and happiness. This is usually
the day when families go on
vacations together.