A DAY TO REKINDLE CONNECTIONS

 “新年快乐!” or “Happy Chinese New Year!” is a phrase told by Chinese and Filipinos alike every February 10th. As the seasons change and a new lunar year begins, Chinese New Year brings more than just the red packets we receive, as it holds a long-lasting history behind the celebrations, joys, and cheers.

Written by: Aira Mae Lao

Layout by: Hanna Nagpal

February 24, 2024 | 9:01 P.M.

There is more than just one calendar in use around the world. The Philippines, like most countries, follows the Gregorian Calendar adopted by the Church in 1582, but another well-known calendar that is still in use is the Chinese calendar. This calendar, compared to the Gregorian calendar that relies on the earth’s movement around the sun, follows the moon's phases. The gap between the Gregorian calendar’s New Year and the Chinese calendar isn't that wide. It is usually celebrated within the first quarter of the year.

The Chinese calendar, as its name suggests, originated from China and was used by the Chinese to track the cycles of the moon. This aided in the yearly harvest along with the flow of the economy. The calendar also helped mark the seasons accordingly which is why Chinese New Year, besides being called “Lunar New Year”, is also called “The Spring Festival” as it signifies the beginning of the spring season. 

Over the centuries, with world history unfolding itself and colonizations have formed and died, the Chinese calendar slowly makes a name for itself as other countries start adopting it and its practices. The Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries are only some of the examples. This is due to the relationships between China either politically, economically, or even historically. 

These relationships are not all that there are however, as in the social context, many Chinese people inhabit the Philippines either as immigrants or as Chinese-Filipino citizens who were born and raised in the Philippines. Celebrating the Lunar New Year is also a way for the Philippines to showcase its inclusivity and diversity through the various cultures and traditions practiced. 

The celebration of Chinese New Year centers around welcoming the new and good. Traditions are followed depending on the family. The majority of families will prepare a small feast and invite relatives. A well-known tradition is the receiving of red packets also called “ang pao” from parents and relatives. The red packets would contain paper bills and symbolize fortune and wealth. Some families believe that the amount of money given is equivalent to the luck the giver is passing to the recipient. 

Red is encouraged to be worn during this holiday as it is a life-generating energy (The color of the sun, blood, and fire) and the color of celebrations, luck, and prosperity. In simpler words, red is considered a happy color and can be seen in many happy celebrations throughout China. 

Filipinos have adopted some Chinese practices over the years, a popular one is having a lucky cat in stores in order to attract customers. Another popular belief is taken from Feng Shui, where various stones may attract or repel certain things and even have healing properties; for some, this is seen in bracelets, statues, and door charms hung on households. These beliefs can be seen as the equivalent of Filipino traditional beliefs, a perfect example would be the Chinese belief to eat misua on one’s birthday to live a long life, equivalent to serving pancit at birthday celebrations for a long life in the Philippines. 

Chinese New Year should not be a celebrated holiday because of its origins but its celebration highlights an admirable quality of Filipinos. Celebrating Chinese New Year showcases the respectfulness of Filipinos as regardless of the origins or affiliation of a holiday it is well regarded and celebrated by the Philippines.

Happy Chinese New Year to all, 新年快乐!