Gong Xi Fa Cai, Sae Hae Bok Mani Ba Deu Se Yo, Happy Lunar New Year!
2013 is the Chinese Year of the Water Snake, which brings with it much symbolism and excitement. Not only does the snake’s transformative ability to molt its skin teach us the important lesson of honoring the past while making room for the future, the water element symbolizes compassion and perception.
Chinese Year of the Water Snake
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Emperor’s College with traditional Chinese rice cake
According to our beloved faculty member David Chan, the snake’s physical attributes of fluid movement and ability to shed its skin will have great impact on the year. It will ask us to be flexible in our viewpoints, aware of the connections between life’s occurrences and comfortable with letting go of the old in embrace of the new.
The water element is said to represent of our innermost self; the depth of our being. When this is coupled with the snake’s ability to perceive subtleties in its surroundings we should be prepared to look inside our hearts, to own our feelings and to express them with compassion and sensitivity.
Wear Gold and Red Colors in Celebration
In Chinese culture, it is recommended in this first week of the new year to wear gold and red colors in celebration of upcoming prosperity and abundance. We hope that you will enjoy and make the most out of opportunities that may come your way in this year.
We invite you to participate in the New Year celebrations. Here are 12 things you can do to pay homage to Chinese traditions:
- Do research to learn about the Chinese New Year
- Clean your home and prepare it in time for New Year.
- Take the time to decorate your home in a festive shade of red
- Offer a special sacrifice to the Kitchen God.
- Hold an organized traditional dinner on New Year’s Eve
- Prepare your own Chinese cuisine.
- Make sure to dress up for the occasion
- Engage and interact with others in a positive manner.
- Don’t forget to visit your relatives and friends.
- Ward off evil by setting off firecrackers.
- Attend a parade.
- Say your New Year prayers and wishes and purchase lucky charms for the new year.
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