Happy Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and prepare for good fortune in the upcoming year. It is also a time to give gifts to friends and relatives, visit relatives, and pay respects to ancestors. Here are some of the common phrases used during the celebrations.

"Gong hei fat choy" is one of the most well-known Chinese New Year greetings. It is a common sweet wish to bring happiness, prosperity, and success in the upcoming year.

Another common phrase to send during the celebration is "Nian Nian You Yu" meaning "a bountiful harvest every year." This phrase is especially used in fish paintings.

Many Chinese people believe that each animal has a particular trait, and that the traits will pass on to people born in the animal's year. In China, each animal runs in a cycle of twelve years.

Aside from the aforementioned Chinese New Year greetings, there are also many foods that are consumed during the holiday. These include tangerines, which symbolize prosperity, and kumquats, which symbolise happiness. Other common gifts include cakes, candies, and fruits.

Red envelopes are also a common form of gift. Usually, older people give these to younger people. They often contain money indicating good luck. Sometimes, red packets are given during reunion dinners.