In ancient China, a terrible horned monster ravished the land every spring feeding off crops, livestock, and even sometimes children. There was no way for the villagers to defeat the beast so all they could do was to run and hide in the mountains. One day, a strange traveler saved the village by scaring the monster away with bright lights, dressing in the color red, and powerful fireworks. From then on the villagers held a festival every spring where they would gather together, stay up late, dress up in red, light lanterns, and set off fireworks to help ward off the evil monster. To this day, the people of China continue to celebrate this festival as Chinese New Year.
Rather than adopting a calendar year such as the US has, Chinese holidays instead follow a calendar based on lunar and solar movements. In doing so, Chinese New Year always falls on the first New Moon of the year and continues on until the first Full Moon, also known as the Lantern Festival, fifteen days later. This year the celebration begins New Years Eve on February 2nd and lasts until the 17th.
In regards to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the twelve, and resides between the Tiger and Dragon. It is said to be a calm and relaxing year. Much needed after a ferocious year of the Tiger. One may find luck and good fortune throughout the year of the Rabbit.
A great way of celebrating this Chinese New Year is the exchanging of Hong Bao or 'Red Envelopes' with loved ones. The Red color is meant to ward off evil spirits while the envelope symbolizes good luck. These envelopes are then filled with money ranging in even numbers, which are considered 'lucky' numbers.
Chinese New Year is a time to be with family and friends, Red envelopes, fireworks, and of course, feasting! From your friends at Forgotten Shanghai, we would like to wish you a very festive and lucky New Year!
To celebrate the color Red we would like to offer you 20% off all Red items at Forgotten Shanghai during the month of February.
Visit us 245 Kansas Street San Francisco, CA 94103 or online at www.forgottenshanghai.com
Rather than adopting a calendar year such as the US has, Chinese holidays instead follow a calendar based on lunar and solar movements. In doing so, Chinese New Year always falls on the first New Moon of the year and continues on until the first Full Moon, also known as the Lantern Festival, fifteen days later. This year the celebration begins New Years Eve on February 2nd and lasts until the 17th.
In regards to the Chinese Zodiac, 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the twelve, and resides between the Tiger and Dragon. It is said to be a calm and relaxing year. Much needed after a ferocious year of the Tiger. One may find luck and good fortune throughout the year of the Rabbit.
A great way of celebrating this Chinese New Year is the exchanging of Hong Bao or 'Red Envelopes' with loved ones. The Red color is meant to ward off evil spirits while the envelope symbolizes good luck. These envelopes are then filled with money ranging in even numbers, which are considered 'lucky' numbers.
Chinese New Year is a time to be with family and friends, Red envelopes, fireworks, and of course, feasting! From your friends at Forgotten Shanghai, we would like to wish you a very festive and lucky New Year!
To celebrate the color Red we would like to offer you 20% off all Red items at Forgotten Shanghai during the month of February.
Visit us 245 Kansas Street San Francisco, CA 94103 or online at www.forgottenshanghai.com
