Xīnnián Kuàilè / Sun Nin Fai Lok / Happy New Year
Year 4721 in the Chinese Lunar Calendar (beginning on 22 January of solar year 2023) is the year of the Black or Water Rabbit, 水兔. Also known as the Spring Festival, 春節 (chūenjié), this holiday is celebrated for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on 5 February. (Lunar New Year Lantern Viewings and Chinese New Year Celebrations are ongoing at Lan Su Chinese Garden - see here)
The Spring Festival (Lunar New Year/ also known as Chinese New Year outside of China) is the most significant holiday of the year. Traditionally a time to honor deities and ancestors, it is specifically a time to prepare delicacies and auspicious dishes for feasting with family (the night before, for the annual reunion dinner) and friends during the season. In preparation to welcome the Lunar New Year, one's home is tidied and swept clean of any ill fortune of the preceding year to make way for incoming good luck. Red lanterns signifying wealth, fame and prosperity are hung and poetic characters and verses written on red paper are placed on windows and doors. As the festive color of the season, red clothing is also worn. To symbolize a fresh start for the new year, new clothes and shoes are purchased, outstanding business debts are paid off, and gifts of gold 金 (jīn) and money 錢 (qián) are given to young relatives and employees in red envelopes 紅寶 (hóngbāo).
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Each Lunar New Year brings new fortunes, and in the past Year of the Tiger (Yang energy), growth and making gains at all costs were encouraged with less focus on satisfaction and serenity. In 2023, this Year of the Rabbit (Yin energy) is attached to the element of Water. The colour of water is “black” and brings great prosperity. Together with the rabbit's characteristics in this Lunar New Year 4021, we can also anticipate relaxation, fluidity, quietness, contemplation, calm and hope.
Water Rabbits are known to be soft, thoughtful, and friendly with a ‘go with the flow’ attitude. While not the quickest decision makers or biggest risk takers, they are quiet and effective workers with excellent memory. The soft approach of the regal rabbit encourages us to move through the world with quiet confidence, low key cunning and the knowledge that kindness is not weakness but rather benevolent strategy. |
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We thank our generous speakers, valued volunteers, and loyal and new attendees. First Saturday PDX wishes you all a fulfilling new year with good fortune, prosperity, good health, longevity, happiness, success, kindness, and adventure !
Here is our guide to a Chinese New Year meal, with auspicious foods and their respective symbolisms:
(Please click here to view on our YouTube channel))
Further information on the traditions of Chinese New Year and the forecast for the Year of the Rabbit 4021:
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