The Lunar New Year is cause for celebration and good eats in China. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday on the traditional Chinese calendar and festivities occur over the course of the first 15 days of the calendar’s first month. This year, the Lunar New Year began February 14, 2010. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. It literally means "Year-pass Eve". The old Chinese calendar predates the common International calendar, which is based on the Gregorian calendar. The year 2010 is the Year of the Metal Tiger or more formally Geng Yin. In the Year of the Tiger, expect an eventful year with fluctuations and big change that can bring good fortune. People born during the year of the tiger are passionate, driven, intense, and like being the center of attention. Past Years of the Tiger include 1986 and 1998.
The New Year’s Eve dinner involves a small family reunion. Traditional dishes carry symbolism. For example, different noodle dishes represent long life or longevity. Fish dishes symbolize hopes for surplus or abundance (from the idea of an abundant catch at sea). Finally, a specific vegetarian dish known as Luóhàn zhāi or Buddha’s Delight with special fat-choy algae (hair-like in appearance) is a mainstay on all New Year’s Eve dinner tables and it symbolizes cleansing (all vegetarian ingredients) for the new year.
The celebration may include a traditional Chinese dragon dance. The dragon dancing and loud drum beats are believed to ward off evil. Meanwhile, The Lantern Festival on February 28, 2010 (the last day of festivities) has gradually lost much of its significance over time. The lanterns used to stand for luck or good fortune.
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