Chinese Lunar New Year 2022: Year of the Tiger
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Last year we shared the story behind the years and how the animal order was determined. This year the animal is Tiger and the element is water. Water is symbolic of a prosperous year and the Tiger is a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and braveness.
Things to expect in this year…
- About big changes
- Year of risk-taking and adventure
- Enthusiasm for self and others
- Generosity at an all-time high
- Social progress feels possible
- Expect rapid changes this year
Red Envelope (hóng bāo)
Money to anchor your soul (Yā suì qián)
One of the traditions that we shared last year was the red envelopes that are given out during New Years’ celebrations with family and friends. This year we wanted to share a little more background. There are some sources at the bottom and we encourage you to visit and do some continued learning.
Legends
The first is the legend of Nian. Nian was a monstrous creature who devoured villages. To protect children parents would provide them with money before going to bed so that they could bribe Nian or other evil spirits.
The second myth was about Sui, a demon who tapped children as they slept. It is believed that his touch was tainted. Parents would stay up to protect children. Until one set of parents presented a coin to their child to play with. The coin then was placed next to his pillow and when Sui came at night the flash from the coin scared him away. The coin was then wrapped in red paper and shared with neighbors.
How to receive a red envelope …
Who shares red envelopes: close family and friends
Who gives red envelopes: Elders and young to middle-aged adults
Receives: children, parents, and elders
How:
- Children approach grandparents and offer 3 kowtows (kē tóu)
- Children may say a cheeky saying “gong xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái” – translated it says, “Wishing you wealth and prosperity, hand over the red envelope”
- Young-middle aged adults give to children and elders
- Grandparents give to children
Thank you for wanting to learn!
We hope you enjoyed this and learned something new about the Chinese Lunar New Year. Please visit the websites below to continue learning. Race and Convos is a community created to learn, come together, and love one another. Can you take a moment and leave a comment answering one of the questions below?
- What did you learn from reading this blog or last year’s blog?
- What did you enjoy reading?
- What is your favorite part of the Chinese Lunar New Year?
- How are you celebrating?
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