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Chinese New Year (5th February 2019)
First day, zhengyue 1, ’Birthday of Chicken’
Today, being the first day of new year, that is why it is forbidden to sweep the floor.
There should be no bathing (until 12 noon), no washing of your hair, you cannot get angry, cry or use vulgar language, and you should not drink anything bitter.
You should wake up early and dress in your new clothes (preferably with something red).
Family members should gather together in front of the family altar and offer incense to their home deities and ancestors.
After that, younger members of the family should offer their elders a cup of “8 precious sweets” tea and wish them ‘Kung Hei Fatt Choi’.
“8 Precious Sweets” Tea
Ingredients:
• 8 pieces of red Dates
• 8 pieces of candied Winter Melon
• 8 pieces of Rock Sugar
• 8 slices of candied Kumquat or candied Tangerine
• 8 pieces of candied Plums
• 8 pieces of dried Longan
• 8 pieces of dried Figs
• 8 slices of dried Pears
• 8 cups of water
Method:
Boil all the above for 5 minutes, strain and serve. Add more water if necessary. Tea should be sweet and fragrant.
So it is best to be vegetarian today (at least till the hour of the Horse 11.00am – 1.00pm).
It is also a good day to visit a temple and to offer prayers.
Another ritual is that married couples should give red packets to younger unmarried people that they meet today.
Many people observe this practice for all 15 days of the New Year, because it is believed that the more red packets you give out, the more money the year will bring to you.
Because this day falls on the day of the Rooster, it conflicts the Rabbit.
That is why those born in the year of the Rabbit must avoid eating Meat (it is recommended to be vegetarian for the day) and to avoid antagonizing or quarrelling with any Rooster-born.
Homes that have main doors opening to the South and Southeast are deemed most auspicious.
That is why such homes should host home parties on this day so as to maximize their luck.
Finally good hours to have your open house today will be from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm.
