Chinese New Year Tradition

[ttwjr32]

Bee , following tradition at the very special times will
        get you the brownie points as you said with the family
        tradition is a very important aspect in these relationships

[Bee964]

Yes, I had it explained to me. i had only read the last couple posts here when I put that up. I know it is traditional to give red envelpoes at certain ceremonies there. I want to be aware of anything that may arise when I meet my lady in Singapore. Some mention about cakes too but I'm not sure when that was.
The mandarin oranges too, Ted. That was new to me.

Did someone mention fireworks??!!??!!??!!

Dave C

[ttwjr32]

they do put on some awesome firework dispaly here that go on
a lot longer than we are used to

[Bee964]

Awwww man, and I'm gonna miss them. I am a bit of a nut for fireworks. I used to spend a couple grand twice a year to put on shows in my back yard. I loved doing that. It will be the only thing that a chinese lady will have to worry about with me. I may spend too much time in the firework stores and areas that put on displays.

Dave

[ttwjr32]

well you can get some good ones here Bee just take someone with you who
can help so u dont buy something that will disrupt air traffic   hahahaha

[Bee964]

When exactly is new year there? You know, ours is midnight december 31, when does their calander change over officially?

And Ted, if I ever get there I'm bringing a certain bottle and we are hitting a couple firework vendors!!! Hahaha!!

Dave C

[mustfocus]

New Year (this year) is February 14th.  It's based on the lunar calendar...

[Bee964]

New Year (this year) is February 14th.  It's based on the lunar calendar...

I think I saw this someplace else too, but is the 14th new years day? I guess that I should also ask, Is there a site that will give you a lunar calander? or inform you of the important dates for the year?

Dave V

[mustfocus]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year

That said, there is no single calendar that I've found that has everything.  But some important dates...

Chinese New Year (note, this is a range of days)
Qing Ming aka Tomb-Sweeping Day
May Day (not sure if this is celebrated in Singapore, but it is in China)
Dragon Boat Festival
National Day
Mid-Autumn Festival

In Singapore, most of these are celebrated, but not all are actual days off.

[ttwjr32]

ok Bee i will be here waiting for the fountain of youth bottle
just dont wait to long to get it here :icon_cheesygrin:

[MasterQ]

New Year (this year) is February 14th.  It's based on the lunar calendar...

I think I saw this someplace else too, but is the 14th new years day? I guess that I should also ask, Is there a site that will give you a lunar calander? or inform you of the important dates for the year?

Dave V

yes, the 14th is new years day.   New Year's eve is the 13th.   so in some places they ring in the new year at saturday night when it strikes midnight.

[Bee964]

Guess that I need to study this more. I know that the date changes too.

Dave

[Vince G]

Some in China use the New Year as a birthday. My ladies BD is on the 12th, CNY on the 14th. But on Chnlove my ladies age has already changed? Strange???

[Bee964]

Some in China use the New Year as a birthday. My ladies BD is on the 12th, CNY on the 14th. But on Chnlove my ladies age has already changed? Strange???

Yes, I know. I still have not figured out their birthdays either. I have seen the date listed pass and their age posted doesn't change.??

Dave C

[odysseus007]

Look i have given red envelopes, gifts, etc and not one thing back from her family.  Now they want more.  BS. i do not mind gifts to them, but expecting cash is not gonna happen from me.  Kids are different.  Uncle Jim will do gifts for them.  The rest is BS as far as i am concerned and let the chips fall where they may.

I will take mama in to raise, dont have a problem with that.  I just wont feed money.

Jimbo,

I'm ethnic chinese, and over here technically speaking, the marrieds give to the unmarrieds. Amount is optional, but often a matter of "face". So as a (slightly) older bachelor, when I visit friends & relatives I am EXEMPTED from giving hongbaos, although I am always authorized to receive em :icon_cheesygrin: In practice here in Malaysia & Singapore if you're well off you might give more to good friends' kids. If I were a laowai, and there are dozens of irrelevant kith & kin, I would not train em to expect big red packets. Small ones will do, and bigger ones for the more influential. Say, 888 RMB for her Momma & Poppa, & just 8 RMB for the riffraff, and 18, 28 or 88 RMB for the best friend or fav uncle (provided they are unmarried). If you have to bribe, then for gawdsakes bribe intelligently, man ! :angel: