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New Year's Eve Dinner
On the eve of the Chinese New Year it is customary to visit relatives and partake in a large dinner where a number of specific foods are served. It is typical for a Chinese family to make eight to nine dishes for the New Year's Eve Dinner because in Chinese language the word "eight" means "prosperity" and the word "nine" means "long-lasting".
Giving Good Luck Gifts
It is a traditional practice for adults to give children little red envelopes filled with money in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year. It is also common for elders to present red packets to unmarried members of the family. Envelopes are not to be opened until the recipient has left the home of the giver.
Honouring the Animal
Every year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. These animals are often represented in decorations. Some people believe that those born during the year of a particular animal may have the charactraits of that animal.
Chinese New Year is a time when the family should come together in order to give thanks for the year that has passed, and reinvigorate themselves for the coming year.
Question 1: What is the significance of serving eight to nine dishes during the New Year's Eve Dinner according to Chinese tradition?
Answer: The number eight symbolizes prosperity, and the number nine symbolizes long-lasting, hence serving eight to nine dishes signifies prosperity and longevity.
Question 2: What traditional practice involves giving red envelopes filled with money, and what do they symbolize?
Answer: Adults give children red envelopes filled with money to symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
Question 3: What is the protocol regarding the opening of red envelopes received as gifts during Chinese New Year?
Answer: Envelopes are not to be opened until the recipient has left the home of the giver.
Question 4: How are the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac honored during Chinese New Year, and what belief is associated with them?
Answer: The animals are represented in decorations, and some believe that those born during the year of a particular animal may have the characteristics of that animal.
Question 5: According to the passage, what is the significance of Chinese New Year for families?
Answer: Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together to give thanks for the past year and prepare for the coming year.
