For the past 13 years, we have celebrated Lunar New Year with Can Zhang. You may be thinking, 13 is such an unlucky number, but in fact, it is a lucky number in Chinese culture, meaning “assured growth”. And we’re lucky to have Can on our team, that’s for sure!
Yesterday, Can brought in some traditional Chinese sweets for the team, so in the act of sharing, we’ve offered up some #FunFacts about Lunar New Year:
- Lunar: Unlike our Western New Year’s Day, which is based on the Georgian calendar, Lunar New Year falls on the second full moon after the winter period.
- Wood Dragon: 2024 is the year of the Dragon, and this year specifically being the Wood Dragon. They say the Year of the Dragon is associated with creativity, innovation, and financial prosperity.
- Red Envelopes: These envelopes are customary during Lunar New Year. Their red colour symbolizes protection and prosperity and is often received by children, the unmarried and the elderly.
- Nian: One of the countless folk tales attached to Lunar New Year is that a ferocious underwater beast (Nian) that would crawl onto land every Lunar New Year and attack a nearby village. A mysterious man claims to have scared Nian away by hanging red banners on the door, lighting firecrackers, and donning red clothing.
- Lion Dance: This is performed to bring good luck and chase away ghosts and evil spirits. Another folk tale suggests that the year after the mysterious man scared Nian away, two villagers dressed up as a red lion, and other villagers joined them, making loud banging sounds and chasing the monster off again.
I hope you had as much fun learning about the Chinese culture as we have!
From the Sure Systems team, to you all, best wishes, wishing you happiness and prosperity!
恭喜发财 (Kung Hei Fat Choi)
