Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Known also as Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year celebrates traditions and customs. Some traditions include buying presents, clothing, decorating, feasting and cleaning. Families clean their homes in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Red is prevalent. Wealth, prosperity, health and happiness are thematic. Parents often give their children money in a red envelope on New Years Day to help begin the year with luck.
Floral decorations, all available at Exotic Flowers in Boston, for the holiday could include orchid plants, bonsai trees, floral arrangements and lucky bamboo. According to Feng Shui principles, Lucky Bamboo is an excellent way to attract positive 'chi' energy. For centuries, Asian culture has considered it symbolic of luck and good fortune. Different stem collections are said to symbolize different elements of positive chi. Three stems attract happiness; five bring wealth; seven promote good health for all; and the tower of twenty one represents a very powerful blessing for all.
February 3rd, 2011 marks the year of the Rabbit. A rabbit year is often a quiet respite in response to the previous wild year of the tiger. Be sure to visit Chau Chow City in Boston or Golden Temple in Brookline. These venues offer a great porthole into Chinese culture and offer great food as well.
