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Celebration

Chinese New Year also known as the Lunar New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It consists of a period of celebrations, starting on New Year's Day, celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar.
Legend has it that in ancient China Nian ("Nyehn") was a man-devouring predator beast that could infiltrate houses silently. The Chinese soon learned that Nian was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, and they scared it away with explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of color red domestically. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations.
Chinese New Year is considered to be a major holiday for the Chinese as well as ethnic groups such as the Mongolians, Koreans, the Miao (Chinese Hmong) and the Vietnamese, who were influenced by Chinese culture in terms of religious and philosophical worldview, language and culture in general. Chinese New Year is also the time when the largest human migration takes place when Chinese all around the world return home on Chinese New Year eve to have reunion dinner with their family.
During Chinese New Year, the Chinese in Malaysia often hold 'Open House', where other races attend and offer greetings or Gong Xi Fa Chai'. Chinese delicacies and drinks are served and red angpows are given to the children.




Day(s)
Type of Celebration(s)

1st
The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the New Year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

2nd
On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

3rd - 4th
The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

5th
The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

6th
On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.

7th
The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

8th
On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

9th
The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

10th - 13th
The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day simple rice congee and mustard greens (Choi sum) will be served to cleanse the system.

14th - 15th
The celebrations ends with the Chap Goh Mei on the Fifteenth day. In Hokkien dialect, it means the 15th night of Chinese New year. It is celebrated with prayers and offerings to mark the end of the Chinese New Year. Houses are again brightly decorated with lights for the last day of the celebration. Legend has seem young unmarried women throwing tangerines into the sea hoping to find a good husband. After this day, business as usual and everyone is looking forward for the next Chinese New Year.