Lifestyle

5 Things You Need to Do on CNY Eve That You Probably Didn’t Know About

Boon Hun

2021-02-11 , 11:17 am

Last Updated on 2023-01-20 , 1:19 pm

This is it.

The day you’re waiting for.

D-day minus one to the last new year of this year.

And, most importantly, the start of the public holidays.

But, of course, before you can enter the rest days proper, there are several things you have to do.

Most of us know about the reunion dinner, but what about others, like sealing the windows and whatnot?

Don’t worry if you’re busy being confused like the cute cat above, because that’s what Goody Feed is here for.

To tell you what you need to know.

Here are 5 things you need to do on CNY Eve you might not even know about.

You’re welcome~

Reunion Dinner

Let’s start off with something we’re all familiar with: the reunion meal.

It’s an annual feast where family members get together to reaffirm the love and respect they have for each other, and tuan yuan (团圆) means “gathering around the family hearth”.

Some families also invite their ancestors back for the gathering and put out offerings on the altar.

While sons return to their family together with their wives for this event, it’s not uncommon for couples to have a “mini-reunion meal” in the afternoon with the wife’s parents on CNY eve.

Some details to take note of:

Don’t wear clothes that are too old because the god of fortune doesn’t like that.
Dishes on the table must be of an even number so if you spot an uneven number, you can offer to take one dish off your mother’s hand. Of course, it has to be your favourite dish, yeah?
If not everyone can make it home for the reunion dinner, it’s good to have a call, no matter voice or video call.

Sealing Your Windows & Doors

If you’ve not heard of this one, you’re probably not alone. A quick check in the office showed that most of us didn’t know this exist, but exist it does, and it’s simple to do.

On Chinese New Year Eve, after 10pm, all family members should return home and close all the windows.

The belief is that, by closing the windows and doors, you’re trapping all the “good luck” in the house with you.

Meanwhile, the bad luck (or fortune) will be kept at bay outside your home.

Welcoming Fortune, Prosperity and Happiness

At 12am, open your doors and windows which are facing the auspicious directions to absorb good fortunes.

According to this post that we found, the auspicious directions for this year are:

East: Prosperity
Southwest: Happiness
Northeast: Relationship

While the male homeowner opens the desired windows, family members can face the openings and take in a deep breath for a good year ahead.

For the scientific people out there, think of it as osmosis.

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The First Cup Of Water

In case you can’t tell, you’re going to be really busy when the clock strikes 12.

Not only do you have to open the doors and windows, and take a deep breath after, you’ll do well to collect the first cup of water from your tap as well.

Known as the auspicious water, the glass that you hold in your hand is different from other times.

You can drink it immediately, and for those who are squeamish at the thought of drinking tap water, can use it to make a cup of tea, or to wash your face.

The important point here is, you have to use it and not let it go down the drain. Literally.

It’s believed that by doing so, you are making your new year a happy and prosperous year full of good fortunes.

And trust me, every one of us needs good fortune for the next few years to come, no?

压岁钱 (Age-Suppressing Money)

Typically, it’s our elders who give out red packets to the younger generation.

But if, for one reason or another, they’re unable to do so, that doesn’t mean you miss out on this tradition.

You can give a red packet to yourself too.

Write down your hopes for the new year in the red packet along with the money and put it under your pillow when you go to bed.

It’s believed that when you do this, you’re setting yourself up for success in the coming year.

It’s also believed to let you age slowly, or, as some of us call it, gracefully.

There You Go

5 Chinese New Year Eve beliefs that you might not have heard of before.

How many will you be doing this year? While most of us don’t believe in traditions as much as our parents, it might be good to practise at least some of them this year.

After all, it doesn’t take much effort and, most importantly, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

With that said, have a Happy Chinese New Year, gongxifacai~