Chinese New Year is a festive occasion for every Singaporean with decorations being put up and familiar songs ringing in your ears weeks before the actual festival. For newly engaged couples, this Chinese New Year seems more exciting and more happening, with a status change and a new title for your partner. Is there anything different to do this year? What else do I have to take note of in addition to the usual taboos and traditions? Read on to find out more.
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1. Buying “Nian Huo”
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Buying 年货 or “nian huo” is usually a gesture of courtesy in the past, when Chinese families got together once a year to celebrate the Spring Festival and reunite for a meal. It was considered rude to turn up empty-handed so people usually bought gifts. Nowadays, the younger generation would buy things such as dried shiitake mushrooms, red dates, abalone, dried scallops, bak kwa and many more for their elders. Alternatively, some bring their parents or grandparents along to pick and choose these traditional food items when Chinese New Year is just around the corner.
As these traditional food items usually represent having a year of good fortune and shopping for them is only done once a year, it is advisable to never scrimp on the spending. Good places to visit to do your shopping would be Chinatown, where it would be bustling with activities nearing Chinese New Year. If you can’t find the time to make a trip down to Chinatown, shops such as Eu Yan Sang which you can find all over Singapore do have Chinese New Year hampers. Don’t wait until it’s nearing the actual day before getting these items!
2. Reunion Dinner
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You might see the traditional food items that you bought for your family surfacing during the annual reunion dinner, served as delicacies and for auspicious significance. Reunion dinner is of utmost importance to many families and it is a rare occasion where everyone in the family gather together to have a meal.
In Singapore, even though we live relatively close to one another, coming back for a meal is still difficult because of our hectic work schedule and endless list of things to do. However, parents would want to dine with all of their children if possible, and since as an engaged couple you’d have two sides of the family to run to, remember to settle the dates early to avoid clashes! Also, if your family has always been the type to eat out for reunion dinners, switch things around this year and suggest having a meal at home instead. It might not be as convenient, but it will definitely be more pocket-friendly and meaningful as you truly spend quality time with your family!
3. Giving and Receiving Red Packets
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Red packets or “ang bao” are usually given to children and those who are still single, by the older generation and those who are married. So has the dreaded responsibility of handing out red packets as an engaged couple landed on your shoulders? According to Chinese practices, as a newly engaged couple, you are not required to give red packets and can still receive red packets from relatives and family. Couples are also not expected to give out red packets until after their first year of marriage. While some keep closely to such beliefs and practices, it is really up to one’s discretion on whether or not you want to start giving!
However, as a working adult, one should still give red packets to your parents! This is to give back to them all that we have received when we were still young, so the red packet from you should be the fattest! It’s best to give the red packets individually to your parents and in laws.
In the future, when you are expected to hand out red packets, remember that the amount in the red packets should be an even number (other than the number ‘4’!), and it is best if they are brand new Singapore dollars. The Chinese believe that the number ‘8’ is the most auspicious number as it is associated with good fortune and prosperity.
4. Visiting
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As visiting usually spans over a period of two days or even longer, couples would most likely visit the male’s side of the family first, followed by the female’s side. Some who have a close family do choose to run to both sides in one day to catch their siblings, cousins and relatives!
If you’re visiting your fiancé’s side of the family, remember to greet the relatives with a pair of mandarin oranges and a couple of auspicious wishes. These are the relatives that you’re going to see every Chinese New Year in the years to come, so you definitely want to leave a good and lasting impression!
The Chinese are never embarrassed to dive straight into asking questions so do expect numerous questions on your wedding and when you’re having children, and the list goes on and on! Don’t be surprised when you find yourself staying past midnight at your relatives’ house when you go visiting!
These traditions, taboos and practices might seem a chore to remember but they are actually the things that add to the festivity and excitement of Chinese New Year! While this list mainly highlights the common practices of Chinese families in Singapore during Chinese New Year, your family might have a different opinion or practice on these main aspects. It’ll be best to check with your parents or older siblings who have already been masters and experts at what to do differently for married couples during Chinese New Year! This is also the best time to keep your eyes open and look out for what couples do during Chinese New Year so that you won’t be loaded with confusion when it is your turn!
