CHINESE NEW YEAR IN CHINATOWN

                                                           By: Mark Cua

Chinatown in Manila is the centre hub of Chinese overseas population and Chinese immigrants in the Philippines. Many of the Chinese immigrants first lands here in Manila Chinatown before moving to the downtown areas of Davao, Puerto Princessa, and other places in the Philippines.

 22^nd of January is the start of the Chinese new year and the year of the water dragon. In the Chinese lunar calendar it is new year eves.

In Chinese tradition, they come to the Buddhist temples to burn paper money to Earth Saint. This is a sign of being grateful for the blessings in the past year and another good blessing for the next year. They visit temples around 12  midnight to pray to the earth saint and Buddha.

Chinese lanterns with different shapes is one of the customs and traditions from the Chinese mainland. Red is the lucky colour to the Chinese Culture. It’s colour  is the meaning of life and happiness in Chinese customs and traditions.

Dragon is a sacred animal to us Chinese. Because we believe we Chinese are sons and daughters of the dragon. Dragon symbolizes strenght, power, and good vibes. That's why every new year there is the dragon dancing all over the streets and lion dances.

All these customs and traditions are still alive. These customs and traditions dates back for thousands of years in mainland China. The Chinese overseas population and the Chinese immigrants brought this Chinese touch of culture to the Philippines. 

Another tradition and customs done in the Chinese new year was giving away of ‘Tikoys’ translated from Chinese. It means sweet cakes. Sweet Cakes are symbol of Family unity. These sweet cakes are sold every year in Chinatown. Nowadays Chinatown had many kinds of flavours because of modern convenience.

Sweet cakes are often given to friends, family friends, and loved ones who are dear to them. 

For more information and inquiries look and read at our website www.thenewyouth.blogspot.com or contact CEO Mark Cua at (02)296-6855 or 0922-8775554.