Kung Hei Fat Choy

History

The origin of the Chinese New Year dates back many centuries, in fact research has revealed that records cannot be traced back to it's beginning. The New Year is usually recognised as the 'Spring Festival' and celebrations usually last for about 15 days.

Chinese tend to prepare for the New Year about a month from the date of the Chinese New Year. When the old year comes to an end, this gives people the chance to finalise any personal or business issues. Building up to the New Year, many Chinese people will try to pay off all debts, resolve any problems. In business this would mean balancing the books and collecting loans and charges still due. During the run up to the New Year people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing.

Traditionally on New Year's eve all members of the immediate family will meet to enjoy a banquet meal. The meal will normally include fish, a vegetarian dish with a special seaweed dish called fatchoi, which sounds the same as the Chinese pronunication of prosperity.

Many Chinese people in Hong-Kong would visit the local florist after the New Year Eve's meal to purchase some special flowers and fruits for prosperity and good fortune. Some will take plants as presents to other families, the popular plants for New Year are peach blossoms this symbolises long life. Whilst Kumquat plants, which have little golden fruits, symbolises gold. The Chinese pronuncation for Kumquat sounds the same as gold and gold is lucky.