The Chinese in Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Timor are celebrating Chinese New Year on January 23rd (this year)…the year of the dragon.
Travelers to these countries will find most stores and restaurants close for the holidays for 1 to 15 days in major cities in South East Asia. Shopping and local diners will be limited but travelers might be in for treats like lion dances, parades, fireworks and special performances around the cities.
Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. It is celebrated for 15 days.
Before the start of the year, family members will perform deep cleaning of the whole house, wash all draperies and ensure a dust free, clean and uncluttered environment…including our mind, body and soul.
Next, they will gather together and make special sweet delicacies. Also, shop for new shoes and clothing for the whole family. Young and old will get haircuts.
No household should have borrowed items. They must be returned.
The day before New Year is the family’s reunion dinner where traditional dishes and family member’s favorite dishes are prepared. My sister prepared this meal for her two children and husband three days ago in Jakarta before leaving for Malaysia to celebrate with family members.
The first day of New Year is a day of honoring the elders. Everyone in the family show their appreciation and honor to grandparents, parents and the elders of the family. The younger folks, especially children will receive hong pao (red packet with money) from married family members, parents and grandparents.
If you are a visitor and unmarried, you will receive hong pao. It is a great time to travel and visit Chinese family in South East Asia during the Chinese New Year if you are single.
These are the most important days of the year and there are few rules to follow:
• No uttering of negative words
• No sweeping, no cleaning, no brooms can be seen in the home
• Must wear new clothing especially red
• No black clothing
• Do not break any plates or bowls
We have not kept up with the traditions here in the United States except the hong pao. Here is ours:
My sister took some photos of food and decorations in the mall and around Chinatown of Jakarta last week. Here are some photos:
The colors red and orange are colors of choice during Chinese New Year as seen in Mandarin oranges here….
Families prepare a variety of sweet delicacies, or for convenience, they are found in stores…
Cherry blossoms are found in stores and homes during Chinese New Year…
Claudia Looi is a copywriter, travel and web content writer. She's dedicated herself to helping entrepreneurs create their online presence with email campaign, sales page and web content. A writer and traveler who has lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur, Auckland and New York in the travel industry for over 12 years and has had the luxury of traveling to almost 30 countries. Currently, her works include writing for tour operators, hotels, real estate, wellness and immigration consulting industries. When not working, you will find her reading or planning her next family trip with her husband and two teens.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Claudia…Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and article! …Hughie
wow, I didn’t know that the New Year for the Chinese had so any details to it. I like the fact that the children have to honor the elders; such an important fact! We have Chinese friends, but they never told us about all these details; I am going to ask them about it
I have been to Indonesia for 2 months; too busy for me. 
I like the prairies better!! Thanks Claudia, I like things like this.
Like Olga, I too didn’t know that there were so many details! But I love it and the way it seems to bring family together! It probably would not hurt for us to incorporate some of this activities too! Thanks for sharing!
Great information Claudia! I love to read about different cultures and traditions, it is so interesting. You always make your posts so attractive full of pictures, like a travel book! Have a wonderful day and Happy New Year!
Thanks Solvita.
How amazing! You continue to educate me Claudia! I am loving it!
Thanks Claudia for sharing all this great information! Very informative!