Filipino Traditions Practiced During Chinese New Year

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Which Filipino traditions stick out to you when celebrating the Chinese New Year?

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With Chinese culture being so embedded in the Philippines, it’s no surprise that many Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year

Aside from countless displays installed in various public venues, Chinese Filipino households practice several Filipino traditions to usher in a year of hope and good fortune for the entire family. 

The Manila Bulletin writes that the Chinese New Year in the Philippines is more fascinating because of its inclusivity, as the celebration is extended to include friends and even strangers at their gatherings. (2024)

This allows Filipinos of different religions to participate in the holiday, transcending cultural and religious boundaries, while highlighting the generous and hospitable nature of Filipinos

So, what if you get invited to a Chinese New Year party during your stay in Cebu? To show your respect for the history and culture of the Chinese Filipino communities, here are some Filipino traditions you ought to know about. 

  • Respect for elders

It’s pretty common for Chinese Filipino families to have a feast and catch up during the holidays. This is usually done over dinner where family members contribute to a potluck. 

This is an important practice in Chinese culture since they put emphasis on visiting the senior relatives of the family, which is a sign of respect stemming from the concept of filial piety

You can show your respect by properly introducing yourself to elders while practicing common Filipino greetings. You should also ask your friend or partner if their relatives go by specific titles like A-ma (grandmother) or A-gong (grandfather).

  • Symbolism of food

There are some dishes that are commonly brought to the potluck because of what they represent and bring to the family. 

The most popular Chinese Filipino food at banquets is tikoy, a glutinous rice cake served in thin slices and dipped in eggs. Many believe that it ensures success and a healthy bond with the members of the family.

Other dishes served include: 

Noodles – represents a long life where everything goes to plan. 

Fish – represents abundance and fortune. Usually served steamed or braised. 

Dumplings – resembles ancient gold ingots, representing good fortune and prosperity. 

Lumpia – signifies wealth and new beginnings because of its golden color. 

  • Giving of angpao 

It’s also a common practice for elder relatives to give blessings to younger members through the giving of Chinese envelopes called angpaos filled with money. 

In some cases in the Philippines, this extends to important friends and acquaintances.

According to Chinese tradition, this is so that everyone has money as they enter into the new year. However, this should be kept safely and only used when it is badly needed. 

Those who received angpaos must only open it after the event and count the amount in private. It is even considered rude to look at the envelope while the celebration is ongoing.  

  • Use of the color red

Red signifies good fortune, luck, vitality, celebration, and prosperity. As a result, most people wear red clothing throughout the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Aside from wearing red clothing, decorations use fiery red accents like the lanterns and the aforementioned angpao envelope. 

Each color has a specific meaning in Chinese culture, so be cautious of what you wear at the party. Avoid judgment by wearing the best red shirt or clothing you have. 

  • Sounds and fireworks

Fireworks and makeshift instruments not only give a festive approach. A Chinese legend also says that this is how families drive away any bad omens. 

This belief stems from the story of a human-eating monster causing havoc in villages every New Year’s Eve. Villagers noticed that explosive sounds scared away the monster, so they constantly set off fireworks to scare it away. 

In modern times, most families install fireworks at home, but they also add other noise-making objects such as trumpets and pots and pans to signify the new year. 

  •  Other superstitious beliefs 

While some may not believe in superstitions, you need to follow tradition and show your respect to Chinese Filipino culture. There are several activities you must avoid to keep the vibe in check.

Chinese Filipino superstitions include avoiding drinking medicine, using sharp objects, gifting clocks and scissors, and wearing black or white clothes because they bring bad luck.

Rice and water containers should be full to the brim, and all windows and doors should be left open to welcome more blessings. So be careful about what you touch while at the party.

CHINESE FILIPINO TRADITIONS THAT HAVE MEANING

The Philippine News Agency says the Chinese New Year is more than just for attracting luck. (2019) Filipino traditions bring in a sense of community not just for families, but for special people outside of it as well.

This brings everyone involved to a fun and joyous occasion where they can simply catch up and enjoy each other’s company. With several generations under one roof, these also preserve traditions for the younger family members to bring into the future.

The Chinese New Year is always declared a special holiday for families to have a great time sharing stories and laughs with the people in their lives, all while hoping for a year of prosperity and good will.

REFERENCES:

Manila Bulletin. 2024. “Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos.” Manila Bulletin.
https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/8/why-chinese-new-year-is-important-for-filipinos

Rocamora, Joyce Ann. 2019. “Chinese New Year in PH, more than attracting luck.” Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1061008

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