July 1966 School Magazine

July, 1966

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1966

CHINESE NEW YEAR CUSTOMS

New Year starts with the striking of the church bells and the banging of Chinese drums and cymbals. Though we may not be aware of the activity that goes on before this hour, the twelfth hour of the day, there is one thing that one notices - this is the sweeping of the house. It is customary to have the house cleaned, and this is one of the many Chinese superstitions. It is believed that money will flow in or good luck will be with the family after the performance of this and other rituals, which have originated in China. Strict rules must be regarded in sweeping the floor; sweeping must be done from the front part of the house to the rear, and bad luck will result if the opposite is done. It means the sweeping away of one's prosperity and money. No sweeping is allowed on New Year's Day itself, nor must a broom be seen lying around. During the long New Year, which consists of fifteen days, it is customary to visit relatives , much to the delight of the children. Anything worn or used in the New Year must be clean and new. Everybody makes a great effort to look his best. Even the very poor try to wear new clothes . On visitinp: their relataions . the children are usually presented with red packets, in which money is sealed. The red colour signifies luck and nrosperity. Once again, the custom obeys certain rules , not simply any amount of money may be put in a packet. Teenagers often feel in a difficult position when they go visiting. They feel shy and regard it as a form of begging. I think it is a pleasant change for the children to have a large amount of money once a year. It is a time when they can have all the freedom they want, without being spanked for mischievous actions. I am very glad that I do not belong to my grandmother's generation. New Year for them was a customary ride with their families. and many marriage proposals were m~de at this time. Most of the year, except on special festivals, younP.; people were kept inside their houses. I would not like to have lived in their days at all. Would you ?

. l..,

- DAISY ONG, VIA, Woolcock House.

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