MimaiScribbles

On January 28, the world will welcome The Year of the Rooster as we celebrate the Chinese New Year. There are various celebrations around the world, but the most colorful ones are, of course, in China. Popular activities include the Lion Dance, the lighting of firecrackers, bell ringing, and the giving of money envelopes or Ang Pao.

Here in the Philippines, where the Filipino-Chinese community is a major influencer, different Chinese New Year traditions are followed. Some examples are the cleaning of the house to sweep away bad luck; knives must also be put away before the New Year arrives; and food like chicken (for wealth), shrimp (for abundance), uncut noodles (for long life), and whole fish (for togetherness) are spread on the table.

People also take to heart advice and predictions pertaining to the Chinese zodiac animal assigned for the year. So you might want to read up on the Year of the Fire Rooster, which is the zodiac animal of 2017. People born in the years 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029 are Roosters.

If you want to know more about the Year of the Rooster, click on this link.

Cagayan de Oro Chinese New Year Celebrations

Preparation for the Chinese New Year starts days before the actual date. Activities unfold one after the other, just like what has been practiced here in Cagayan de Oro. This year, the merrymaking started last January 25. Check out the different events and activities happening around the city in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

• Jan. 25 to 31 – Mongkok Market, Mall Hours, SM City
• Jan 27 to 29 – Chinese 3-Day Food Bazaar, Mall Hours, Limketkai Center
• Jan 27 to 29 – Chinese Food Fair and Exhibit, Ground Level (fronting Penshoppe), Centrio Mall

• Jan 27 to 29 – Pick the Lucky Ang Pao, Mall Hours, SM City
• Jan 27 to Feb 9 – Chinese Zodiac Forecast & Chinese Family Feast, Mall Hours, SM City
• Jan 27 – Lion and Dragon Dance, 2pm, SM City
• Jan 27 – Film Showing and Entertainment, 4pm, Rotunda, Limketkai Center
• Jan 27 – Motorcade, 4pm, from Rodelsa Circle to Key Areas in the City
• Jan 27 – New Year’s Eve Ceremonies, 11pm, Bell Church, Biasong Macasandig
• Jan 27 – Chinese Prosperity Dances by Kong Hua School, 4pm, Event Center, SM City
• Jan 27 – Richard Yu Feng Shui Consultation, 6pm, Event Center, SM City
• Jan 28 – New Year’s Day Ceremonies, Whole Day, Bell Church, Biasong, Macasandig
• Jan 28 – Chinese New Year Dance Competition, 2pm, Activity Area, Gaisano Mall
• Jan 28 – Lion Dance & Cultural Show by Kong Hua School & Oro Christian Grace School, 2pm, Limketkai Center
• Jan 28 – Lion Dance, 4pm, Around the Mall, Centrio Mall
• Jan 28 – Chinese Cosplay Competition, 5pm, Centrio Mall
• Jan 28 – Chinese New Year O1-Day Sale with performances by Kong Hua School, 7am Ororama Carmen & 9am Ororama Cogon
• Jan 29 – Chinese New Year Celebration, 4pm, Activity Center, Centrio Mall

For the Chinese Cosplay Competition, you can go through the mechanics and criteria by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/2koMFRn. Meanwhile, you can download the registration form here: http://bit.ly/2jBXSwY.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year by joining any of the events listed above. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to welcome the Year of the Rooster with the whole family.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! 🙂

Sources:

http://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-new-year-celebrations.html#banquet

http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/rooster.htm

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2577084/chinese-new-year-2017-when-animal-fire-rooster/