So, you’re gearing up for the Year of the Dragon, huh? Well, buckle up because Chinese New Year in Singapore is not just a celebration; it’s a festival filled with vibrant traditions, heartwarming rituals, and a riot of events that will make your heart sing. If you’re wondering where to start or just need a refresher, we’ve got your back.
What is Chinese New Year?
Most of you probably know what Chinese New Year is all about, but for those of you who don’t, let’s break it down.
Chinese New Year is the mother of all celebrations for the Chinese community in Singapore. The lunar new year kicks off between the winter solstice and the onset of spring, usually landing between January 21 and February 20 each year. It’s a time-honoured tradition marked by festivities and family reunions.
Why is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year (also called “Lunar New Year”) is a grand farewell to the old and a jubilant welcome to the new. It’s about paying respects to ancestors, banishing evil spirits, and placing bets on a bumper harvest. In short, it’s celebrated to usher in good vibes and good fortune.
When is Chinese New Year celebrated in Singapore 2024?
Get your calendars out because, in 2024, the dragon is set to roar on Saturday, February 10, and Sunday, February 11. This means Monday, February 12, is a public holiday!
Read more: Singapore long weekends 2024: Making the most of your time off
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Chinese New Year preparations
The 24th day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar marks the beginning of the festivities – it’s called xiaoguonian, or “little new year.” This is the day when household deities report to the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of heaven and earth. Typically, offerings of sweet cakes, candied fruits, and sweet rice dishes are laid out in homes, a gesture meant to smoothen the conversation between earthly abodes and celestial realms.
Spring cleaning is also a must before the festivities, with bamboo leaves sweeping away evil spirits – though, make sure to stash away that broom on the first day of the Lunar New Year to keep good luck intact.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
Chinese New Year’s Eve
The festivities kick off with the family reunion dinner, a cornerstone of the celebrations on the eve of the new year, also known as chuxi. Traditionally, the Lunar New Year is ushered in at 11 pm, but here in Singapore families have made 12 AM the norm for this momentous occasion.
Ancestor worship
Before the feasting begins, families gather to pay homage to their ancestors in a ritual of profound significance. This solemn act involves laying out a spread of food, fruits, tea, and flowers – an invitation extended to departed loved ones to join in the family’s jubilant celebrations.
Reunion dinner
The reunion dinner, also known as tuan’nianfan is an annual feast that goes beyond satisfying hunger. It’s a sacred space where family members reaffirm the love and respect that binds them together. Known as tuanyuan or weilu, meaning “gathering around the family hearth,” this event carries sociological significance, ensuring the solidarity and cohesiveness of the family unit.
Regardless of a family’s financial standing, the belief is that having an abundance of food during tuanyuan ensures great material wealth in the coming year.
Some of the dishes typically enjoyed during this day include dried sea moss (facai), red dates, dried flaked bean (fuzhu), dried black jelly fungus (mu’er), gingko nuts (baiguo), and transparent rice vermicelli (dongfen).
In some cases, the tuanyuan feast includes additions like abalone soup, chicken, mushrooms, duck, fish, mixed vegetables (chapchye), roast pork, and steamboat.
Read more: Unveiling the top dim sum destinations in Singapore
What happens during Chinese New Year?
New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day, or yuandan, children pay respects to their elders, receiving blessings and coveted ang paos (red packets) in return. Visits to homes, with a pair of mandarin oranges in hand, are also a must.
Days two and three
Day two, thoe ya, welcomes the God of Wealth, while day three, the “Loyal Dog Day,” calls for rest. No outdoor adventures are made during this day as it is believed that evil spirits prowl the earth this day and being outdoors would invite bad luck.
Week of celebrations
As the week unfolds, each day carries its significance. The seventh day celebrates humanity’s birthday, the ninth-day honours the Jade Emperor, and the fifteenth day marks the first full moon (also known as chap goh mei to the Hokkien community) – a reunion dinner encore with lanterns lighting up the night.
Taking a break in between the Lunar New Year feasts and celebrations? Explore the possibilities of your next dream home on 99.co‘s property marketing portal!
Best restaurants for Chinese New Year reunion dinner
We’re less than a month away from the eve of Chinese New Year approaches, and the question of where to indulge in the grand reunion dinner becomes paramount. Luckily, Singapore boasts a plethora of options to satisfy every palate and preference. Here’s a curated list to guide your culinary journey:
Stamford Catering
For those yearning for a taste of tradition, Stamford Catering, nestled at Senoko South Road, is the go-to destination. With a menu that echoes the essence of the Lunar New Year, this establishment promises a feast that transports you straight into the heart of age-old customs.
Parkroyal Collection Pickering
Looking for a buffet option? Parkroyal Collection Pickering, located at 3 Upper Pickering Street, invites you to indulge in a Chinese New Year reunion dinner buffet. Here, an array of dishes awaits, showcasing the culinary diversity that defines this festive occasion.
Kuriya Japanese Market
If your taste buds crave a fusion experience, Kuriya Japanese Market is where Sushi meets Chinese New Year. Expect a delightful blend of Japanese and Lunar New Year flavours that is as unique and memorable as it sounds.
Crystal Jade Group
For those seeking traditional dishes served with a contemporary twist, Crystal Jade Group, with multiple outlets across Singapore, offers a culinary journey that combines heritage with innovation. Immerse yourself in the richness of Chinese New Year traditions with a touch of modern flair.
Dian Xiao Er
For a taste of tradition at various outlets across the city, Dian Xiao Er is the choice. Indulge in a culinary experience that pays homage to the roots of Chinese New Year celebrations while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for a family reunion.
Man Fu Yuan
Located at Middle Road, Man Fu Yuan beckons with a reunion dinner buffet that caters to all palates. From seafood to succulent meats and delightful vegetarian options, this venue promises a feast fit for a joyous Lunar New Year celebration.
Read more: Top 10 Chinese restaurants in Singapore to satisfy your cravings
Chinese New Year events in Singapore 2024
As the dragon unfurls its majestic wings over Singapore, our city transforms into a canvas of vibrant celebrations. Here’s what’s in store for you this Lunar New Year:
Dahlia Dreams at Gardens by the Bay
Experience floral magic at Dahlia Dreams from January 19 to February 25 at Gardens by the Bay. Wander through enchanting displays of dahlias and other blossoms, and as the sun sets, witness the garden transform with nighttime lantern displays, adding an extra touch of enchantment to your Lunar New Year celebrations.
River Hongbao Carnival
From February 8 to 17, Gardens by the Bay becomes the epicentre of a cultural carnival during the River Hongbao. Immerse yourself in a myriad of activities, from lantern displays to fireworks, showcasing the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
Lunar New Year Celebration @ Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
On February 10, from 10 am to 12 pm, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall comes alive with a Lunar New Year Celebration. The air will be filled with the beats of lion dances, and the God of Fortune himself will be in attendance, spreading blessings for an auspicious year ahead. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in sweet treats, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Prosperity Run 2024
On February 24, lace up your running shoes for the Prosperity Run 2024 at Arena Park. Whether you’re an avid runner or someone looking to soak in the cultural vibes, this event has something for everyone. Beyond the run, cultural activities await, making it a day of both physical and cultural enrichment. For more information on registration fees and running routes, visit the official website.
Singapore Chinese Orchestra Rhapsodies of Spring 2024
On January 26 and 27, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra takes centre stage with Rhapsodies of Spring 2024 at the Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. Let the melodies of traditional and contemporary pieces fill the air as the orchestra presents a musical journey celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Drummers and a lion dance troupe will also join the festivities, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
What are your plans to celebrate the Dragon Year? Comment down below and let us know!
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