Have you noticed the red lanterns adorning the streets of Alameda and Martim Moniz in Lisbon? These decorations are part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, which shares values of love, peace, happiness, and harmony. This year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
As a Chinese student living in Lisbon, I wish to share the best wishes from our culture to the readers.
The Year of the Snake… but Not the Lucky One?
You may already know the 12 Chinese zodiac signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Starting from January 29, we transition from the dragon to the magnificent Year of the Snake. However, if you were born in 2013, 2001, 1989, or similar years, be cautious this year, as traditional beliefs suggest it may bring misfortune. Wearing something red can help attract good luck.
The Red Envelope Tradition
One of the most exciting elements of the Spring Festival is the red envelope. Adults give these envelopes filled with money, known as 压岁钱, to children during the New Year’s Eve dinner. The amount can vary, but it’s common to see 100 yuan notes, as red signifies good luck. With the rise of online payments, this tradition has evolved, allowing for digital red envelopes on platforms like WeChat.
New Year’s Eve Feast
Similar to Christmas dinner, the New Year’s Eve dinner is essential for the Spring Festival. Families gather to enjoy a lavish meal while watching the Spring Festival Gala. The dinner includes various dishes, with leftovers enjoyed in the subsequent days. Popular dishes include jiaozi (dumplings) in northern China, which symbolize wealth, and the New Year cake, representing aspirations for success in the coming year. Fish is also served, symbolizing abundance, often left whole to ensure a true surplus.
In Alameda and Martim Moniz, red lanterns create a festive atmosphere, organized by the Chinese Spring Festival Association. These lanterns are traditional symbols of luck, brightness, and hope for the future. Hanging them in Lisbon conveys a wish for the city to be free from evils and filled with hope for the upcoming year.
So: 春节快乐! Happy Spring Festival!
Photo: Inês Leote
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