Chinese New Year Prep Ideas

Are you ready for Chinese New Year? There’s no set date for this spring festival, but in 2021 it will begin on February 12^th. It’s the year of the Ox, so if you’re planning a celebration, keep some things in mind.

• What does it mean that it’s the year of the Ox? Chinese zodiac years are based on a lunar calendar that assigns a zodiac animal to each year; the Ox is the second animal in the zodiac. In Chinese culture, the Ox is valued for its intelligence, hard work, and honesty, as well as its unassuming nature. Because each year is also defined by an element, it should also be noted that 2021 is a Metal Ox year. The prediction for this year is that hard work will be rewarded richly.
• When coming up with your theme, consider luck. Some things are lucky for Oxen; some are unlucky. Lucky colors are blue, yellow, and green, lucky numbers are 1 and 4, and lucky flowers are lily of the valley and lucky bamboo. Unlucky things include the colors red and brown and the numbers 3 and 6. This is interesting because traditionally, everything in the Spring Festival is decorated with red.
• The Chinese New Year kicks off the Spring Festival, but what is the Spring Festival all about? Chinese New Year is the longest and most important Chinese holiday, and as such, it’s celebrated by 20 percent of the world! It marks the end of the coldest days of the year and is a time for welcoming spring. It was initially a ceremonial day to pray to gods for a good planting and harvest season, and the myths around Chinese New Year involve fighting off monsters with firecrackers. That’s why the most fireworks in the world are set off that night, even in many Chinese cities where fireworks are banned. Lanterns are also an essential part of the Spring Festival, and children are given red envelopes containing money. Chinese is a time of family reunions, and the largest human migration in the world occurs as people return home for New Year’s Eve dinner.
• So now, let’s talk about food. Dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, steamed fish, and chicken are served, along with snacks, candies, and fruit. The desserts are meaningful, with tangyuan, or “soup balls,” symbolizing reunion. Nian Gao is a type of rice cake representing success, and fa gao is a hybrid of sponge cakes and muffins, dyed in festive colors. There’s also special wine for the festival.

When you’re planning a Chinese New Year celebration, count on NetCost Market to have everything you need. We’re a local supermarket with a global reach, providing everyday food products and various international culinary delights. When you shop with NetCost Market, you’ll find a comfortable and gratifying shopping experience that even includes online shopping and home delivery.