Chinese New Year in Thailand
Chinese New Year is celebrated in Thailand on Sunday, February 10.
The festivities last a total of three days and start on Saturday 9 February.
The Year of the Snake
The new Chinese year is all about the snake. The snake is the sixth animal in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac according to the Chinese calendar. The snake represents yin or feminine energy. Although this snake year is characterized by the elements water and fire, it stands for creativity, smart negotiation and the effective use of all potentials.
The Year of the Snake will mainly mean: returning to the essence, letting go of what no longer (or works against) and embracing the new. Like a snake shedding its old skin.
Chinese in Thailand
The Thai have a special bond with China, because more than 10% of the Thai population has Chinese ancestors. In addition, more than 9 million Chinese live in Thailand.
There are events and parties in almost all major cities, but the best place to see and celebrate the Chinese New Year is Yaowarat Road in the 200-year-old Chinatown from bangkok.
The colour Red
During the New Year's Eve in Bangkok, the Chinese wear red. There are even more traditions. For example, it is customary to pay debts, buy new clothes and clean the house. There is usually a great family meal and the gods are honored. People give each other gifts wrapped in red paper – and fireworks wrapped in red paper are set off. The streets are decorated with red garlands and red lanterns. At midnight, windows and doors are opened to let the old year out of the house, and no one is allowed to borrow anything from each other on New Year's Day.
The Chinese New Year is traditionally celebrated with dragon dances and lion dances. Legend has it that Nian (“Nyehn”) was a man-eating prey animal in ancient China, able to enter homes unnoticed. Soon the Chinese knew that Nian was sensitive to loud noise and the color red. They drove him out of the house with lots of loud bangs and fireworks. But also with the frequent use of the color red. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations.
Dance of the lion
The lion dance is a popular tradition during Chinese festivities. The lion is a giant papier-mache beast with a long colored tail. Two Chinese carry the head that swings through the streets followed by the tail that is carried by dozens of others. The lion shows every emotion, from happiness and joy to the deepest sorrow.
A lion's visit to a store brings prosperity and success to its owner. That's why many stores hang a head of lettuce outside their store in the hope of a visit from the lion. The pinnacle of happiness is when the owner is allowed to put his head in the lion's mouth.
The lion is accompanied by specially trained drummers, who sound the lion's heartbeat as soon as it is moving. Spectators thank the lion by giving the dancers money. The more money is given, the better the performance becomes.
Chinese astrology
In Chinese astrology, the most important element is: the sign from the Chinese zodiac (Rat, Ox, Tiger, etc). It is similar in background and usage to the western zodiac. However, unlike the monthly constellations, the sign of the Chinese zodiac changes once a year. With the celebration of the Chinese New Year (depending on the position of the moon in January or February) the sign changes. Children born during the year are given the sign of the year as a zodiac sign. The Chinese believe that the animal, one of the five elements and the nine-star symbol, has a great influence on personality and destiny. It is said: “You carry this animal in your heart”.
The year 2013 is the Year of the Snake. If one is born in a snake year, the following character traits are naturally strong: intelligent, communicative, mysterious, refined, philosophical, intuitive, diplomatic, volatile and passionate. Children born in the Year of the Snake will thrive as philosophers, teachers, writers, scientists, researchers, jewelers, magicians, psychiatrists, publicists, office workers, and lawyers. They are excellent problem solvers and thrive under complicated circumstances.
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