Spring cleaning, red packets and reunion dinners... we've got everything you need to know about Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore.
Yup, we’re a superstitious bunch here in Singapore. On a nationwide level, we don’t discount urban legends, we’re extra careful during Hungry Ghost Month and we believe in ghosts (kinda, maybe?). But when it comes to the most auspicious day of the lunar calendar, there are lots of traditions for Chinese New Year we can’t help but stick to…
All the Chinese New Year traditions in Singapore
1. Get your spring cleaning done
Cleaning your abode and getting rid of old or unwanted furniture is also clearing your home of bad luck and welcoming new and good fortune. Plus, it’s practical ‘cos you’ll be hosting visitors and you want your space to be spick and span. Tip: just make sure you do all the spring cleaning before CNY. Oh, and if you have stuff in good condition, donate them to local charities.
2. Gather for family reunion dinners
Reunion dinners are all about bringing the family together and they traditionally happen on Chinese New Year Eve. But these days, schedules can get busy, so it’s common to host them a few days – or even weeks – before CNY, especially if you’ve got multiple gatherings lined up with different groups. Some folks go all out by booking tables at Chinese restaurants or ordering from catering services, while others stick to the cosy charm of home-cooked meals shared around the dining table.
3. Lo hei: The act of tossing yusheng
No reunion dinner or CNY gathering in Singapore is complete without yusheng. This colourful dish is more than just a starter – it’s a lively communal tradition. As you mix the ingredients with your chopsticks, everyone recites auspicious sayings and tosses the salad as high as possible for good luck (the higher, the better).
Expect lots of enthusiastic “huat ah!” (prosperity) shouts, a bit of chaos, and plenty of laughs as ingredients go flying. Sure, it might get messy, but that’s all part of the fun. Rivers of gold!
4. Munch on CNY snacks
Let’s be real – Chinese New Year is your golden ticket to snack heaven. Between all the prosperity tosses and indulgent pen cai, the one thing everyone looks forward to at home visitations is the treats! No matter your taste, there’s something for everyone.
We’re totally obsessed with love letters (crispy thin wafers), kueh bangkit (Nyonya tapioca cookies), bak kwa (dried meat jerky), and pineapple tarts (buttery pastry with a sweet pineapple filling). And here’s a fun twist: have you tried some of the more unconventional CNY snacks? Brands are getting creative with treats like mala pineapple tarts, adding a spicy kick to your festive munchies.
5. Give (or receive) red packets
It’s customary to give money in a red packet (called hong bao or ang bao) to your family, loved ones and co-workers – but typically only if you’re married. The amount varies depending on your income and your relationship with the receiver, but ang baos are generally a meaningful gesture, so don’t stress out too much over what you’re giving.
Also, regardless of how old the singles in your family are, they’re entitled to receive red packets. It’s a Chinese New Year tradition – so it pays to be single! Another tip: don’t forget your well wishes. And never give money in odd numbers or else you’ll be tempting fate. Even numbers = good luck.
6. Stay up late with the family
After a big reunion dinner, it’s common to stay up late, chatting and bonding with the family as you wait for the clock to strike midnight and usher in the new year together. Legend has it that the later you stay awake, the longer your parents will live. Take it as the perfect excuse to enjoy quality time with the family, or dive into a Chinese movie marathon and bask in a wave of nostalgia.
7. New clothes for the new year
The colour code for CNY? Bright is right. Back in the day, colours like black and white were a no-go during Chinese New Year, since they were traditionally associated with funerals. Instead, vibrant hues, especially red, were the preferred choice – it’s the colour of luck and fortune, after all!
But in today’s fashion-forward world, any bold colour is fair game – just remember to keep it fresh (new clothes, new beginnings). Need some inspiration? Check out our pick of gorgeous cheongsams! And if you’re all about being kind to the planet, support sustainable labels, circular fashion brands, or even shop at thrift stores.
8. Get a new haircut early
Washing your hair on the first and second day of the new year is believed to be bad luck – it symbolises washing away your fortune. Not a very auspicious start to 2024! The same goes for cutting your hair. However, these days, not many people stick to such rules (not washing your hair in our scorching heat needs no explanation). If you’re due for a haircut, hop over to the hair salon way before CNY to avoid the crowds and any surcharges.
9. Watch lion dance performances
Lion dance performances are a longstanding tradition, believed to bring good fortune and wealth. They’re especially popular during key moments like new business openings and, of course, during Chinese New Year. You’ll often hear the beat of drums, gongs, and cymbals before you even spot the troupe in their vibrant costumes.
This lively showcase combines martial arts, acrobatics, and music for a breathtaking spectacle that’s one to catch. Don’t miss it – it’s an experience that’s thrilling and festive!
10. The “no cleaning” rule during CNY
In Chinese tradition, cleaning during the new year is believed to sweep away wealth and good fortune. Even taking out the garbage is seen as tossing out prosperity from the home. So, yes – this gives you the perfect excuse to put off housework until after Chinese New Year. Let the tradition work in your favour!
11. Enjoy festive CNY events
We’re talking about CNY events like vibrant parades, dazzling lights in Chinatown, and malls decked out in auspicious decor. Soak in the festive vibes during the month and catch lion dances (just listen out for the sound of the gong), cultural performances and loads more.
12. Meet the God of Wealth
A central figure in Chinese folklore and Taoism, the God of Wealth (also called Cai Shen or Cai Shen Ye) is a prominent figure during Chinese New Year, as it’s believed that he possesses the power to grant wealth.
You’ll often spot this prosperous figure making the rounds at shopping mall celebrations and lion dance performances, carrying a pot of gold (aka chocolate coins) or a basket of sweets. It’s all about spreading good fortune and sweetening the new year!
13. Stock up on Mandarin oranges
“Kam”, the Cantonese word for Mandarin oranges, sounds similar to the word for gold. Having these fruits around the home during the Lunar New Year and giving them out in pairs is said to bring wealth into your life. Oh, and if you’re watching a lion dance, the performers will typically hand out Mandarins, sometimes with lucky numbers written on them. Don’t make a rookie mistake and walk away without yours!
14. Be on your best behaviour
That means no swearing or gossiping about morbid topics such as ghosts and death. Try not to break anything, too. That includes drink glasses and ceramic plates! It’s believed to bring bad luck and misfortune in the new year.
15. Clear your debts for a fresh start
Looking to start the Year of the Snake with a clean slate? Try clearing your debts (as much as possible). In Chinese tradition, if you don’t, it’s believed that wealth will be hard to come by, and you might even be “cursed” by your financial baggage. Plus, paying off what you owe means you can dive into the festivities without that weight hanging over you.
That’s all the Chinese New Year traditions you need to know in Singapore. Gong xi fa cai, everyone!
