Chinese Lunar Year or Chinese New Year is of course very much awaited by Chinese or ethnic Chinese residents in Solo who will celebrate Chinese New Year or Chinese New Year in 2020. This Lunar New Year celebration is highly anticipated in all circles, especially for children who are still in school. They not only look forward to a holiday, but also the moment to meet with family and receive angpao. In welcoming the Chinese New Year celebrations, various preparations were also made at each family’s home, ranging from delicious food, to decorating the house and places of worship. Many interesting things about Chinese New Year that we need to know, what are they?

1. Red

Chinese New Year celebrations are always synonymous with Red, because Red is considered a lucky color. Starting from clothing, red lanterns, to the dominant decoration of red, almost everything is colored red. In Chinese New Year celebrations, the red color is believed to bring good luck. In addition to red, we also see a lot of gold or yellow. The reason is because the colors of gold and yellow are beautiful colors, besides that an old Chinese proverb says that yellow produces Yin and Yang.

2. Angpao

Aside from the red color, Angpao is also one of the important icons in the celebration of IMLEK. Angpau is also one of the main celebrations in his celebration. Because for citizens of Chinese descent or Chinese Angpao become one of the most awaited when celebrating Chinese New Year,  specially for those who are not married. Because only those who are not married can accept angpao, and those who are married are obliged to give Angpao. Angpao also should not be given in odd numbers or contain the number four, especially four because this number is considered a dead number. The meaning of giving angpao is giving fortune to the younger siblings, and the young one receives it in the hope of giving angpao in the future.

3. Barongsai (Lion Dance)

Hearing the term Barongsai (Lion Dance) is certainly not unfamiliar, especially in the city of Surakarta, Barongsai attractions often appear especially during the celebration of IMLEK. The Barongsai (lion dance) is a dragon doll used as a form of Chinese New Year celebration. The Barongsai (Lion Dance) is usually played by 3-5 people with a special dance. The Barongsai (lion dance) attraction is a must-have for Chinese New Year celebrations and is certainly always awaited in every attraction. The form of a Barongsai (Lion dance) is usually a Lion, because  according to Chinese belief that the Lion (a Lion dance form) is considered a symbol of courage, stability, and excellence.

4. Orange

Citrus fruit is very familiar to us, its beautiful and fresh colors fascinates us. Orange is identical to fortune fruit. Not only is it attached to angpau or lion dance, Chinese New Year is also synonymous with citrus fruit. This is because oranges in mandarin are called chi zhe. ‘Chi’ means fortune, while ‘zhe’ means fruit. So Chinese traditional beliefs assume that oranges can bring luck or fortune, especially with bright orange colors considered a symbol of gold or fortune in the form of money.

5. Abstinence

Unique tradition that is a taboo for residents of Chinese descent ahead of the IMLEK celebration is cleaning the house. Why be taboo when you want to celebrate? For some families that are still thick with traditional Chinese culture, especially those who are Buddhist, there are some  estrictions that are run. One of the unique restrictions is to clean the house. Chinese descendants believe that cleaning the house can eliminate hockey, so some who are still thick with the culture will choose not to tidy up or clean the house and leave homework to gather with relatives and family. For those of you who are connoisseurs of the New Year IMLEK this time don’t miss these events in Surakarta 2020, there are some interesting events that you need to watch and don’t miss, buddy. Visit the Solo City of Culture.