Based on informal interviews of various entrepreneurs of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), these are some of their suggested good luck tips and practices for the coming Chinese New Year which starts on February 10, 2024 as the “Year of the Dragon”:
1. Clean and Decorate: Start the Chinese lunar new year with a thorough cleaning of home and office or workplace, also add vibrant decorations, to welcome good fortune.
2. Red Decorations: Incorporate red-colored items decors, as it symbolizes luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.
3. Family Reunion Dinner: Gather with family and loved ones for a special dinner meal on New Year’s Eve which is February 9, 2024 this year, fostering unity and happiness.
4. Wear New Clothes: Dressing in new attire signifies a fresh start and invites positive energy. Avoid wearing white (traditional mourning color in Chinese culture) or black (traditional mourning color in Western culture).
5. Share “Ang Pao” (meaning “Red Packets” in Hokkien or south Fujian province language): Give and receive Ang Pao red envelopes containing money to share blessings and good wishes. It doesn’t matter how big or small the money is, every Ang Pao given or received brings good luck. In Mandarin, the Ang Pao is called “Hong Bao”.
6. Pay Respects to Ancestors: Pay homage to parents and ancestors by visiting their graves or setting up ancestral altars in their memories. “Xiao Sun” in Mandarin or “Hau Sun” or filial piety of honoring and obeying elders is a foremost Confucian moral virtue of Chinese culture, which is believed to bring good luck, coincidentally similar to the Bible commandment of Christianity on honoring parents.
7. Work Hard for Good Luck: Entrepreneurs said that one sure and time-tested way to attract genuine good luck is to practise hard work consistently. They said honest hard work shall multiply blessings and open up new opportunities.
8. Enjoy Traditional Foods: Enjoy dishes like fish, dumplings, noodles and of course the popular “Tikoy” or sweet, glutinous rice cake for their symbolic meanings of happiness, prosperity and unity.
9. Resolve Differences: Communicate and seek to resolve differences with family members, relatives, friends, work colleagues or business associates, in order to begin the Chinese New Year with positive energy and outlook. Conflicts, anger, unresolved misunderstandings and enmity are unnecessary burdens on people as we travel life’s journey towards success and prosperity.
10. Lighting Firecrackers: The loud sounds of firecrackers are traditionally believed to ward off evil and bring good luck. However, entrepreneurs recommend that people take safety precautions in using fireworks and avoid too much noise, low-quality fireworks.
11. Offer Tea to Elders: Show respect to parents or elders by serving them tea during family gatherings.
2. Settle Debts: This is an ancient Chinese belief, clear any outstanding debts before the Chinese new year in order to start with a clean slate.
13. Avoid Negative Words: Refrain from using words associated with bad luck, anger, conflicts or unsavory language to maintain a positive and hopeful atmosphere.
14. Visit Temples or Churches to Pray: Seek blessings at temples or Churches to Pray to God for a prosperous and harmonious new year ahead, since our Creator is the ultimate source of good luck in the whole universe.
15. Feng Shui Adjustments: Arrange furniture and decor according to logical, ecological ancient Feng Shui principles for optimal energy flow and over-all efficiency. Be Careful! Do not succumb to too much superstitions and overly commercialized selling of trinkets which actually cheapen and bastardize true Feng Shui.
16. Grow Live, Blooming Plants: Decorate your home or workplace with live, blooming plants to symbolize rebirth or new growth, to attract positive energy, or at least to make home or workplace a more conductive place for wellness and success.
17. Avoid Sweeping on New Year’s Day: Sweeping the floor of the home or workplace on the first day may sweep away good luck, so it’s best to do it before February 10, 2024 or the day after.
18. Engage in Cultural Activities: Participate in any traditional performances or events to connect with diverse, rich Chinese culture, whether painting or calligraphy exhibits, culinary events, film festivals of Mandarin movies, traditional dragon or lion dance performances, musical concerts, tea ceremonies, etc.
19. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset whatever your situation is and just focus on your aspirations for the coming new year.
20. Express Gratitude: Thank God and those people who have supported you in the past year, fostering goodwill and encouraging positive relationships.
