It is Xin Nian today

The year of the Rabbit is here today. The Chinese call their New Year, Xin Nian.

On this day, the children will be the happiest because they will be getting Hong Bao or red packet containing money from their parents and relatives who are married. Only those who are married can have the privilege to hand out hong bao.

As parents the Chinese have to part with their money in the form of hong bao to their children and offspring of their relatives. The very purpose of giving out this red packets is to wish the young a safe year. It is also called ya sui qian which means 'money for longevity'.

One of the taboos during Xin Nian are sweeping the rubbish in the house. Rubbish is thought to be money. Hence by throwing away rubbish, you are literally throwing away your dough. Another taboo is saying bad things or something not auspicious. They should greet each other 'Xin Nian Kuan Le' or 'Happy New Year', 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' or ''Congratulations for striking it rich' and so on. The Cantonese will not say 'San Nin Fai Lok' which is meant to say ' Happy New Year' because 'Fai Lok' can also mean 'Falling fast' as 'fai' is 'quick' and 'lok' is 'fall' in the Cantonese dialect.

Xin Nian Kuai Le to all Chinese readers of this blog.