Chinese New Year 2014

Happy Chinese New Year 2014!

The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, and the date changes each year between late January to early February. This year the Chinese New Year is starts on 31 January and ends on 2 February. This year is represented by a Horse.

The Chinese New Year is held each year in Phnom Penh, although it is not the public holiday. Many residents in Phnom Penh have ancestor(s) immigrated from China, and the tradition is passed on from one generation to another.

One day before the Chinese New Year starts (30 January), many homes in Phnom Penh pray for their ancestors with preparation of food, beverages, flowers and the burning of fakes money and clothes with the belief that their ancestors will receive and use the burned money and clothes in their after life. Some people also visit Chinese temples in the city for praying.

People praying in a Chinese temple

Many homes pray their ancestors with food, beverages, fruits and desserts

Each homes in the city is decorated with red papers with Chinese characters (happy new year, good luck, etc) on their door or gates because they believe that such decoration would bring lucks, happiness, healthiness, and wealth to the family. Similarly to Christmas decorated with a christmas tree, many homes decorate a big yellow-flower tree, with decorations on the tree.

During days of the Chinese New Year, they're the special time for family visit and exchange of red pockets for good lucks. The display of Chinese dragon dances is not also uncommon to welcome the new year.

May the year of the Horse brings you lucks, happiness and wealth!
Gong Xi Fat Cai!