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copyright ©1999-2000
DigsMagazine.com.
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celebrate
the Chinese
new
year
By Flannery M. Higgins
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January
24, 2001 will mark the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Golden
Snake. Unlike the typical American New Year, Chinese New Year is much
more than an excuse to drink too much. The Chinese see the New Year as a
time to embrace friends, family, and new beginnings. Even if you aren’t
Chinese, it presents the perfect opportunity to liven up this frigid
month of January by throwing a party. Plus, it provides those of us who
have already broken the resolutions we made January 1st with
a second chance at starting the year.
A Chinese New Year party can be as easy as inviting over a few
friends and sending out for Chinese food in funny little boxes. With
just a little extra effort, however, you can pull together an event that
will truly impress your guests.
Invitations
Start your party planning by purchasing
some of the festive Chinese New Year Cards that are currently available.
You can find cards at your local Hallmark and even at many major grocery
chains. They can be used as both invitations and decorations, and will
help to set the tone for your event. Alternatively, go the online route:
websites such as Egreetings.com offer a selection of Chinese New Year
cards that you can access and send for free. This is especially helpful
if you’re putting your party together at the last minute.
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The symbol in the image above
is an inverted fu, the Chinese character for luck. It's a common
wall hanging in Chinese households because the words
for "upside down" and "arrives" are homonyms
in Chinese. It's a pun: an upside-down luck means "luck
arrives." Download our pdf of this image
-- then print out on a color printer, cut up, and use for invitations or decorations.
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Decorations
As for decorations, set the proper festive atmosphere by making liberal
use of red and gold, considered lucky colors by the Chinese. Light the
room with red and gold votive candles in clear glass holders, which
provide a pretty, warm glow and are inexpensive (about 99 cents at a
store like Wal-Mart). Experiment with paper lanterns, which can be found
online or at stores that specialize in imported goods. Keep in mind that
import stores often have excellent "bargain tables" where you
can find other inexpensive items that will enhance your entertaining
space.
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