Monday 23 January marks the start of the Chinese New Year. Jason Li, Business Development Manager China and South East Asia, spoke to the Royal Garden blog about the ceremony surrounding the most important time of the oriental calendar, and how the hotel will be marking the start of the year of the dragon.
2012 is the year of the dragon. What does that actually mean?
Each year is named after one of the animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac; so every 12 years it’s the year of the dragon. There are different ‘types’ of year as well. 2012 is the year of the Water Dragon, but another time it might be the Fire Dragon. I hope that makes sense!
Street festivals are a common feature of New Year’s celebrations
What does the dragon represent?
The dragon is the strongest animal, the top of the zodiac, so it’s a special year. It is a symbol of good fortune and power, so – traditionally, at least – people born during a dragon year are to be honoured and respected.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
It really depends on what part of the world you are in. The main holidays are New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and the two days after, but in China they will be taking a nine or ten days off over the New Year period. In London, some Chinese companies will close for a few days, but it really depends.
What about gift giving? Is it similar to Christmas?
There are very specific cultural traditions relating to Chinese New Year. The main thing we do is give red envelopes with money in; we call them ‘Hong Bao’. The general rule is that you only give these envelopes to someone who is younger than you. So a grandfather would give one to his son and grandson, but you would not give one to your father. Also, if you are not married, you aren’t really required to hand out Hong Bao.
Chinese New Year is a red-letter day
Is the idea of prosperity an important part of Chinese New Year?
Yes, a lot of traditions centre on good luck and good fortune for the coming year. Even the food reflects this. For instance, Jiaozi dumplings in northern China are considered lucky because of their historical resemblance to Chinese money. In ancient China, the currency consisted of dumpling-shaped silver and gold ingots called Yuan Bao, but in southern China, people like to eat Wonton.
Shanghai style Wonton are believed to bring prosperity
Yu Sheng salad is another dish that falls into this category isn’t it?
Yes, it’s very much a traditional ritual. Guests are invited to mix the salad at the table with their chopsticks. Everyone shouts “Lo Hei!” (Mix it up!) and tosses the ingredients as high as they can. Europeans often don’t understand, but the higher you toss and the louder you shout the greater your fortunes will be. You can’t be secretive when you’re trying to bring good luck!
Mix it up - Yu Sheng Salad
And is there anything for those people with a sweet tooth?
We have Nian Gao, Literally it means ‘sticky cake’ but in Chinese it sounds like ‘higher year’. It symbolizes achieving new heights in the coming year, and is a steamed sweet made of rice, flour, sugar and oil, with various other fillings. It’s very popular at this time of year.
How will you being celebrating Chinese New Year?
I have a few dinners lined up, and will be entertaining some friends, so it should be fun!
New Year fireworks in Hong Kong harbour
MIX IT UP!
Celebrate Chinese New Year in style with Min Jiang’s fantastic Yu Sheng Salad. A traditional Chinese custom, the dish is made up of 27 eclectic ingredients with a base of salmon or tuna and a plum sauce dressing. In authentic style, guests are invited to toss the salad at their table. Ideal for sharing with friends, there’s no better way to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Yu Sheng Salad
Small £30.88, Large £45.88 (available 22 January-6 February). View menu. Booking is suggested to avoid disappointment. Book now