Q&A: What to Expect at the China House Lunar New Year Celebration This Weekend

This Sunday is Chinese New Year. It is also known as the Lunar New Year and is celebrated in many Asian cultures.

The China House in Balboa Park will host the Chinese New Year Festival on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the New Year.

China House Executive Director David Seid joined KPBS San Diego News Now podcast host Debbie Cruz to talk about Chinese New Year celebrations and traditions.

The following has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year than January 1st. Why?

Seid: The Chinese follow the lunar calendar. And that is why the date changes from year to year.

Why not a solar calendar?

Seid: I guess it was easier for the ancients to see the moon than to look at this bright object in the sky. So I think why they chose the lunar calendar and not the solar one.

With a sunny New Year, there are certain customs and traditions, such as chimney sweeping and kissing at midnight. What are some of the traditions that are unique to Chinese New Year outside of the actual celebration?

Seid: Well, of course we have fireworks and the lion dance. The origin of this is in ancient China, there was a ferocious beast with the head of a lion and the body of a cow, and of course, in the interior, this beast could eat wild animals, but in winter, shortly before spring. there was not enough food, so the animal would raid the villages and it would cause such chaos. But some smart people have noticed that the animal is afraid of loud sounds, as well as red. That’s because of this fear of the animal, that’s why the Chinese beat the drums, beat the gongs to scare away evil spirits. And red is now a festive color used in all sorts of decorations. So, one of the main features of the Chinese New Year is the lion dance.

The Chinese have many customs that give great pleasure. For example, it is one thing to buy new clothes and wear new clothes. That’s why I think everyone appreciates new clothes. Another thing is to sweep the house. This should be done before the Chinese New Year and not on the day of the Chinese New Year, so as not to miss out on luck by mistake.

The color red for the Chinese New Year has a special meaning. How is it used for the holidays?

Seid: There are things called “hóngbāo” (紅包), which literally means “red pocket” or “red envelopes”. Thus, married adults will give these hongbao envelopes to young children.

For people coming to Balboa Park International Cottages on January 21st, we have a lion dance group at the opening at 11:00 am, as well as a show at 2:00 pm, which is also repeated on Sunday. The Chinese queen and princesses will be handing out red envelopes. Our guests are invited to put money in an envelope to feed the lion to bring themselves good luck.

This year is the Year of the Rabbit. What is the significance of the rabbit for the new year?

Seid: The rabbit is considered the luckiest of all 12 animals, and some of the characteristics of the rabbit man are that they are humble. They tend to be calm and, of course, calm people are very easygoing and make great company.

If you are a rabbit, you have some artistic qualities and a very good taste in life.

What can people expect at the festival?

Seid: We have half a dozen food vendors, from pastries to Filipino food, Chinese food like bao, dumplings – lots of delicious snacks.

We also have original craftsmen who make art, postcards and decorations. We have several information stands. If people want to have their names written in Chinese characters as souvenirs, we will have some skilled craftsmen. We’re also running a $5 ticket raffle for a $1,000 grand prize. This drawing will be up next week. It’s just a way to help cover some expenses.

Of course, the presentation of the program is free to the public, and it is our gift to the public to fulfill our mission of representing, preserving and promoting Chinese culture and friendship.

To learn more about all the Lunar New Year celebrations in the city, visit Calendar of events CPBS.