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Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is a major holiday in Macau, which has a significant Chinese cultural influence. The history of this celebration is steeped in folklore and tradition, with roots in ancient agrarian society where it signaled the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Customs during this period are aimed at ushering in good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Traditional practices include cleaning homes to sweep away ill-fortune and make way for incoming good luck – this is done before the New Year to avoid sweeping away the good luck that comes with the arrival of the new year.
On the first day of Lunar New Year, people in Macau engage in various festive activities:
Family Gatherings: Families come together on New Year's Eve for a reunion dinner, which is considered one of the most important meals of the year. The dishes served often have symbolic meanings, such as fish (representing abundance) or dumplings (symbolizing wealth).
Red Envelopes: Known as 'Lai See' or 'Hongbao,' these are given out by married couples to children and unmarried adults. They contain money and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year.
Fireworks: Although fireworks displays may vary from year to year, they are traditionally a part of celebrations to scare off evil spirits.
Lion Dances: Performers dressed in elaborate lion costumes dance to drumbeats, gongs, and cymbals. These dances are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Visiting Temples: Many locals visit temples to pray for good fortune in the coming year. The A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is a popular spot during this time.
Decorations: Streets, homes, and businesses are adorned with red decorations featuring themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Lanterns are also hung up as part of the festivities.
Overall, Lunar New Year's Day in Macau is rich with cultural significance—a time for honoring ancestors, reuniting with family members, celebrating renewal, indulging in symbolic foods; all while hoping for a prosperous upcoming year.
