JANUARY 2023: A Simple Guide to CNY

It’s the time of year where Christmas decorations are being replaced with fancy lanterns and flowers around the mall! With 2023 being the year of the Rabbit, how much do we actually know about this festive celebration? Did you know that rabbits are the fourth animal on the Chinese zodiac calendar and is known to be the luckiest animal among the 12 animals as it represents calmness, beauty and elegance?

What is Chinese New Year ?

Have you ever wondered why Chinese people wear red on Chinese New Year (CNY) or what’s the role of firecrackers during this auspicious day? According to ancient stories, a monster named Nian would come out on the eve of Chinese New Year and devour villagers, crops and livestock. The villagers discover that the beast is afraid of fire, blasting sounds and the colour red. Hence, every New Year’s Eve, those celebrating would wear red, paste red spring couplets on their doors and play the drums while the firecrackers go off in their backyard.

Getting Your Home Ready for CNY

I’m sure most can agree with me when I say that preparing for CNY is a serious business, especially for our parents. Most households begin their annual spring cleaning duties weeks prior– ensuring to wipe away any misfortune and bad luck, paving way for the good. According to an old tradition, house cleaning should be done way before Chinese New Year, and no cleaning should be done during the celebration (the first two days are very important!) as it is seen as taboo. 

We know all the cleaning and coordinating for the festive season definitely takes a toll on the body. Here’s a reason to treat yourself and grab this MySofa Lux massager chair from OGAWA for only RM5,118. To add cherry on top, you will receive O.M.G Foot Massager and 3-In-1 Leather Kit exclusively during this festive period. Now, that’s a way to relax and unwind after non-stop visiting houses and filling up your tummy to the brim! Who says you can’t drift away into luxurious relaxation right at home?

Photo Credit: OGAWA MySofa Lux

It’s also the time where the kitchen is the busiest place in a household; baking cookies and whipping up delicious dishes. Remember the times where your mum always complains there’s no one helping her around the house?Well, time to redeem yourself and treat your parents with some of the best helping hands from Senheng & senQ. Get the Toshiba Microwave Oven only at RM499 from Senheng or the 2L Tefal High Speed Vacuum Blender at only RM1,217 from senQ.

Photo Credit: Senheng: Toshiba Microwave Oven with Grill
senQ: Tefal Hi-Speed Vacuum Blender

Drawing in close to the big day, the excitement begins to settle in and everyone looks forward to the main event; reunion dinner. Often known as the most important get-together of the entire year, the annual reunion dinner is where families and friends near and far travel back to their loved ones. No matter how wealthy or poor the family may be, the Chinese believed that serving food in surplus at the reunion dinner will bestow good fortune and luck in material wealth upon them. Some dishes include fish which increases prosperity, dumplings for wealth, chicken for luck and longevity noodles for happiness and longevity.  

Getting New Clothes for CNY 

Now that we’ve gotten the food out of the way, it’s time to sort your outfit! Following tradition, the go-to option would be red as it is considered to bring luck and fortune. Calling all parents, grandparents, aunties & uncles, you’re in for a special treat. Poney is having a special promotion during this period, purchase any 4 items for RM99 only! Celebrate in style without breaking your bank with myIOU app, pay in instalments, interest free. Here are some options that we think would be comfortable and a crowd pleaser:

Photo Credit: PONEY 4 for RM99

The Significance of Ang Pow and Being a Smart Consumer this Rabbit Year

Chinese New Year celebration is not complete without the mighty red envelopes, also known as “ang pow”. “Ang pows” are stuffed with money that are usually given out by the elders and married couples to the young and single during the festive season. The colour red signifies good luck, while the gold writings are usually blessings and wishes such as prosperity and good health to the recipient. 

Here are some wishes to exchange when you visit your friends and relatives this Chinese New Year:

1. Xin nian kuai le! (新年快乐): Happy New Year!

2. Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财): Congratulations for making more money!

3. Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意): Everything goes smoothly as you wish!

Living in a multi-racial country, we hope that this quick guide will help you understand and appreciate the celebration better. Don’t forget to embrace the culture and join in on the festivities. If you are wondering how you should spend your ang pow, be a smart spender this Rabbit Year with myIOU, interest free up to 6 months instalments. With over 3,000 merchants to choose from, both physical and online stores nationwide, ranging from fashion, automotive to electronics & gadgets.  

On behalf of myIOU, we would like to wish you a joyous and prosperous New Year. May the Year of Rabbit bring you good health and good fortune. 

– Rebecca