Discover the Tradition of Chinese New Year that Cambodian-Chinese Celebrate Every Year

In the blink of an eye, three days of the traditional Chinese New Year have passed.Although the Royal Government of Cambodia has not designated the Chinese New Year as an official holiday, under the influence of the Chinese in Cambodia, there are still many Cambodian-Chinese in Cambodia who celebrate this festival widely every year.

So, do you all know how to celebrate Chinese New Year? And what are the strictly forbidden actions during the Chinese New Year?

※When is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year, also known as "Spring Festival,"  is a traditional Chinese festival held every year, starting on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ending on the 15th. The first, second, and third days are considered the most important days; do not do anything careless to affect the happiness of the whole new year. The dates change from year to year, but usually between January 21 and February 20. 

For the Chinese New Year, this year is the Year of the Dragon; the big day is set for February 9, and the first and third days are on February 10, 11, and 12, 2024.

※What do Chinese New Year traditions do?

1. Cleaning and decorating the house

Cleaning and decorating the house: Cleaning the house is something that must be done before the Chinese New Year in order to get rid of all the filthy things that happened last year and look forward to good luck in the new year. The house must be cleaned and tidy in an orderly manner to prevent clutter and throw away old or discarded items to someone who wants to give them away.

In addition, they decorate the house with red lanterns, red paper on doors, windows, and other places with words and poems representing “good luck, happiness, wealth, and  longevity.”

2. Chinese New Year's Eve

On Chinese New Year's Eve, people prepare food, cakes, fruits, and other items for the New Year and wish them a Happy New Year. According to Chinese tradition, today there are two offerings in the morning for the deities and ancestors, which should not be later than 12 pm at noon, and again in the evening around 3–4 pm for homeless spirits.

The evening before Chinese New Year is called Chúxì. The word means "Lunar New Year's Eve,"  a special occasion for families to get together for a delicious meal.

3. Family Reunited

On Chinese New Year, each family member enjoys a happy reunion with a greeting "Cong Xi Fa Cai," which means to wish the business success, along with giving red pocket (Ang Pao), giving gifts to each other, having a meal together, and playing gambling. Chinese New Year gambling is believed to bring good luck.

In addition, there are other activities such as fireworks, lion dance, offerings, burning paper, burning incense at the temple, bringing black sugar cane and longan leaves and arranging yellow Mai flowers indoors, etc.

However, it should be noted that on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Phnom Penh Municipal Police has instructed the 14 inspection de la police khan and all the public in Phnom Penh to be careful in case of a fire accident, especially to strictly forbid the burning of all kinds of fireworks or explosions on the occasion of this festival.

⚠️Chinese New Year Taboos and Superstitions

● Avoid taking all kinds of medicine: according to Chinese people, taking medicine on the first day of the Chinese New Year means that someone will be sick all year long.

● Do not wash clothes: Chinese people should not wash clothes on the first and second days of New Year's Day because these two days are the birthdays of the God of Water (Shuishen). Chinese believe that water devils are born on New Year's Day, so washing clothes on New Year's Day is like an insult to God of Water.

● Do not wash hair: Do not wash your hair on the first day. Washing your hair is like washing your luck and success away for the new year.

● Do not sweep the house: If you sweep the house on the first day of the new year, it is like sweeping property and luck away; therefore, they have to clean the house before New Year's Day.

● Don't use scissors or knives: Avoid the use of knives or scissors, because if an accident occurs, it is considered bad luck and causes loss of property.

● No crying or quarrel: During the New Year, especially on the first day, abstain from arguing, blaming, or crying in the family because it can bring unfortunate things and bad luck to the new year throughout the whole year.

● Do not break the plate or glass: On New Year's Day, be careful with the plate or glass, because if it causes cracking or falling, you will get a result of unsuccess and be less happy.

Finally, we wish you and your family good luck, happiness, good health, and everything you wish for in the new year!