In honor of the Chinese New Year, we list down what to wear, where to eat, and what to do for a prosperous and happy 2019.
Wear the Colors of Fire
According to this year’s Chinese calendar and horoscope, the lucky colors to wear are shades of fire. Wearing red, pink and orange (not only during your Chinese New Year festivities, but year-round), will give you a lucky 2019. Other colors that will bring you good luck are gold, silver, and white, which represent metal, another lucky element for the Year of the Earth Pig.
RELATED READS: Red is the Color of Money: The Chinese New Year Guide to Designer Fashion
Redecorate with the Lucky Colors
To help reign in money and luck for 2019, it is suggested to decorate your home with items in the year’s lucky colors. Fill your house with metal objects as well to symbolize the lucky element. This tip isn’t only limited to your home, but also to other property you own—your office, meeting rooms, restaurants, and shops etc.
RELATED READS: Inside the Home of China’s Most Famous Woman
Do the Traditional “Prosperity Toss”
Many Manila restaurants have prepared traditional Chinese offerings for your Chinese New Year celebrations. For instance, Shangri-La at the Fort’s executive Chinese chef has arranged for diners at Canton Road be able to order the traditional Yee Sang dish, a raw fish salad ideal for the “Prosperity Toss”. The traditional ritual represents luck and happiness. “The higher the toss, the more chances of one’s wishes coming true,” shared the hotel in a statement. Many other foods represent different things during this season. We wrote about it in detail here.
RELATED READS: Recommended: Three Hotels to Eat at During Chinese New Year
Give Generously Through Your Ang Pao
Ang Pao are small red envelopes usually given to children and young people during this season. According to TheHoneyCombers.com’s Ang Pao Guide, giving these envelopes represents good will. It also helps spread the holiday cheer, which “will likely give you good fortune throughout the year.” Although there’s no going rate for the amount of Ang Pao you can give, the more in the packet, the happier the receiver, and the chances of good luck are even higher!
Feng Shui Your Home
It is said that as early as the first day of February, decluttering and cleaning your home is a good way to reign in the Chinese New Year. Also, consult with Feng Shui masters on how to position your furniture, what plants to buy, and how to decorate. The Marco Polo Ortigas Manila has invited Feng Shui master Chau Kam Shing to the hotel on February 5 for consultations. Drop by the ground floor lobby at 11 AM for tips. He will also bless guests with good luck. Following the ceremonial blessing ritual, there will be a traditional dragon and lion dance.
RELATED READS: Take a Bite of Good Luck This Chinese New Year at the Marco Polo
