Chinese New Year is just around the corner! For a lot of Mamas out there, they actually give time in preparing for this occasion. Given that there is a large Filipino-Chinese community in our country, there are festivities that happen during Chinese New Year. The Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year, or also known as “Lunar New Year,” to honor and acknowledge the cultural heritage of the Chinese in the Philippines.
Home Decorations for the New Year
When it comes to preparations for the Chinese New Year, Mamas can plan for having a simple celebration with their families. For instance, Mamas can decorate their homes with red lanterns and also banners in anticipation of the holiday. Having banners that wish good luck and good fortune for the new year is a Chinese tradition (China Family Adventure, 2022).
Chinese New Year Lucky Foods
Mamas can also prepare traditional Chinese New Year food for her family and guests to feast on. There is a list of ‘lucky’ Chinese food that can be served during the said holiday. These dishes have their respective symbolic meanings and are believed to bring good luck for the new year ahead (Roth, 2022). Here are a couple of lucky food that Mamas can serve during the new year:
Whole Fish
This is one of the common features in the Chinese New Year menus because fish, when served as a whole, is believed to represent wholeness, abundance, and prosperity.
Dumplings
Also identified as ‘mandoo’ in Korean or ‘gyoza’ in Japanese, these dumplings are definitely delicious and are served during new year celebrations. This food is believed to be linked to currency as it could bring prosperity and luck for the upcoming year.
Noodles
The go-to dish of every party, whether in the Filipino or Chinese roots, you will not leave the ‘long-life noodles’ behind. These “longevity noodles” can be as long as two feet. There are myths that say the longer the noodle you consume, the more years will be added to your lifespan.
Lumpia
Just like fried spring rolls, lumpia is the counterpart of it in the Philippines. These are seen to be a resemblance of gold bars and are considered to bring luck for the new year.
Tangerines
A snack, dessert, or even a gift for your loved ones this Lunar New Year is tangerines. These are deemed to be lucky because from the Cantonese word of tangerine, it is similar to the term for wealth. The color of the fruit itself is considered to be lucky since it is gold.
Gift Giving during the Lunar New Year
Though food is one of the important highlights when one celebrates the Chinese New Year, shopping and gift-giving should also be an activity to be recognized. Just like the other occasions, remembering your loved ones during this special day is much appreciated. However, there are just some reminders to take note of when giving gifts during the Chinese New Year.
When giving gifts, putting them in yellow, red, or gold wrapper or packaging is a plus since these colors symbolize wealth and prosperity. To counter that, do not wrap your gifts or give gifts that are colored blue, black, or white because in Chinese traditions, these are colors more commonly seen in funerals.
For instance, when preparing gifts, Mamas can consider making a gift set for your little bean that consists of eight (8) different items since this is a lucky number in Chinese culture. Don’t forget about the red envelopes, or the ‘ampao’ that you can give too as it represents luck and blessings. Just make sure that you do not get the following items as gifts because it has bad meanings (evil, bad luck, farewells): shoes, umbrellas, sharp objects, handkerchiefs, clocks, cutted flowers, mirrors, pears, necklaces/ties/belts, and green hats.
Chinese New Year Promotion at edamama
Here at edamama, we have a lot in store for you as we welcome and celebrate the Chinese New Year with you Mamas! There will be discounted deals of diapers, swim pants, and wipes for your beans that are over 50% off!
Keep an eye as well for our products that will surely celebrate the 2023 Year of the Rabbit!
Little Steps 3-Piece Bodysuit Set in Pink Rabbit
Just like this 3-Piece Bodysuit Set in Pink Rabbit by Little Steps! This clothing is made from 100% pure cotton that will ensure comfort for your little bean despite the changing weather in our country. These sets are great for gifts!
Jellycat Bashful Bunny
Perfect for little bean’s cuddly nights, Bashful Saffron Bunny by Jellycat is the plushie to go! Get this stuffed toy in this color to symbolize wealth and luck!
Forest Baby Bella the Bunny Silicone and Wooden Teether
What a cute Bella the Bunny Silicone and Wooden Teether it is by Forest Baby! This product is designed to soothe your little bean’s itchy and painful gums. Since your little one begins to get teeth, it must be very difficult for them to deal with the discomfort it brings. Get them their own rabbit-designed teether for the new year!
You can complete your list of gifts when you purchase clothes for your little bean or your fellow Mamas at edamama by grabbing the opportunity to purchase your desired items at 15% off (capped at P400) by using the code “CNY2023” when you meet the minimum spend of P1,000. Please note that diapers are excluded from this promotion.
We are also providing free shipping within Metro Manila with no minimum spend. If you are purchasing outside Metro Manila, you can still get free shipping when you purchase at least P1,000! Next day deliveries are available for Metro Manila orders that are placed on or before 2:00 PM. Purchase your desired edamama products from our Next Day Delivery Essentials collection also our collection for Toys, Gear, Nursery, and Fashion!
Gong Xi Fa Cai, Mamas! We wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year, Mamas!---Chinese new year banners for good luck. (n.d). China Family Adventure. https://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-new-year-banners.html
Lunar year gift guide. (n.d). Insider Guides. https://insiderguides.com.au/lunar-new-year-gift-guide/
Roth, M. (2022). 10 lucky foods to eat at your Chinese New Year feast. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g42258227/chinese-new-year-food/
