Eva Wu, G9 吴佳瑞

First, I want to share our Chaoshan New Year customs. For us, the Lunar New Year is all about family reunion and blessings.

We start preparing well before New Year’s Eve. First, we give the house a thorough cleaning using bamboo leaves — this is meant to wash away the bad luck of the old year and welcome good fortune. Then we stock up on New Year goods. Oranges, for example, symbolize luck and wealth. We also make traditional Chaoshan snacks to enjoy with the family.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, there are many taboos to observe. We don’t sweep the floor or take out the garbage. We avoid washing clothes and using knives or scissors. These customs are all about keeping good luck and happiness within the family.

We also visit relatives, give red envelopes to children, and gather for hearty reunion meals. Everyone dresses in their best and exchanges kind words. It’s a warm and meaningful time for our whole family.

During the Spring Festival, we sometimes go to Xuanwu Mountain. It is not only a cultural landmark of Chaoshan but also a national 4A-level scenic spot and a key cultural relic protection site. People go to the temple there to burn incense and light candles, praying for protection and good fortune. The mountain is also home to an ancient stage — one of the oldest and largest temple towers in Guangdong. I find the scenery especially beautiful. At its highest point, Xuanwu Mountain reaches just 35 meters and is known as an “underwater park.”

Food plays a big part in our celebrations. We eat fish, which symbolizes surplus year after year. We also enjoy braised lion-head goose, a dish that represents peace, perfection, and prosperity.