Year 20🐍5 She Sheng Wan Shi Ru Yi" (Mandarin)

The history of Chinese New Year (CNY) is rich and complex, spanning over 3,000 years. Which is celebrated for 15 days consecutively and a biggest for Family gatherings and it is made sure across departed family members take break from work and school to reunion with rest of the family members. 

Here's a brief overview:

*Origins:*

The exact origin of CNY is unclear, but it's believed to have started during the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BC). The festival was initially called "Yuán Jié" or "First Festival," and was celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar.

*Mythology:*

According to legend, CNY began as a way to scare away a monstrous creature called "Nian" that would appear at the end of each year to destroy crops and villages. The people discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and fire, so they used these elements to drive it away. This myth has been passed down through generations and is still celebrated today.

*Agricultural significance:*

CNY was also closely tied to the agricultural cycle. The festival marked the beginning of the spring season, and farmers would pray for a good harvest and prosperity in the coming year.

*Evolution:*

Over time, CNY evolved and incorporated various traditions, customs, and rituals from different regions and cultures. The festival became a time for families to reunite, honor ancestors, and seek good fortune.

*Key events:*

Some significant events in the history of CNY include:

- Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC): CNY became a national holiday, and the emperor would perform rituals to ensure a good harvest.

- Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD): CNY became more widespread, and the tradition of giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to children and loved ones began.

- Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD): CNY became a major festival, with elaborate parades, performances, and feasts.

- Modern era: CNY has become a global celebration, with people from all over the world participating in parades, lion dances, and other festivities.

*Traditions:*

Today, CNY is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including:

- Lion and dragon dances

- Fireworks and firecrackers

- Red decorations and lanterns

- Family reunions and feasts

- Giving red envelopes (hongbao)

- Visiting temples and ancestral graves

- Eating traditional foods, such as dumplings and niangao (sticky rice cake)

CNY is a time for renewal, reflection, and celebration, and its rich history and cultural significance continue to inspire people around the world.

The Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar has significant meanings and symbolism.

- The Snake is the 6th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

- It represents renewal, transformation, and healing.

- People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be intelligent, charming, and mysterious.

- The Snake is associated with the element of Fire, which symbolizes energy, passion, and creativity.

- In Chinese culture, the Snake is also a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and longevity.

Lantern Festival : 

Last day of the feast ,The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuan Xiao Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, marking the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. It is renowned for its beautiful displays of lanterns and symbolizes unity, prosperity, and the arrival of spring.

Rituals and Traditions of the Lantern Festival

1. Lantern Displays:

People light and display colorful lanterns in various shapes and sizes.

Lanterns often depict themes from Chinese folklore, animals, and zodiac signs.

In some regions, there are competitions for the most elaborate and creative lantern designs.

2. Riddles on Lanterns:

Lantern riddles, or "dengmi," are a popular tradition.

Riddles are written on the lanterns, and people solve them for fun or prizes.

This activity is seen as a way to showcase intelligence and wit.

3. Eating Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls):

Tangyuan are sweet rice balls filled with ingredients like sesame paste, peanut butter, or red bean paste.

They are round, symbolizing family unity and harmony.

Eating tangyuan during the festival is believed to bring good luck and strengthen family bonds.

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Here is a comparison of the nutrient values of tangyuan with sesame paste and red bean paste:

*Tangyuan with Sesame Paste (1 piece, approximately 50g)*

1. _Energy_: 150-180 kcal

2. _Carbohydrates_: 25-30g

3. _Fiber_: 2-3g

4. _Sugar_: 12-15g

5. _Protein_: 4-5g

6. _Fat_: 8-10g

7. _Sodium_: 50-100mg

8. _Cholesterol_: 0mg

9. _Calcium_: 200-300mg (20-30% of the Daily Value (DV))

10. _Iron_: 2-3mg (10-15% of the DV)

11. _Vitamin E_: 1-2mg (10-20% of the DV)

*Tangyuan with Red Bean Paste (1 piece, approximately 50g)*

1. _Energy_: 140-160 kcal

2. _Carbohydrates_: 30-35g

3. _Fiber_: 2-3g

4. _Sugar_: 15-20g

5. _Protein_: 3-4g

6. _Fat_: 2-3g

7. _Sodium_: 50-100mg

8. _Cholesterol_: 0mg

9. _Folate_: 10-15% of the DV

10. _Manganese_: 10-15% of the DV

11. _Copper_: 10-15% of the DV

*Comparison*

1. *Calories*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has slightly more calories than tangyuan with red bean paste.

2. *Carbohydrates*: Tangyuan with red bean paste has more carbohydrates than tangyuan with sesame paste.

3. *Fiber*: Both options have similar amounts of fiber.

4. *Sugar*: Tangyuan with red bean paste has more sugar than tangyuan with sesame paste.

5. *Protein*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has more protein than tangyuan with red bean paste.

6. *Fat*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has more fat than tangyuan with red bean paste.

7. *Sodium*: Both options have similar amounts of sodium.

8. *Cholesterol*: Both options have no cholesterol.

9. *Calcium*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has more calcium than tangyuan with red bean paste.

10. *Iron*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has more iron than tangyuan with red bean paste.

11. *Vitamin E*: Tangyuan with sesame paste has more vitamin E than tangyuan with red bean paste.

*Conclusion*

Both tangyuan with sesame paste and red bean paste can be a nutritious and delicious treat when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, if you're looking for a option that is higher in protein, healthy fats, and calcium, tangyuan with sesame paste may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a option that is higher in complex carbohydrates and fiber, tangyuan with red bean paste may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two options depends on your individual nutritional needs and preferences.

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4. Dragon and Lion Dances:

These lively performances are common during the Lantern Festival.

The dragon and lion dances are performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Lighting Fireworks:

Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to celebrate and create a festive atmosphere.

They are believed to drive away bad luck and evil spirits.

Prayers and Offerings:

In ancient times, people made offerings to the gods and ancestors to pray for blessings and a good harvest.

Some temples organize ceremonies for the public.

Romantic Traditions:

Historically, the Lantern Festival was one of the few occasions where young men and women could meet publicly, leading to its nickname, "Chinese Valentine's Day."

The Lantern Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in other East and Southeast Asian countries with unique local variations. It highlights themes of joy, family, and hope for the year ahead.

In Chinese culture, Mandarin oranges are a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, and sharing two of them is a traditional practice during Chinese New Year (CNY). The reason for sharing two Mandarin oranges is rooted in the Chinese language and symbolism:

- The word for "Mandarin orange" in Chinese is "", which sounds similar to the word for "gold" ().

- When you give two Mandarin oranges, the phrase "" (two oranges) sounds similar to "", which means "good fortune" or "auspiciousness".

- In Chinese culture, the number two is also considered auspicious, as it represents harmony, balance, and unity.

By sharing two Mandarin oranges, you are symbolically sharing good fortune, prosperity, and auspiciousness with the recipient. This tradition is often practiced during CNY visits, where hosts offer two Mandarin oranges to their guests as a gesture of hospitality and goodwill.

In Singapore, where you are, this tradition is still widely practiced, and you'll often see Mandarin oranges being exchanged during CNY visits and gatherings.

Referring to the small, seedless, and easy-to-peel Mandarin oranges that are commonly given as gifts during Chinese New Year (CNY)!

These baby oranges are specifically called "Kumquats" or "" in Chinese. However, in the context of CNY, they are often referred to as "" or "gold mandarins" due to their golden-yellow color and symbolic meaning.

Kumquats are a type of citrus fruit that is native to South Asia and are widely cultivated in China, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia. They are small, typically around 2-3 cm in diameter, and have a sweet and slightly sour taste.

During CNY, Kumquats are given as gifts because they symbolize:

 *Good fortune*: The golden color of Kumquats represents gold and wealth, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

*Abundance*: The fact that Kumquats are small and abundant represents the wish for a plentiful and abundant new year.

 *Fertility*: Kumquats are also a symbol of fertility and prosperity, as they are often associated with the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.

In Singapore, where you are, Kumquats are widely available during CNY and are often given as gifts to friends, family, and business associates as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

祝蛇年快乐

Zhù shé nián kuàilè 20🐍5 

Wishing for everything goes smoothly as Snake Slithers in the Snake Year.

To know Nutrients of CNY times Mandarins or Kumquats oranges refer to My earlier Post on Fruit Vs Juice. 

Stay Aware Stay Care Stay Safe.

@shroffpadmap 

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