Chinese New Year traditions with Global National Mandarin

The Year of the Dragon is looked upon as one of prosperity and good fortune, and for Global National Mandarin’s new staff, they are hoping for a successful year.

The new newscast launches on Monday, January 23rd, the beginning of Chinese New Year, and while that means they cannot spend much time with family and friends this year, Carol Wang and Frank Qi shared with us what the New Year means to them.

Carol will be anchoring the show, while Frank is their reporter.

“It’s a big time for family reunions,” said Carol, adding that many friends also come over for a big dinner. “Unluckily it’s not a statutory holiday here,” she said.

Frank added that the 15th day is the lantern festival.

For the Chinese community in B.C. this New Year Eve falls on a Sunday, so at least families have the opportunity to get together and celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon.

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Frank told us why Chinese New Year Eve is also known by another name.

For kids the celebrations can also be a chance to pick up some extra cash, as it’s customary to give red envelopes with money inside to the youngsters.

“If you’re living in a big family it can be a lot of money,” laughed Frank.

“It’s the best time for kids,” added Carol. “When I was a kid I was so looking forward to the Chinese New Year.” Children don’t have to study either she said!

“There’s at least seven days off for everyone,” she added. “If you want to do some business it’s impossible.”

But it’s not all money, food, and family. There are many superstitions surrounding the Chinese New Year and Carol told us just some of them.

Global National Mandarin will air a number of stories on Monday about the New Year, and some greetings from politicians throughout the show.

But what do Carol and Frank hope for in the Year of the Dragon?

“A high rating of Global National Mandarin,” said Frank.

“A good economy,” added Carol. “Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit China in February,” she added, “so we hope for better relations between the two countries.”