Cherished Chinese New Year Traditions and Their Symbolisms
Vibrant, rich and rooted in history, Chinese culture holds customs that have remained consistent through the passage of time, one of which is Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. At its heart, CNY revolves around renewal, family reunion and hope for good fortune in the year ahead, performed by a series of practices which encapsulate this spirit. From Lohei and Bai Nian to decor and new clothes, let’s explore the symbolisms of iconic CNY traditions that continue to be embraced today.
Lohei and Reunion Dinners
Feasting together has always been a great way to bond, but during the Lunar New Year, it embodies even deeper significance, uniting families and friends through shared blessings. The act of Lohei, a beloved CNY custom, involving communal tossing of Yu Sheng (raw fish salad), is deeply meaningful, with each ingredient carrying its own auspicious wish. Raw fish (yu) represents abundance and prosperity, shredded vegetables – longevity, crackers – wealth, while the sweet plum sauce binds all hopes for harmony and success. Everyone, tossing the Yu Sheng higher and reciting well-wishes, reflects the collective aspiration for growth.
Keeping this ritual alive, Downtown East offers festive reunion spreads. For instance, Crown Prince Restaurant’s flavourful Yu Sheng, alongside a range of dining experiences, including Ajiya Okinomiyaka Restaurant, Yakiniku Shiok!, Wine Connection and more, brings diverse profiles to the table.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cosy space to host an intimate reunion, our Celebration Packages provide a convenient private venue option, making it effortless to reconnect and usher in the new year together.
Bai Nian
Bai Nian, the practice of visiting family and friends during CNY, goes beyond social courtesy. It’s a way of strengthening relationships and expressing gratitude. As loved ones greet one another with auspicious phrases like ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ (prosper more) and ‘Xin Nian Kuai Le’ (happy new year), they also exchange symbolic gifts such as a pair of Mandarin oranges, because the bright fruit’s name sounds like ‘luck’ and ‘wealth’ in Mandarin. Likewise, red packets (hongbao), typically given by married adults to children and younger unmarried relatives, contain monetary tokens, reinforcing the sentiment of passing on good wishes.
To make these moments even more memorable, enjoy stylish rewards with qualifying spend at Downtown East! Bring home a statement Lohei plate with chopsticks* that set the scene for reunion meals and joyful tossing traditions, or a chic dumpling carrier pouch**, ideal for holding your mandarin oranges and red packets.
*Minimum spend of $108 (NTUC Members) or $128 (Public).
**Minimum spend of $188 (NTUC Members) or $208 (Public).
Collect at E!Avenue Level 2 Information Counter, while stocks last. Double spending required for NTUC FairPrice receipts, other T&Cs apply.
Buying CNY Decorations
Decorating the home for the Lunar New Year rings in riches and dispels negative energy. Many popular décor choices carry deep meaning. For example, red lanterns and spring couplets (chunlian) are believed to invite happiness and fruitfulness. Additionally, the iconic 福 (“Fu”) character, often displayed upside down, suggests that good fortune has arrived, signalling luck coming into the household. Intricate paper cuttings featuring motifs like fish (signifying abundance) and dragons (representing strength and power) accentuate visual warmth.
Refreshing your space for the season too? Pick up festive embellishments at DAISO Japan x Threeppy, Japan Home and MR D.I.Y., offering a variety of CNY décor, items and practical supplies to help you transform your space into a welcoming setting for family and friends celebrating together.
Donning New Clothes
Everybody appreciates a fresh wardrobe and CNY serves as the perfect excuse to shop for a brand-new outfit. But more than a fashion choice, it’s a practice reflecting renewal, optimism and the casting off of last year’s misfortunes. Debuting new attire, especially in bright, auspicious colours like red and gold, is thought to attract positive energy (qi), ward off negative forces and show respect to elders during bai nian. Bossini and Peniwern carry styles that do just that and express your individuality.
While dressing well presents your best self, most take it a step further with beauty and self-care routines that boost confidence and complete their look. At Downtown East, it’s easy to prep in one place, whether it’s revitalising your locks at Organic Express Hair Color Lab, N8 Hair Studio or Bonbon Blowout Bar+, or giving your skin some extra love at Kskin and Beunoia, where tailored skincare and facial treatments help you glow. After all, it’s not just about looking good but feeling good too!
From dining delights and festive home essentials to beauty needs and bonding moments, we’ve curated a line-up of limited-time CNY exclusives and specials to get you celebration-ready.
The Lunar New Year strikes a beautiful balance between tradition and modern celebration. Though the ways we mark the season may evolve with time, the symbolism behind these customs – renewal, unity, gratitude and shared blessings, remains just as relevant today, in starting the year on a meaningful note.