Chinese New Year 2005

Each year, Chinese New Year brings thousands of people flocking to Bangkok’s Chinatown to celebrate the lunar New Year. Many people attend just for the opportunity to see the exciting processionals involving the gigantic dragon and spirited lion dancers. For centuries, the hearts of many have been caught up in the superstitions and rituals concerning these mythical creatures that bring prosperity and good luck. 2005 The year of the Rooster indicates a person who is hard-working and definite about their decisions. Roosters are not afraid to speak their minds and can therefore sometimes come across as boastful. They make good restaurant owners and world travelers.

Famous people born in the Year Of The Rooster:
Michael Aspel, Yoko Ono, Rod Stewart, Mia Farrow, Eric Clapton.

For weeks prior to the New Year, the Chinese community is a beehive of activity preparing for the festivities. This is a time to shop for new clothes, change hairstyles, clean homes and businesses, and purchase succulent foods. More food is consumed during these festivities than at any other time of the year.

Cleaning is taken very seriously and strict traditions. It is important to “sweep out the old” as a way of preparing for a prosperous new year. Chinese Door Gods are placed at the entrances to many homes and businesses for protection, and long red banners are hung in auspicious places. The red banners glitter boldly with golden symbols wishing long life, good health and good fortune. Offerings are given at all family altars, to bless the ancestors for laying the foundations upon which the family’s good fortune and health are built.

On the eve of the lunar New Year, Chinatown is lit to a brilliant reflection as the lucky color red fills the streets in the form of banners and glowing Chinese lanterns. Vendors cram the curbs selling delicacies such as moon cakes, dim sum, roasted chestnuts, Peking duck and sugar-cured pork. Helium balloons and glowing, battery-operated dragons dot the crowds as the vendors hold them high for all to see.

The parade route is primed for one of the most spectacular events of the Chinese New Year celebration the dragon procession. Dusk draws near and the size of the crowd grows. Packed elbow to elbow, the crowds propel themselves back and forth, moving aimlessly as they delight in the bright lights, sounds and vendors as they wait for the mythological dragon and lions to appear.