Happy Chinese New Year from STQI!

Chinese New Year is as important to Chinese people (if not more!) as the New Year is for Canadians and many parts of the world.

It is a time for family to gather, eats lots of food, and wish each other good health, fortune, and prosperity.

We will say things like:

Wish you happiness and prosperity! Gōng xǐ fā cái! (恭喜发财)
Wishing you lots of energy and alertness! Lóngmǎ jīngshén! (龙马精神)
Hoping everything goes well! Wànshì rúyì! (万事如意)
May all your wishes come true! Xīn xiǎng shì chéng! (心想事成)
May you have peace all year round! Suì suì píng’ān! (岁岁平安)
Wishing you wide and plentiful financial sources! Cái yuán guǎng jìn! (财源广进)

Kids love this time of year especially because they are given money in a red envelope by their parents and adults who are married. These would be family and close friends so be sure not to go around asking strangers!

If you want to try following this tradition (because it's fun!), prepare a red envelope in advance with some money (any amount is a good amount!). Then direct your child to say:

Wishing you happiness and prosperity! Please give me a red envelope! Gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo ná lái (恭喜发财，红包拿来)!

Wishing you good health and prosperity for the Year of the Ox!