Swigs and Grinds: Chinese New Year in Honolulu

Chinese New Year Good Luck Items

Kung Hee Fat Choy! This is the traditional greeting, meaning Happy New Year, that you will be greeted with as you peruse the streets of Chinatown during Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year begins according to the Georgian and lunar-solar calendar systems. Because the track of the new moon changes from year to year, Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid February. The celebration traditionally starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon, 15 days later. This year's Chinese New Year officially falls on February 3rd, but if you are in Honolulu, you can enjoy a month long celebration during the entire month of January.

2011 is the year of the rabbit. If you were born in the year 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 or 2011, you have extra cause to celebrate because this is your year!

Chinatown - Honolulu Hawaii

Chinese New Year celebrations center around tradition, family, friends, food and prosperity. In fact, more food is consumed during these celebrations than at any other time of the year. During this time, every meal, social event, religious ceremony and ingredient have superstitious value and meaning. From the day you visit friends and family to the day you stay at home, your prayers and offerings, the foods you eat and the color of clothing you wear, it is all believed to make a difference in your prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

Chinatown Storefront

Chinatown Sidewalk Wares

A few Chinese New Year Do's and Dont's:

Do: Have firecrackers ready to send out the old year and welcome in the new.

Do: Have every door and window in the house open at the stroke of midnight to let the old year out.

Do: Wear red clothing. Red is considered a bright and happy color sure to bring any wearer a sunny, bright future.

Do: Try a vegetarian dish called Jai on New Year's Day. It consists of many ingredients believed to usher in everything from male offspring to wealth and happiness.

Don't: Include tofu in your dishes. Because of it's white color it is considered unlucky and is associated with misfortune.

Don't: Wash your hair on New Year's Day because it could wash away good luck for the new year.

In case you want to have your Chinese friends over for dinner, here are some foods that will surely put you and them on the way to a prosperous and happy new year.

Present a whole fish. This represents togetherness and abundance.

Serve chicken as it represents prosperity. However I must caution you, it must have the head, tail and feet intact, as this symbolizes completeness.

And don't forget noodles! Make sure they are uncut as this represents a long life.

Lion Dance In Front Of The Hawaii Theatre

So whether you are Chinese or not, superstitious or not, you will be in the know, eating the right food, wearing the right colors and at the best celebrations if you join the fun! There are plenty of festivities on Honolulu's calendar of events to make sure you can celebrate all of the important gatherings. Lion dances, fireworks, art, and of course, plenty of food!

If you're in the neighborhood, be sure to check out the following:

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, January 14 & 15, and January 21 & 22
From 10am-10pm the United Chinese Coalition presents: Chinese New Year Festival

Chinatown Cultural Plaza. At this four-day event, food vendors provide a variety of Chinese and other Asian cuisine favorites. Exhibits and entertainment include feng shui presentations, arts and crafts vendors, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese fortune readings, and Chinese dancing and singing.

SATURDAY JANUARY 22, 5:00-10:00pm
Open to the public, tickets available by calling 533-3181
Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii presents: Coronation Ball

Hilton Hawaiian Village. At the Coronation Ball, the new Narcissus Queen is officially crowned with much pomp and grandeur as the Chinese Chamber celebrates the 62nd Anniversary of the Narcissus Festival. Former Chamber Presidents and Narcissus Queens will make a special appearance. Fantastic entertainment, beautiful setting, historic video, and a sumptuous banquet are in store.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Open to the public, Free
Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii presents: 62nd Annual Narcissus Festival and Choy Cheng, Traditional Lion Dance Blessing, and Chinatown Open House

In Chinatown and at Chinatown Cultural Plaza. The evening begins at 8 South King St. with the traditional Chinese lion dance blessing -- Choy Cheng. The Narcissus Queen and her court will visit Chinatown businesses and their patrons. Stores celebrate by lighting firecrackers and offering lisee (good luck money envelopes) to the dancing lions. Meanwhile, the Chinatown Open House celebration takes place at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza, with food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and entertainment.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Open to the public, Free
Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii hosts the Chinatown New Year Celebration

Chinatown Cultural Plaza. Food vendors provide an assortment of Chinese ethnic favorites, including jai (vegetarian monk’s food), gin doi (Chinese doughnut), gau (New Year pudding), and jook (rice soup). Entertainment includes ethnic dance troupes, local musical groups, and martial arts and weapons demonstrations.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 3:30– 5:30 pm
Open to the public, Free
Chinatown Merchants Association presents: Night in Chinatown Parade

The “Night In Chinatown” Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. on Hotel Street at the State Capitol and proceeds to Maunakea Street. Parade participants include Festival Queens and their courts, cultural organizations, kung fu martial artists, lion and dragon dance associations, including a special performance by a 150 foot dragon.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 9:00 am – 10:30 pm
Open to the public, Free
Chinatown Merchants Association presents: Night in Chinatown Festival

On Maunakea Street and Smith Street. This all-day block party features booths with home-cooked Asian food and traditional New Year’s arts and crafts, as well as, entertainment on two stages with martial arts, cultural demonstrations, and Chinese lion and dragon dance performances. Visit Keiki Land where there are activities for children of all ages, from inflatable rides to games. Join the Little Miss Chinatown activity and have an opportunity to participate in the parade. Also, special guests, including lion dance performances and other fun activities will occur throughout the day. Don’t miss this major opportunity to purchase special food or items to welcome the Lunar New Year!On Maunakea Street and Smith Street. This all-day block party features booths with home-cooked Asian food and traditional New Year’s arts and crafts, as well as, entertainment on two stages with martial arts, cultural demonstrations, and Chinese lion and dragon dance performances. Visit Keiki Land where there are activities for children of all ages, from inflatable rides to games. Join the Little Miss Chinatown activity and have an opportunity to participate in the parade. Also, special guests, including lion dance performances and other fun activities will occur throughout the day. Don’t miss this major opportunity to purchase special food or items to welcome the Lunar New Year!

Kung Hee Fat Choy! See you in Cinatown....