Happy New Year!

The Year of the Rat on the Chinese calendar began on January 25, 2020.

Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.

The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and displays of festive decorations. All of these traditions are focused on bringing good luck for the New Year and celebrating the coming of Spring.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year it is customary to visit with relatives and partake in a large dinner where a number of specific foods are served.

It is a traditional practice for adults to give children little red envelopes–hong bao in Mandarin or lai-see in Cantonese–filled with money in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year.

Chinese New Year is filled with so many traditions. It’s always interesting to learn about the traditions of other cultures. My grand kids receive red envelopes each year!

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Chinese communities around the world and across the U.S. will wish their families and friends a happy and prosperous Year of the Rat. Did you know that one in every six people in the world celebrates the holiday?

We don’t know what Clay Aiken is doing this year for Chinese New Year, but if he is home in Raleigh, he will have many different things to do to celebrate the exciting holiday! Whatever he does today, wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf…oh…and don’ forget your umbrella. According to the weatherman, it might rain!

So…Mr. Aiken…We would love it if you  posted an instagram or tweet as you celebrate The Year of The Rat. 

If you do, the world will shine a bit brighter with lots of smiles! 

And most of all have fun!

“Gung Hay Fat Choy.”

Translation: “Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year.”