CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECIAL

 Chinese New Year, more commonly known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the biggest festivals in the Chinese culture. The Philippines celebrates it rather splendidly, but basically, it is observed mainly in China and other Chinese communities around the globe. Though the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, its people celebrate Chinese New Year with much enthusiasm, joining in traditions such as dragon dances, fireworks, and eating lucky foods. But why are Filipinos celebrating this holiday? This can be attributed to the country's long history of Chinese influence, love of festivities, and belief in good luck and prosperity.

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The history of Chinese influence in the Philippines is very much rooted in pre-colonial times, where Chinese merchants would trade goods with native Filipinos. With the passing of time, many Chinese immigrants stayed behind, intermarried with locals, and built their own communities in places like Binondo, officially considered the world's oldest Chinatown. Now, the Chinese-Filipino or Tsinoy community holds a very prominent position in business, politics, and culture of Philippine society today. As a result, many Chinese traditions, such as the Chinese New Year, also became part of Filipino fiestas. It was said that the Filipinos were very festive by nature; having some of the longest and most festive holidays in the world. They just love flocking together and sharing food and laughter with relatives and friends at any given day, from Christmas to local festivities. Chinese New Year gives another opportunity for Filipinos to celebrate, since the colorful parades, fireworks, and traditional foods like tikoy (sticky rice cake) and dumplings are attuned to their festive spirit. Even non-Chinese Filipinos join in the celebration, believing in its positive energy and communal joy.

The Filipinos celebrate Chinese New Year not only because the country has a strong Chinese influence but also because they are born lovers of festivities and naturally believe in luck and prosperity. Through the years, it has metamorphosed from a purely Chinese event to an occasion for merriment that many Filipinos have embraced regardless of their heritage. With the coming of Chinese New Year 2025, Filipinos will once again be open-armed, welcoming the event with food, family, and hopes of having a prosperous year.