Bigelow Tea Celebrates the Year of the Tiger! – February 14, 2010
Thursday, 11 February 2010 by Heather
Image Courtesy of Visitourchina.com
Bigelow Tea is delighted to help usher in the Chinese New Year, which this year commences with the New Moon on February14th, and ends with the Full Moon, fifteen days later. We love celebrations! And, in Chinese culture, this is the most festive of holidays.
The dates of Chinese New Year, and other traditional Chinese holidays, are determined by the lunar calendar which is based on the phases of the moon. Since the moon has a shorter cycle than the sun, Chinese New Year never falls on the same day, although it typically takes place somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. Each Chinese New Year is symbolized by a zodiac animal; we are quickly approaching the Year of the Tiger!
Image Courtesy of Chinapictures.org
As with any major holiday, there’s a lot of preparation that takes place before the New Year. According to Chinese tradition, New Year’s Eve and Day are celebrated with family gatherings as a time of reunion and thanks, and paying tribute to family.
This communal New Year’s Eve feast, known as “surrounding the stove” or “weilu,” symbolizes family unity and is arranged in honor of both present and departed generations. Dishes include traditional Chinese New Year’s delicacies like dumplings, fish, spring rolls and Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake) and – of course – plenty of tea! Extravagant decorations add a burst of color to the festivities, which conclude with a spectacular finale known as the Festival of the Lanterns.
As we drink some smooth Bigelow® Chinese Oolong Tea in honor of Chinese New Year, we hope that the Year of the Tiger will bring many blessings, much joy and good health to all!
Cheers!
(gān bēi, “dry glass”)!