买年货 special purchases for the Spring Festival ; do Spring Festivalshopping
敬酒 propose a toast
灯笼 lantern: a portable light
烟花 fireworks
爆竹 firecrackers (People scare off evil spirits and ghosts with the loudpop.)
红包 red packets (cash wrapped up in red paper, symbolize fortune and wealthin the coming
year.)
舞狮 lion dance (The lion is believed to be able to dispel evil and bringgood luck.)
舞龙 dragon dance (to expect good weather and good harvests)
戏曲 traditional opera
杂耍 variety show; vaudeville
灯谜 riddles written on lanterns
灯会 exhibit of lanterns
守岁 staying-up
拜年 pay New Year's call; give New Year's greetings; New Year's visit
禁忌 taboo
去晦气 get rid of the ill- fortune
祭祖宗 offer sacrifices to one's ancestors
压岁钱 gift money; money given to children as a lunar New Year gift
Culture Note: In the old days, New Year's money was given in the form ofone hundred copper coins strung together on a red string and symbolized the hopethat one would live to be a hundred years old. Today, money is placed inside redenvelopes in denominations considered auspicious and given to represent luck andwealth
辞旧岁 bid farewell to the old year
扫房 spring cleaning; general house-cleaning
Blessing:
Treasures fill the home Business flourishes Peace all year round Wishingyou prosperity