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Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important holiday in China.
As one of the two Golden Weeks in China, it is also the biggest travel boom of the year, whereby many high net worth Chinese are increasingly favouring overseas travel during this weeklong holiday.
The Year of the Goat kicks off on 19 February 2015, but tons of Chinese are already travelling or just about to jet off to the travel destination of their choice. For property agents and brokers, where they go is vital to note.
Many rich Chinese take advantage of Golden Week to combine family reunion and vacation – as well as property hunting!
Savvy agents, or long-time followers of Juwai, would already know of the golden opportunity (pardon the pun) that Golden Week presents, and would have already prepared themselves to greet the wave of Chinese buyers set to arrive in their respective countries.
From a cultural aspect, though, what else can you do to start the Year of the Goat right? Here are some Chinese New Year traditions to try:
Having your home spic and span for the Lunar New Year is a must-do in Chinese culture.
For days (or weeks) before Chinese New Year, every nook and cranny of the home is dusted and cleaned, while old and broken items are discarded or given away to the needy.
Chinese religiously observe this custom, as it is believed to sweep away old and stagnant Chi (energy flow), thus allowing new and positive Chi to flow into your home to ensure a better year ahead.
It’s important to note, though, that all frenetic cleaning must stop by the eve of Chinese New Year. This is because many Chinese believe that sweeping the floor or disposing of garbage on Day 1 will sweep away luck, and cast riches out of the door!
A popular custom during Chinese New Year is to greet one another with auspicious sayings as a simple way of spreading fortune, goodwill, and festive cheer.
Beyond the traditional phrases of “Xin Nián Kuài Lè” (æ–°å¹´å¿«ä¹), Chinese people will say things like “GÅng XÇ FÄ Cái” (æå–œå‘è´¢), which means “Wishing you prosperity and fortune”!
This Year of the Goat, here are some more popular auspicious phrases you can use to start your year right with your Chinese buyers:
What you eat during the Lunar New Year is very important for Chinese, who believe eating certain foods with symbolic meanings will usher in an auspicious start for the New Year.
This Year of the Goat, bring prosperity, luck, health and wealth by eating these lucky foods!
The Tray of Togetherness or "Cuán Hé" (æ”’ç›’) is another must-have during the Lunar New Year. This Chinese candy box – with (usually) 8 compartments – is filled with candies and traditional treats to symbolise a sweet and rich year ahead.
Traditionally reserved as snacks when relatives and guests come a calling, the Tray of Togetherness is also a meaningful gift full of sincere well-wishes during Chinese New Year – perfect for your Chinese customers this Year of the Goat!
Usher in prosperity, luck, and health with a Tray of Togetherness filled with any of these following nibbles:
What you wear is crucial, particularly for the first day of Chinese New Year. Red clothing is best, as Chinese consider red to be the colour of wealth, luck, happiness, and prosperity.
If red is not your colour, go for any brightly coloured clothes that gives off a happy, positive vibe, such as pink, yellow, and orange.
Most importantly, all white or black clothing should be avoided at all costs during this festive period. These are the traditional colours for mourning for Chinese, so it’s a big taboo and cultural faux pas!
Fun tip: Some Chinese believe wearing red underwear will help ward off bad luck and dangers that may befall you, especially if your Chinese zodiac predicts an unlucky year ahead. We can’t guarantee its efficacy, though, but it’s worth a try!
Last but not least, if you haven't already, don’t forget to check out your fortune for the Year of the Goat! “GÅng XÇ FÄ Cái” and here’s wishing you luck and success with Chinese buyers this Golden Week!
We’re working throughout the holidays for you! If you need to reach us at customer support, we're available via email and phone except on 19 February 2015.