Chinese Lunar New Year's Day in Philippines

Chinese Lunar New Year's Day in Philippines Chinese New Year is considered to be the most important festival for the Chinese community in the Philippines. It does not follow a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used in many countries. The celebration stretches to about 15 days with varied observations each day. Chinese parade dragon and Chinese fire crackers on left Chinese New Year is an festive occasion that is celebrated in countries such as the Philippines. ©iStockphoto.com/c-photo & Kameleon007 What Do People Do? Filipino-Chinese communities in the Philippines celebrate Chinese New Year every year in hope of attracting prosperity, closer family ties and peace. Most Filipino-Chinese families usually clean their homes thoroughly, prepare lucky money in red envelopes, serve sweet foods and display various food and fruits on a table, which is believed to invite good fortune. People also participate in parades and dragon dances that are organized in China Towns in different cities in the Philippines. Public Life Chinese New Year is not an official holiday in the Philippines so all establishments remain open. However, some streets in several China Towns in different cities may be closed to honor this celebration. Background Small Chinese communities existed in the Philippines since the Spanish regime, which lasted for more than 300 years dating back from the 16th century. As time progressed, the Chinese communities grew due to intermarriage among Filipino natives and other races, including the Chinese. As the population grew, so did the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration. Lawmakers have proposed to make the Chinese New Year a legal public holiday. However, there is still debate that adding another holiday in the Philippines could be detrimental to the economy due to the increasing holiday incentives. The Republic Act 9492 dictates that for every legal non-working holiday, all working establishments should give incentives or overtime pay to their employees. Symbols The mythological Chinese dragon is the main symbol of Chinese New Year. Other symbols include firecrackers that are believed to drive off bad luck and the Tikoy, a Chinese sticky sweet treat that symbolizes the attraction of good luck. About Chinese Lunar New Year's Day in other countries Read more about Chinese Lunar New Year's Day. Chinese Lunar New Year's Day Observances Note: During special days, the principle of "no work, no pay" applies and on such other special days as may be proclaimed as such by the President or by Congress.