“Cock-a-doodle-do”! It’s time to celebrate the Year of The Rooster. If you are new to Singapore and wanted to know what’s in for this New Year traditions and rituals, here are some typical traditions to make sure you’re in the know.

New Year’s Eve reunion dinner (Jan 27, 2017)

The New Year’s Eve reunion dinner (falls on January 27) is the most important dinner for the Chinese where family get-together to indulge in a sumptuous spread of dishes or steamboat. Some families prefer to have the New Year's Eve dinner at home while some prefer to have it at a restaurant to reduce the hassle of washing and cleaning. 

New Year Markets (Flower market)

Lunar New Year market usually setup to sell New Year goodies, such as New Year flowers (narcissus, kumquat and peach blossoms), festive decorations, and goods related to the Lunar New Year. This year you will see a lot of rooster related goodies. 

Fireworks 

Stepping into the first day of the New Year, people will set off firecrackers and fireworks to drive away evil spirits and legend of the beast. 

New Year’s greetings and red packets 

On the first day of the New Year, younger generation will greet the elders. You must first say "Kung Hei Fat Choi", and then say other congratulations. Married couples will give red packets to single people. The money in the red packet is believed to cast away evil and keep the children healthy. The common activities during Chinese New Year are mahjong and gambling games.   

Tips during first day of Chinese New Year 

Do not sweep the floor with any types of broom on the first day of Chinese New Year as it will sweep off your good lucks away. You may use a cloth to wipe away the dirt on the New Year's day, the floor may be swept the next day.