Red: Luck and Love

    We Filipinos got used to having two New Year celebrations growing up that it all felt natural for us tocelebrate the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. Maybe you have wondered, "We're Filipinos, why do we celebrate Chinese New Year?" Chinese New Year is celebrated by Filipinos with or without Chinese roots because of the significant influence China has given to us. We are a country that has developed into what we are right now because of the influence of other cultures whether be it on food, beliefs, traditions, religion and other more. Just like in Christmas, you can already feel the atmosphere of the celebration once you start seeing decorations and that's how the Chinese New Year felt for me. Red lanterns, tikoys, red envelopes, dragon dances in the streets, those were the things that we were used to seeing during Chinese New Years. 

   Ever since we've had historical ties with China, Chinese immigrants have been part of our Filipino society for a long time now. That's how some people like me have chinese blood. And because of that, Filipinos have adapted the ways of the Chinese in different ways. Some of our favorite foods are actually from China such as lumpia, siopao, pansit, and tikoy. These foods are what has made us more connected to the Chinese culture thanks to their incredible sense of taste in foods.

    Another is the Chinese way to run a business. Chinese are very good with handling businesses, and it has impacted the Philippines in a way that Filipinos became Work-Oriented and passionate with their own businesses. But if you're not the business owner, you're still influenced by the Chinese culture becuase learning how to bargain and negotiate in markets are what we got used to. 

    Lastly, Chinese cultural values, such as respect for family and elders, have also left a deep impressionin the Filipino society. The Chinese emphasis on respecting and honoring one’s parents and ancestors resonates deeply with Filipino traditions. Many Filipino families, regardless of their Chinese heritage, adopt these values, which strengthens the close-knit family structure that is so central to Filipino life. The idea of valuing family, supporting one another, and showing respect to elders is something that has become second nature to Filipinos, influenced by Chinese customs that prioritize these bonds.    

    In conclusion, the celebration of Chinese New Year and the influence of Chinese culture on Filipino life is a testament to the richness of cultural exchange that has shaped our society. It reflects how we, as Filipinos, have embraced and integrated the best aspects of other cultures into our own, making our traditions and celebrations even more meaningful.

REFERENCE/S:

Why Chinese New Year is important for Filipinos. (2024). Manila Bulletin. Retrieved from https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/9/why-chinese-new-year-is-important-for-filipinos

                      Marie. (2025, January 28). Celebrating Chinese New Year: How Filipinos commemorate the annual affair. Retrieved from https://kubo.com.ph/celebrating-chinese-new-year-in-the-philippines/#newsletter

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, February 7). Chinese New Year | Summary, history, traditions, & facts. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year

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