New Year is coming . How to celebrate the New Year? A wonderful way to have a great time and arrange a grandiose and original holiday not only for adults, but also for children is to organize a holiday and party in the Chinese style.
A Chinese party is quite unusual, but at the same time easy to organize. China will bring a fair amount of exoticism and grace to your New Year's holiday. A Chinese-style New Year's party usually turns out to be very bright, colorful and, of course, memorable. So you haven't celebrated the New Year yet! By the way, a Chinese party can be organized not only for the New Year. Chinese style holiday can be used for children's and adult's birthdays and any other occasion.
Decorating a party room in Chinese style
The Chinese style is simple in that you don’t have to think long about where to get the props. How to elegantly decorate a room for a Chinese holiday:
Chinese lanterns are easy to make yourself, and they are sold very cheaply and almost everywhere. Hang them in a row on curtains or stretch a rope with lanterns suspended from it across the room.
Chinese red round thread lanterns can be made from thread yourself. You will need balloons, red threads, PVA glue. Dip the threads in glue and wrap them around the ball. When the threads dry well, pierce the ball and carefully pull it out. After which the spectacular red ball can be hung from the ceiling.
If you have Chinese fans, embroidered pillows, dishes with Chinese motifs, wind chimes - put them all to use. 2012 is the year of the Black Water Dragon , so azure, bright blue, green, and red colors may predominate in clothing and interiors, in obligatory combination with black, silver or gold.
It will be great if you get a wall panel with a Chinese dragon or draw it yourself on a large sheet of whatman paper. You can also print out the Dragon from the Internet and simply color it with bright colored gouache with your child. You can also buy garlands with dragons and hang them in your room or decorate the New Year tree.
Write large Chinese characters and pin the sheets to the curtains and walls.
If you have a bonsai or money tree, dress it up too, with small red Christmas decorations and gold-wrapped candies.
Invitations
Initially, it is necessary to accurately determine the circle of selected guests who will be able to attend such a unique event. Such calculations will be useful for preparing invitation leaflets. You can use the ancient Chinese custom of giving money in beautiful red envelopes during the holidays. But instead of money, you need to put an invitation leaflet in those cute envelopes that are sold in post offices or gift shops.
The date of the party must be indicated; you can write the address and time when guests should arrive for the holiday. The inscriptions can be in Chinese, which will add beauty and originality to them, but there must be a translation, because it is unlikely that all friends are such fans of this culture that they know Chinese perfectly.
If you don’t have many friends, and you want to express yourself, you can make invitation cards with your own hands. To do this, they sew a pocket of black satin, measuring 15 by 15, and in the middle you need to glue an insert first made of green satin, and after the glue dries - from crimson. The first strip should be about 7 centimeters wide, and the second - 5. After this, the structure is secured with a piece of twine with metal buttons threaded into it. Everything should resemble a case for a tablet, inside of which the invitation letter itself will be located.
An aged papyrus paper style would be suitable for this type of invitation. You must write down all the necessary information: from the time and date of the event to the required attributes and style of outfits. You can give it in person or send it by mail for even more fun.
What to wear to a Chinese party?
If you want to support the style of a Chinese party , then dress up in kimonos or painted robes with dragons and Chinese motifs, clothes and blouses stylized as national Chinese clothing. Chinese styles, by the way, are now in fashion, and you can wear such an outfit more than once. If not, then just follow the Black Dragon color scheme , as recommended by Feng Shui experts. Your outfit can have several combination options, the obligatory ones being: black, one bright (red, blue, green) and one shiny (gold or silver). That is, your New Year's ensemble can have a range of colors: “black-blue-silver”, “black-red-gold”, etc.
Don't forget about Chinese music . If Chinese folk tunes seem too intense for your ears, choose stylized “ethnic” melodies.
The Legend of the Nian Monster
For several thousand years, residents of the country have observed the cult and traditions associated with the celebration of the new year. It is always fun, colorful processions through the streets, meeting loved ones and eating food at the festive table. Each year in the Chinese calendar corresponds to a specific animal talisman. In 2022, the Chinese will celebrate the Year of the Blue Water Tiger on February 1st.
Historians associate the appearance of the holiday with the period of the Shang Dynasty. An amazing legend dates back to those times, which the Chinese remember every time they gather around the table.
One settlement was kept in fear and ravaged by the sea monster Nian. Periodically, it emerged from the abyss and exterminated all life in the village, killed livestock, people, and burned houses. The unfortunate residents tried to hide in the mountains in a timely manner. One day a stranger knocked on the house of an old woman and asked to stay for the night. She did not even think of driving the traveler away, but advised him not to stay, because the monster was soon to come. But the man was not afraid. When all the residents went to the mountains, he locked himself in the house. The monster approached the building, and suddenly a red light came on in the windows, illuminating the walls and door, painted in the same color, and explosions of firecrackers, noise and laughter were heard from inside. The monster got scared and left these places forever.
Since then, the rescued residents began to celebrate the day when the stranger delivered them from many years of tyranny and ruin. The way the Chinese celebrate New Year is neither a modest nor a calm affair.
A lot of noise, huge columns of people in bright costumes and masks, explosions of fireworks, firecrackers, firecrackers, the roar of drums and certainly a lot, a lot of red color in all this surroundings. People wear red clothes, carry red dragons and balls in their hands, and hang special red stickers on the doors of their houses. Residents of the Celestial Empire believe that where there is red, there is no place for poverty, failure, or sorrow.
What to cook for a Chinese-style party?
Again, it all depends on whether you follow the Chinese party or not. But a couple of oriental dishes should still be on your holiday table. You can combine Chinese traditions with Japanese cuisine, prepare sushi and rolls, serve rice with deep-fried vegetables, pieces of meat or seafood. Make several sauces for your dishes; the Chinese and Japanese always dip each piece of food in the sauce. Do not serve forks, but teach all guests to use chopsticks. For dessert, you can make a sweet creamy sauce for children and serve chopped fruit, which kids will surely love to string on a stick and dip in the sauce.
Music
Chinese motifs will help create a more believable atmosphere, which is best included in an unobtrusive background that will not interfere with a casual conversation. But if they make you sad or are simply not perceived very well, you can replace them with something more modern, for example, get to know current performers from this country.
How to entertain guests at a party?
If you have the right equipment, you can even broadcast Chinese films or excerpts from them. And so that guests don’t get too bored, hold a few fun competitions.
Unite those present into two teams and place in front of them two plates with chopped vegetables or pasta or something else. Then, at the other end of the room, place two empty vessels, and offer to quickly move the products from the first vessels to the second, using only chopsticks. You can turn on some fun music to boost your morale.
Wander around the Internet a little and find Chinese symbols that will indicate some good wishes, and invite guests to practice calligraphy, again using only the same sticks and paints. They can then take all these good wishes with them and make them their talismans.
You can even arrange some kind of fortune-telling using the “Book of Changes”, or bake special cookies with wishes for something good.
To end this fun party on a pleasant and rosy note, you can launch fire lanterns into the sky, and with them make your most secret and desired wish so that it will surely come true. And at parting, give the guests purely symbolic coins for good luck, so that they bring them happiness.
In the spirit of gangster Chicago
Hats, Thompson machine guns, feather boas, clusters of pearl beads, boots, cigars, elite alcohol, gambling - the evening will be truly unforgettable. You can plunge headlong into the retro atmosphere of the 20s and 30s in America.
Dress code for sophisticated ladies:
- fitted short knee-length dresses;
- pearl beads below the belt;
- feather headband;
- fishnet stockings;
- fur boa;
- mid-heeled shoes.
Dress code for real gangsters:
- Borsalino hat;
- elegant suit;
- cufflinks;
- tie or scarf;
- striped shirt;
- patent leather shoes;
- submachine gun;
- cigar.
Main decor colors: black, white, red, gold, silver. The room where the celebration will take place can be decorated in the style of a casino. Main attributes: cards, roulette, poker chips. It’s a good idea for each participant to come up with a cool nickname for themselves. For example, “Beautiful Mary”, “Big Jim”.
Alcoholic drinks must also be designated by “nicknames”: milk, mineral water, apple juice. The event will take place during Prohibition, when alcohol was prohibited. However, for adventurers and adventurers, who were gangsters, the law is not written.
Entertainment
At a Chinese-themed party, you don't have to sit around looking like "I'm Confucius." Of course, at home, in the presence of elders, these are emphatically polite, modest people. But when it comes to recreation for young people among their peers!..
For relaxation and a tea ceremony, download Chinese folk music, and competitions will go well with modern “pop” songs. It's crazy, but a lot of fun!
The correct scenario for a Chinese-style party is based on a constant change of all kinds of competitions and entertainment. First of all, these are dominoes and dice, which are found in literally every cafe/house
. There are dozens of varieties of domino/dice games (include 2-3 in the scenario), the rules are simple (available on the Internet). For example, tóuzi:
Two dice, any number of players. Someone shakes the glass, puts it upside down on the table, and the guests name arbitrary numbers. The one who is least close to the dropped value is eliminated or drinks a penalty.
Jenga is appropriate - an English game, but they love it very much (a tower made of planks, you need to take it out from the bottom and put it on top). And not a single big party takes place without singing karaoke, and our “Good Night”, “Kalinka”, etc. are often sung. - funny. Try to sing these songs with a Chinese accent, award the winner. You can also include competitions in the party scenario:
Kiss with chopsticks
Guests form two chains (or however many teams there are) and compete for speed. Give everyone a match or a toothpick, and the first in line - a ring. Toothpicks are held in the mouth, passing the ring along the chain (you cannot use your hands).
Feed the heron
You can do it in teams or everyone for themselves. The goal is to carry the grape to the finish line with chopsticks before your opponents. If the guests are “advanced”, you can jump on one leg or build obstacles. At the finish there is a bowl with a heron design, and the grapes are green (frogs).
Dragon flight
Fan dance
Give the guests one feather and large fans ≈30 cm (cut from wallpaper and folded like an accordion). The goal is to wave the fan without the feather falling to the floor. Did it fall? Once you're eliminated, there will only be one left who deserves a present!
Quiz
Come up with something absurd, mix it with reliable facts and let guests guess whether it was true or not. Is it true that in China (it's all true):
- every third pair of socks in the world is made
- there are clinics for Internet addicts
- Reincarnation without official registration is prohibited. government permission
- 50% of all pigs in the world live
- eggs are sold by weight
- make fake chicken eggs
- more English speaking people than in America.
End the holiday by releasing lanterns into the sky or water - a beautiful custom that brings good luck
. Gifts in the Chinese style to remember the theme party: tea, Feng Shui souvenirs, books of the sages, Chinese painting or porcelain, wind chimes.
Organizing a Chinese-style party is an ideal option for fans of the aromas and tastes of the Middle Kingdom. Oriental style guarantees an original and memorable holiday!
A Chinese-style party can be timed to coincide with almost any event. Chinese culture is very diverse, so you don’t have to worry about following any specific rules and feel free to choose only those elements that are suitable for each individual case. The result will be a real oriental party!
Suits
White face, chopsticks in hair and kimono - this is more like Japan. For some reason, many people recommend such costumes for a Chinese party. Apparently, the national clothing of Hanfu is mistaken for a kimono: an undershirt, a skirt and a “robe” with a wrap from left to right. This is an incredibly beautiful, feminine, and most importantly comfortable outfit, unlike a kimono - chic for a Chinese-style party!
The zhuqun “sarafan” looks cute and original. By the way, it is easy to sew with your own hands - a shirt, over which is something like a loose skirt, “stretched” above the chest. Often the “skirt” is tied above/under the bust with a ribbon with a bow in the front – a lovely look! An addition can be a cape-robe or a wide scarf, but this is not necessary.
And finally, the familiar and beloved qipao (cheongsam) dress. These are completely modern clothes, fashionable everywhere: a tailored cut, a stand-up collar, a slit for easy walking, any length.
You'll be surprised at how inexpensive options there are for all of the clothing listed above online! Of course, not made from natural Chinese silk, but for a party the quality is more than up to par. The main thing is to convey this information to your guests if you are planning a costume party.
To complete the look, do your makeup and hair in a Chinese style. Gently pull your hair up and decorate with a comb or flower. Eyebrows should look natural and well-groomed, there is a minimum of shadows, lips are juicy (but not vulgar). You can carefully draw an arrow to imitate the Asian shape of the eyes.
For men, there are also many options for national costumes (men's Hanfu, qipao, etc.), but not everyone feels confident in such clothes. It is better to limit yourself to ordinary trousers + a Chinese-style shirt, with a stand and loops instead of buttons. Comfortable and completely in line with the theme of the evening!
Want to celebrate New Year the Chinese way?
Spring Day is a great opportunity for Europeans to celebrate the New Year twice. Travel agencies offer a variety of tours to China during the holiday weeks, but it is not at all necessary to go to Beijing. In the British capital these days, more than half a million people go to Chinatown to take part in noisy and colorful national festivities.
And according to statistics, throughout the world, more than one fifth of the entire population celebrates the Chinese New Year, observing traditions. You can feel the atmosphere of an unusual holiday in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia.
Decor
Of course, red should dominate the design, because in China it is considered a symbol of happiness. If possible, organize a reception in the garden: red lanterns will create a great contrast with the surrounding greenery. If the party will be held indoors, light incense sticks or use essential oils. Decorate the room with decorative wooden barrels or Chinese bells. All these attributes can be easily ordered online.
If possible, have a garden party.
Chicago style - history
This direction originates in the 20-30s of the last century. At that time, a “prohibition” law was adopted in America - a ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Then all places of entertainment - clubs, casinos - were closed. However, young people did not agree with such rules, so “underground” bars and cabarets began to appear. Such establishments had their own dress code, implying attractiveness, shockingness, and catchiness. Girls began to shorten long hemlines and decorate their clothes with sparkling and even provocative decor.
One of the most current outfits was a dress with fringe in the Chicago style. During the day and in everyday life, such outfits were strictly prohibited, and only the most determined and desperate fashionistas took to the streets in such images. But often such ideas were immediately suppressed by the police. Evening combinations were fundamentally different from everyday ones, but such outfits and entertainment in general could only be afforded by wealthy people.
Preparation for the holiday
You need to carefully prepare for the fun so as not to forget about a single symbol and observe all the traditions. Residents must clean up their houses and apartments. It is believed that you need to get rid of old, unused things, restore cleanliness and order in order to let in positive energy.
The holiday lasts two weeks, and cleaning during this time is considered a bad omen, and those who break the tradition will lose their happiness.
On the door, the Chinese hang red cloth and pictures with the hieroglyph “Fu” in gold decoration. Housewives place images of the “sweet God” in the most visible place in the kitchen, whose lips are constantly coated with honey and sugar syrup.
The walls of the house are also transformed. Red garlands and lanterns are hung on them. The Chinese replace the traditional Christmas tree for Europeans with the Tree of Light, which is also lavishly decorated. Housewives plan the holiday menu in advance and prepare ingredients for traditional dishes.
Return gifts in Japan
Giving a gift in return for a gift is a mandatory rule. It is a sign of good manners if you send a return gift to O-Tyugen and O-Seibo as soon as possible. In most cases, return gifts are prepared in advance. For example, all guests who come to a wedding are given hikidemono - small gifts in honor of attending the event.
If you visited someone during illness, then after recovery I will send you a kaikiiwai - in gratitude for your care and attention, and also as a notification that the person has recovered. Uchiiwai - gifts for gifts in honor of the birth of a child, Kodengaeshi - gratitude for compensation for incense
When traveling to Japan, don't be afraid to make the mistake of violating gift-giving etiquette. The Japanese are very lenient towards residents of other countries who make mistakes in complex national rituals.
Menu, serving
For a themed party, there is no need to decorate the table in a hippie style! Of course, if you are interested in authenticity. And you can get rid of the table by replacing it with a covered “clearing”, as if you were on a picnic. In nature, it’s especially not worth having a lavish feast - hippies ate modestly, considering gluttony unworthy of their culture (or maybe there was simply not always enough money?).
If there is a table, then cover it with a linen tablecloth. Arrange wild flowers, clay dishes, assorted vases, and metal containers. One should get the impression that the dishes were collected here and there, from each “one by one”. Disposable tableware is appropriate, but it must be cardboard - plastic is harmful to the Earth.
Hippies love to create things with their own hands. For example, you can give a second life to vinyl plastics - atmospheric decor:
On the other hand, we are talking about a party. Therefore, literally anything can be decorated in hippie style! It will turn out crazy bright, especially if you buy more of everything. Sets of dishes, balls, tablecloths, straws, cards for decorating dishes, stickers - everything is available in stores for organizing parties.
There's no need to rack your brains over the menu. Gourmet dishes and gastronomic masterpieces are not the style of flower children. Simple ideas:
hippie menu - natural food, lots of vegetables and fruits, any drinks. Everything is original, even rustic;
serving as if you were in nature - in large common plates, on trays (slides, rows);
put sweets in bright candy wrappers in transparent jars, decorate the dishes with hemp leaves (faux);
hot dishes and salads can be served directly from the pan;
come up with names for some treats, make signs: “Rainbow mood”, “Don’t be sad - crunch!”, “May contain traces of prohibited substances”;
For a birthday, order a hippie-style cake - a delicious surprise for the birthday boy and all the guests!
