Chinese New Year in Singapore is that magical time when everyone suddenly becomes very punctual about family time, very generous with snacks, and very stressed about outfits. Even if you’re not super “pantang” (superstitious), chances are you still do a bunch of CNY traditions without thinking—because… that’s just how it’s done.

But if you’ve ever wondered why we do certain things (like why mandarin oranges are basically our visiting currency), here’s a handy guide to the most common CNY traditions in SG—what to do, and what it means.

Quick note: Traditions vary by dialect group and family. Your ah ma’s rules may be different from your friend’s—both can be “correct”.

1) Bring Mandarin Oranges When Visiting (and Why It’s Usually Two)

What we do: When we visit relatives or friends during bai nian (house visiting), we bring mandarin oranges—often two.

Why it’s a thing:

• Mandarin oranges are associated with prosperity and good fortune. The bright gold colour symbolises wealth (like “gold” energy).

• Giving oranges is also a symbolic way of wishing someone a sweet, auspicious year.

• The “two oranges” practice ties to the idea of good things in pairs—a double blessing, not lonely-lonely.

SG reality check: If you show up empty-handed, the aunties will still smile. But their eyes will say: “Next time remember ah.”

Pro tip: When you receive oranges, many families will return two oranges to you as you leave—so the good luck goes both ways.

2) Reunion Dinner (团圆饭): The “Everyone Must Show Up” Meal

What we do: The night before Day 1, families gather for a reunion dinner—home-cooked or restaurant, but the vibe is: “Tonight cannot escape.”

Why it’s a thing:
Reunion dinner symbolises togetherness, unity, and a fresh start. It’s the big annual “roll call” where family bonds are reaffirmed—food is the love language.

SG twist: It’s also the night where you mentally prepare answers to:

• “Work okay or not?”

• “When you getting married?”

• “Your cousin got promoted…”

3) Lohei / Yusheng Toss: Why We Throw Food and Shout

What we do: We toss yusheng high while saying auspicious phrases (and accidentally flinging plum sauce onto someone’s sleeve).

Why it’s a thing:

• The fish (鱼 / yú) sounds like “surplus” (余 / yú), so yusheng is linked to abundance.

• Tossing higher is believed to symbolise rising luck and success.

SG/Malaysia thing: Lohei is especially popular in Singapore and Malaysia—very modern, very us, very loud.

Pro tip: If you’re hosting, put down newspaper or a table mat. If not… just accept your fate.

4) Ang Bao: Why We Give Red Packets (and Why Red)

What we do: Married adults typically give ang bao to kids and unmarried younger relatives (and sometimes to elders, depending on family).

Why it’s a thing:

• Red is linked to auspiciousness, protection, and joy—a colour that “wards off bad vibes”.

• Ang bao represents a blessing more than a “payment”. It’s like saying: “Here’s some luck for your year ahead.”

Modern SG update: Cashless ang bao and PayNow/QR gifting are becoming more common, but the meaning stays: give blessings, not stress.

Small etiquette note: Many avoid giving amounts with 4 (sounds like “death” in Chinese), and prefer 8 for prosperity vibes.

5) Spring Cleaning Before CNY: Why Must Clean Until Like Moving House

What we do: We deep clean the house before CNY—sweep, mop, clear clutter, throw out old stuff, wipe fans… the whole kampung.

Why it’s a thing:
Spring cleaning symbolises clearing away bad luck and making space for good fortune. It’s like a reset button for your home—and your life.

SG reality: It’s also why everyone is suddenly buying storage boxes and debating whether to keep that chair from 2009.

6) Why Some People Avoid Sweeping on Day 1

What we do: Some families avoid sweeping/mopping on the first day (or they sweep inwards).

Why it’s a thing:
The belief is you might “sweep away” incoming good luck. So the cleaning is done before the new year begins—then you “protect” the luck after.

Compromise move: If you really need to clean (kids, pets, pineapple tart crumbs everywhere), some families sweep towards the centre, not out the door.

7) Wear Red (But Avoid Black/White): The Outfit Logic

What we do: Wear red, bright colours, floral patterns, or anything “festive”. Many avoid black or white on Day 1.

Why it’s a thing:
Red and bright colours symbolise joy, luck, celebration. Black/white are often associated with mourning in many Chinese contexts, so families avoid those colours during the “start of the year” vibe.

SG fashion hack: If you’re not a red person, go for burgundy, coral, or a red accessory. Still festive without feeling like a walking ang bao.

8) Saying Auspicious Phrases (and Avoiding “Unlucky” Words)

What we do: “Gong xi fa cai”, “xin nian kuai le”, “huat ah”, plus dialect blessings. Some families avoid saying negative things on Day 1.

Why it’s a thing:
Words are believed to set the tone for the year. So CNY becomes a time where people consciously speak positivity—almost like verbal manifestation, but traditional.

SG relatable: The moment someone says something “unlucky” and everyone goes:
“Aiyoh don’t say that!” 🙃

9) Visiting Elders First: The Order Matters

What we do: Usually visit elders and senior relatives first during bai nian.

Why it’s a thing:
It’s a respect and hierarchy tradition—starting the year by honouring seniors, wishing them health and longevity.

SG logistics: This is also why your CNY schedule looks like an MRT map—east side, then west side, then someone says “Eh we go my friend’s house can?” and you just… die inside.

10) Snacks and Sweets: Why It’s Always “Sweet Sweet” Things

What we do: Serve pineapple tarts, love letters, kueh bangkit, candied treats, and loads of snacks.

Why it’s a thing:
Sweet foods symbolise a sweet year, good relationships, and pleasant vibes. Sharing snacks also signals hospitality: “You come my house, you won’t leave hungry.”

SG truth: The snack table is also where you silently judge:

• “Wah, they got premium bak kwa.”

• “This pineapple tart is legit.”

11) Keep Things Unbroken: Why People Panic Over Dropped Plates

What we do: Some families avoid breaking items (plates, cups) and avoid words like “break”.

Why it’s a thing:
Breaking things can symbolise broken luck or fractured relationships—so people try to keep the start of the year smooth.

If it happens: Some families counter it by saying auspicious phrases to “neutralise” the moment. (Every household has their own script.)

12) Staying Up Late / “守岁”: Why Some People Don’t Sleep Early

What we do: Some families stay up late on CNY eve, chatting, snacking, watching TV, playing games.

Why it’s a thing:
Traditionally it’s linked to “seeing the year out” and welcoming the new one—staying up is a symbolic show of good health and longevity (and also… family bonding).

Modern SG version: Mahjong, cards, visiting, or falling asleep on the sofa with the TV still on.

A Simple “Do This” Checklist for CNY (Beginner-Friendly)

If you want to participate without memorising 100 rules, this is enough:

• ✅ Clean the house before CNY

• ✅ Wear something bright/red-ish

• ✅ Bring two mandarin oranges when visiting

• ✅ Greet elders, wish good things

• ✅ If giving ang bao, do it with a blessing mindset

• ✅ Join lohei with enthusiasm (and aim away from people)

 

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