February feels Festive: Celebrate Chinese New Year with Mackenzie

By mtc Blog, General, Products 0 Comments

Chinese New Year with MacKenzie Leather

February is a big month of festivities. And here at Mackenzie, we know the importance of celebration at this time. We’re offering a special treat to perk up this Wintery month, transforming the daily blues into fiery, vibrant Red – join us as we celebrate both St Valentine and the Chinese New Year during a colourful month of cheer.

In October 2020 we welcomed our newest member to the Mackenzie team, our Chinese Social Media Ambassador, Gillian Zhihong Dong. This month marks the celebration of an important festival on the traditional Chinese calendar – the Chinese New Year. We asked Gillian to share more details of this significant event, as we prepare to celebrate with our customers all around the globe.

When is the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese people. For the Chinese, the New Year comes with the first day of the First Moon (lunar calendar Jan 1st). This year is Ox year, it will start from our solar calendar Feb 12th to Feb 26th (the finally day is Lantern Festival).

What are some of the Chinese New Year traditions?

People get ready for the holiday for fifteen days. Finally, at midnight it is the first day of the First Moon. People close the shops and the streets are empty. Everyone locks the doors and stays at home – quite fitting for this year!

It is an important time for the family. The younger people bow to the older people. The Chinese call this Ke Tou. This means “to touch the ground with the forehead.” Then the younger people wish the older people a Happy New Year. The older people give children gifts of money inside red envelopes. The family then goes to sleep.

In the morning, people dress in their best or new clothes. Some people stay at home, others go out to pay a New Year Greetings. They are very polite and do not use bad words. It’s the most important day of the year.

The celebration lasts for 15 magical days full of family togetherness, delicious food and good fortune.

What animal is symbolised this year, and why?

Every Chinese New Year is always represented by one of twelve animals and the Chinese Zodiac chosen by the Jade Emperor centuries and centuries ago.

According to legend, a long time ago in China the Jade Emperor held a great race, the first twelve animals to reach the palace would be the winners. And they would each get a year named after them in their honour. (in order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, pig.)

Normally, whoever is celebrating their own birth year, they may get a special item to wear. So those born on this Ox year may wear red – underwear, socks, belts! Mackenzie have a great selection of handmade leather belts, available in our beautiful and rich Red Saddle Hide, that would make the perfect gift for someone celebrating their Ox year!

Why should we celebrate with the colour Red?

In Chinese culture the colour red symbolises luck, and in order to receive the red envelopes, well wishes must be given to the elders. Money is inside each envelope to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

During all 15 days of Chinese New Year, it is a time to reflect on the pasting year and celebrate the future.

The Lantern Festival (this year celebrate on Fed 26th) when thousands of bright lanterns glow in the night to bring good fortune to all. No matter where you live you can join the festivities, whether it’s one reunion dinner with your family or 15 days of celebrating togetherness.

Chinese New Year is open to everyone.

With that in mind, we’re delighted to offer 15% off the entire Mackenzie collection for the duration of this years Chinese New Year! Browse our pick of the best and brightest signature Red products carved on our bench – perfect for a gift to the Ox in your life, or as a treat to yourself.

Not forgetting of course one other reason to celebrate with sumptuous shades of Red this month – we welcome St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th. The perfect time to share a little more love this winter, and celebrate with the ones who mean the most.