Manila’s Chinatown, Binondo, is considered the oldest Chinatown in the world, founded by the Spanish colonizers in the late 16th century. It is still the cultural and commercial center of the Chinese community in the Philippines. Narrow streets like Ongpin Street are filled with authentic Chinese restaurants, jewelry stores, herbalist shops, and bustling commerce most of the year.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important event in the Chinese calendar, falling between January 21 and February 20. Binondo really comes alive during this time.
The Red color is dominant everywhere to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck. Streets, houses, and shops are decorated with red lanterns, posters, and symbols of good luck. Spectacular dragon and lion dance parades take place in the heart of the district, with loud noises and drumming to ward off bad luck.
The foods eaten during this time symbolize prosperity and long life, such as tikoy (sticky rice cake) or long noodles.
The large amount of coins (or objects representing money) seen during Chinese New Year symbolizes the desire to attract prosperity, wealth and abundance. This is reflected in several traditions. The most important is the gift of money in red envelopes (ang-pao or hong-bao). Older people give money to children and young people, wishing them luck and blessings for the new year. Although this typically involves banknotes, the gift-giving ritual itself celebrates the luck surrounding money. Talismans, amulets and ornaments that depict coins (often replicas of old Chinese coins), possibly strung on red silk cords (e.g., a mystic knot), are available in markets and shops. These are placed in homes, offices or shops to attract “gold” and endless abundance.
Money, wealth, and prosperity are inextricably linked to the Lunar New Year in Chinese culture, as a symbol of renewal and a wish for success in the coming year
