Tomorrow is the official start of the Chinese New Year celebration. This is one of the most important and significant holidays in Asia, and is observed by communities scattered throughout the world.

For this reason, Synergy’s APAC Global Solutions Center in Singapore will be closed January 30-31, reopening on Wednesday, February 1.

This year, we celebrate the year of the Rooster, the 10th symbol of the Chinese zodiac. In Chinese element theory, each zodiac year is associated with one of five elements: metal, wood, water, earth and fire. This cycle means 2017 has officially been designated as the year of the Fire Rooster.

To celebrate, Synergy asked a couple of its team members in Singapore for their thoughts and favorite memories from this holiday weekend:

Diana Ong, Managing Director

What does the Chinese New Year mean to you personally?

It means reuniting and gathering with family members. I love the festive feel in the air where everyone is more relaxed and joyous. There are taboos on acting too uptight during the Chinese New Year, as it will bring you bad luck. People tend to be more forgiving during this period.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

I love preparing for the New Year. It means buying new clothes, spring cleaning and getting the decorations up at home. It adds to the festive mood when you look forward to going home (as my hometown is in Penang) for reunion dinner. This the only time you will see the color red, as it adorns the buildings everywhere. From the lanterns, decorations and the lion dance, everything about the holiday is festive!

If I were new to Singapore, what would you recommend I do to celebrate the New Year?

Go to Chinatown where you can soak in the festive sights and the shops selling all kinds of Chinese New Year goodies, decorations and lanterns.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found in a red envelope?

Well, it usually contains money, thus the more the better. It is lucky to receive auspicious numbers of money, like $88 or $118. There are also some people that get creative and add a lottery ticket to the envelope.

Chen Lin, Guest Service Representative

What does the Chinese New Year mean to you personally?

Reunion of the entire family tree to be around one another physically, and wishing each other good health.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

To watch the night (守岁). In ancient times, there are two meanings of keeping the old: older people keep the old “old age,” there is the meaning of cherishing the time; and young Shou Sui is to extend the life of parents.

If I were new to Singapore, what would you recommend I do to celebrate the New Year?

Go to social places with your local friends or go to River Hong Bao to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere.

What’s the best thing you’ve ever found in a red envelope?
An amulet together with customary cash gift.