Chinese New Year has its origins in Chinese mythology. According to Chinese legends, a large beast called a nian, which had the head of a lion, came to terrorise local villages across China on the last day of each year. The beast would wreak havoc on the communities, until one year, the villagers decided to hide from the nian. One man from the village stayed out, setting up red lanterns and firecrackers on New Year’s Eve to drive the beast away. Legend says he was successful. Since then, the custom of celebrating Chinese New Year with red lanterns and firecrackers has remained, as has the traditional lion dance which speaks to the ever present threat of the nian.

Historically, celebrations at the start of the new year date back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Written anecdotes describe families coming together to enjoy special banquets and feasts. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren served pepper wine to their parents and wished them good health, while giving thanks for the year that had been. These practices remain today, and Chinese New Year is still considered the most important day for families to come together and focus on what matters.

Notably, Chinese New Year also marks the beginning of the new animal in the Chinese Zodiac. According to this legend, the Jade Emperor set a race for animals to compete in, with their placement dictating their position in a 12-year cycle. The race ended with rat coming first, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Today, each animal is considered to bestow personality characteristics onto the people born in that year, in conjunction with one of five elements:  metal, water, wood, fire and earth. For instance, 2021 was the Year of the Ox – specifically the Metal Ox – and so people born in 2021 will be hardworking and determined, like an Ox, as well as disciplined and resourceful, like metal. 2022 will be the Year of the Water Tiger, which suggests it will be a year bringing power, strength, dynamism and prestige.

On Chinese New Year, different festivities take place in different countries, over multiple days.

During the days leading up to Chinese New Year, families will often clean their houses, which is referred to as “sweeping away the dirt” of the year that has just been. Businesses are expected to pay off debts by the end of the year, leaving them in the past. Haircuts often take place during this time, as the Chinese word for “hair” (fa) is homonymic with the word for prosperity – and nobody wants to cut their prosperity in the New Year! On the eve of Chinese New Year, families often hold a large reunion dinner, featuring special meats. In northern China, families will often prepare dumplings, known as jiaozi, to eat at around midnight. Meanwhile, in the south, families often cook New Year cake, known as niangao, which is also consumed in the evening. Families may visit local temples to light incense, or set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.

The first day of Chinese New Year features practically all of the activities for which the festival is known. People will light firecrackers and red lanterns, perform lion dances, and burn bamboo sticks. Family elders will also put money inside red envelopes, called hóngbāo, to give to the younger members of the family, as a form of well-wishing and prosperity for the New Year. Street parties and dinner parties take place across the city, and the atmosphere across celebrating areas is warm and joyous. Following the first day, celebrations continue for up to two weeks, with each day marking a specific ritual or contribution to a god in Chinese mythology.

Without a doubt, red is the official colour of Chinese New Year. Women often wear traditional red dresses called qipao, which are usually designed to be form-fitting. However, Western-style clothing is also popular, be that dresses, skirts, shirts and pants. The most important thing is that the clothing is brand new to symbolise the new year, and indicate that there is enough clothing for the family to wear for the subsequent twelve months. As a result, shopping in the days leading up to the New Year is common, with men and ladies alike kitting themselves out for the festivities.

Chinese New Year is all about celebrating life, prosperity and a positive year ahead. As such, one colour that you should definitely not wear is black, which represents death and depression. Most other colours – especially red, gold, yellow and green – are acceptable, but it is best to avoid wearing black at all costs!

Whatever your plans are for Chinese New Year, you’ll want to look great as you go. Take a look at the best offerings in women’s fashion online from iShopChangi, which features everything from sling bags to sunglasses. For your convenience, we’ve paid particular attention to the red and gold items of clothing you might like to buy in the lead up to celebrations!

Women’s apparels

Whether you’re looking for women’s tops or pants, iShopChangi has all your women’s apparels covered. Take a look at this Women Hilfiger Crew Neck Tee in red by Tommy Hilfiger. It’ll pair exceptionally well with this Dark Peak Women Nessh Lightweight Down Jacket, also in red, by Dark Peak. Together, these apparels will give you a casual, festive look for Chinese New Year celebrations. While you’re at it, why not buy some lingerie, too? Victoria’s Secret offers a pair of Stretch Cotton Seamless Hiphugger underwear in pale watermelon, as well as a cheekier pair of Stretch Cotton Cheeky Lacie underwear in sunset rose. Affordably priced, these items are great for ringing the new year in!

Shoes for women

iShopChangi has a raft of casual, comfy and classy shoes for women, including wedges, heels, sandals and flats. For something comfortable to wear during a long evening, try a pair of Pazzion’s Ornament Flats in red or the brand’s Crystal Embellished Ankle Strap Flats in almond. Both are cute, foldable and perfectly convenient for storage in your handbag, making them great assets for you during the festive season. In Pazzion’s catalogue, you can also find the Oversized Patent Square Toe Block Heels in maroon, giving you a classy look for your Chinese New Year party. For a sturdier, platformed vibe, check out the shoes from Dr. Martens, which include the Eye Unisex Shoe in cherry red and the Pascale 8 Eye Women’s Boot, in the same colour. These shoes will last you for years to come, making them wise investments to start the Chinese New Year.

Bags for ladies

With women’s clutch bags, sling bags, crossbody bags and handbags for sale, iShopChangi women’s bags collection is an ideal destination for all of your everyday storage needs. Shop for clutches like Marhen.J’s Lucy Nano in rose red, which serves as the perfect designer accompaniment to festive dinner parties. Buy crossbody bags, like this gold-adorned Lydia Crossbody Pouch in light purple, and enjoy the retro, attractive designs of Bonia. Other crossbody bags you might like include the Lotti Crossbody from Oryany, with its extravagant, bright yellow banana colour, or the Sleek Mini Crossbody in fragola from Furla. For shoulder bags, sling bags and backpacks, Pedro and Tumi are your best bets. Check out the Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag from Pedro, which is ideal for evenings out in style. With gold, beige, white and brown tones, coupled with a snakeskin-inspired texture, this bag is dynamic and will keep your outfit interesting no matter the occasion. Alternatively, for a purely functional – but extremely eye-catching – backpack, Tumi’s Dori Backpack has you sorted. Pink, red, white, navy and floral, this backpack is a soft and charming delight of a bag which will keep all of your essentials safe as you go to work, study or travel.

Jewellery for women

There are few better gifts to celebrate Chinese New Year than a divine set of women’s jewellery from iShopChangi. Explore necklaces online, like the gold-tone plated Swarovski Millenia Necklace. Its considered, yet striking octagon shape is replete with your favourite precious gemstones, and will bedazzle beholders wherever you go. Earring-lovers will love Swarovski’s earrings from the same designer product line: the Millenia Earrings with crystal and rhodium. Elegant and timeless, these circular, pear-cut earrings will last you for years to come, and serve as a wonderful combination with formal evening attire. Women looking for pearls can check out the Rose Fresh Water Pearl Earrings from Timeless Gifts Singapore, which offer a similarly classy look.

If you’re looking to celebrate 2022’s Year of the Tiger with an auspicious gold coin, look no further than Chow Tai Fook’s 999.9 Pure Gold Tiger with Wings coin. Alternatively, find your favourite bracelets on iShopChangi and adorn them with a set of personalised gold charms. Chow Tai Fook also offers the Disney Pixar Toy Story Bracelet which comes pre-adorned with Woody, Buzz and the iconic alien. However, if you like the DIY nature of bracelets, then you can add your own charms, selecting from a wide range of Disney characters including Winnie the Pooh and Minnie Mouse.

Women’s accessories

For the best in women’s accessories, check out the sunglasses, scarves, watches and jewellery boxes on offer at iShopChangi. Women on the search for sunnies have likely found what they’re looking for in the Marshall Bob Black and Havana Sunglasses, which are some of the most trendy sunglasses in the local scene right now. For a retro look, the Fiona Red Leo and Black Sunglasses from Marshall are a fantastic choice, with a chic, devilish red and black combination to die for.

iShopChangi’s women’s watch collection is wide-ranging and sophisticated. Brands such as Tissot and Fossil are some of the most popular options, for good reason. Cast your eyes over the Tissot Le Locle Automatic Lady watch, which features scratch-proof sapphire crystal and a yellow gold stainless steel casing. With the iconic Le Locle signature atop the watch face, you’ll know your next purchase will be one of high-quality and refinement. The Fossil Ladies Georgia Watch is similarly stylish, and comes at a reasonable price. Enjoy the gentle colour tones of rose gold on the watch face and beige on the strap.

Searching for scarves? Le Foulard’s Chambray Knitted Scarf in cashmere is a light, soft and gentle texture against your skin, which will maintain your fashionable aesthetic all winter long. For its price, it’s one of the best deals you’ll find for high-quality cashmere in Singapore. For a brighter, warm-toned scarf, also made of cashmere, the brand’s Rustin Heirloom Printed Cashmere Silk Scarf is a standout option, and is well-suited to warmer days.