Here's The Significance Behind Why We Drink And Gift Alcohol During Chinese New Year
Part of it has to do with what alcohol (jiǔ) sounds like in Mandarin.
By Specials — 08 Jan 2024, 02:45 PM
In Malaysia, Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and feasting
For some of us, Chinese New Year is that one time in a year we get to see our relatives from overseas or meet up with high school pals.
Oftentimes, we amp up those special gatherings by bringing along a bottle of wine or spirit, and drinking together with family and friends.
But did you know that, beyond the festivities, there's a reason why we drink and gift alcohol during Chinese New Year?
Alcohol (jiǔ), in Mandarin, is a homophone of long-lasting
That is why the Chinese drink to everlasting friendships, happiness, and other wishes during festive seasons. In fact, during Chinese New Year reunion dinner, families will often drink 'nián jiǔ', literally translated as 'year alcohol'.
There's no specific type of wine or spirit you need to drink, but each household usually has their own unique beverage they drink every year.
Growing up, you probably recall that one uncle who's in charge of bringing the drinks (every family has one!) — if there's not enough space in the fridge, he'll bring along an ice box to make room, hehe. Plus, he'll be the one going around jio-ing everyone to yam seng!
Speaking of yam seng, you can't talk about Chinese New Year without mentioning the toasts that accompany every gathering
Even if you're a "banana" (a.k.a. can't speak Mandarin), you probably have a few Chinese New Year toasts up your sleeves from your many years of training.
Phrases like 'nián nián yǒu yú' are meant to bring in abundance and prosperity for the year, while well wishes like 'shēn tǐ jiàn kāng' are a way to bless your loved ones with good health. Being with the people you love and toasting with a glass of alcohol in hand make every gathering more festive and meaningful.
And, no celebration is complete without a loud yam seng.
Something that's unique to our Malaysian culture, it literally means 'drink to victory'. That's why you'll often hear shouts of yam seng during Chinese New Year, as Malaysians toast to a year of new opportunities, longevity, and prosperity!
Besides ushering in good fortune, alcohol is also commonly given as a gift during Chinese New Year
If you're visiting a close relative or you've been invited to your friend's home (or girlfriend's home, hehe) for Chinese New Year, it's best not to go empty-handed. Instead, bringing along a gift is a way to show respect and express good feelings towards those hosting you.
Whether you're bringing a bottle of wine, whiskey, or cognac, liquor often represents good health and longevity, which makes it a great gift for your next house visit.
Ultimately, alcohol is a way to bring people together, and Pernod Ricard wants to help you celebrate in style this Chinese New Year with its range of premium brands
Whether you prefer Absolut, Chivas Regal, Jacob's Creek, Jameson, G.H.Mumm, Martell, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet, Mumm Marlborough, or Lillet, you can purchase bottles for yourself or as a gift this season at any of Pernod Ricard's participating outlets, or their official Shopee and Lazada stores.
Plus, there are some limited edition bottles celebrating the year of the Dragon, so do check them out now as stocks are moving fast!
You'll also stand the chance of winning prizes worth over RM188,888 as part of Pernod Ricard's Celebrate Together contest!
Contest period: 1 December 2023 - 29 February 2024
Prizes:
- Instant Reward: Touch 'n Go eWallet Credit up to RM888
- Weekly Prize (eight winners x 12 weeks): Mumm Marlborough 750ml bottle worth RM330 each)
- Monthly Prize (eight winners x three months): Harvey Norman gift card worth RM2,888 each
How to participate:
STEP 1: Spend RM200 and above on any participating brands
STEP 2: Register and upload your receipt on the contest website
STEP 3: Play the game and win Instant Reward!
For the weekly and monthly prizes, you will automatically qualify and be in the running to win according to how much you spend — RM200 gets you one entry, RM500 gets you three entries, and RM1,000 gets you 10 entries. And, if you’re lucky, you can win both the weekly and monthly prizes, woah!
Find out more about the contest here.
Share the joy of this auspicious season with your family and friends, made even more memorable with Pernod Ricard this year!
As a reminder, the legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old. That means you need to be at least 21 and a non-Muslim in order to buy and consume alcohol. Remember to always #CelebrateResponsibly and in moderation. Do not drink and drive. If you plan to drink, try carpooling with a friend who isn't drinking or catch a cab instead of driving.
