If there’s one thing the Chinese New Year Wishing Paper tradition brings, it is the unwavering ability to manifest my hopes and wishes
As the Lunar New Year begins, streets are adorned with red lanterns as the aroma of traditional delicacies wafts through the air. This signals the arrival of one of the most celebrated festivals in the world: Chinese New Year. Amidst the festivities and time-honored customs is a tradition that has captured my heart and compelled me to participate in year after year—the Chinese New Year Wishing Paper ritual.
Rooted in centuries-old folklore and superstition, the Wishing Paper tradition involves inscribing one’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations onto slips of paper, folding them into intricate origami shapes, and setting them ablaze at the stroke of midnight on Chinese New Year‘s Eve. As the delicate paper burns and rises into the night sky, so do the fervent wishes of those who partake in this enchanting ritual.
While I am not of Chinese descent, year after year, I am compelled to engage in this ritual not merely as a nod to tradition, but because of the recurring pattern where my wishes appear to materialize with each passing year.
The decision to participate in the Chinese New Year Wishing Paper tradition each year is deeply personal, rooted in a series of experiences that have convinced me of its efficacy. Time and again, I have witnessed the manifestation of my wishes in ways that defy rational explanations. From career advancements to personal breakthroughs and serendipitous encounters, the outcomes I have experienced following this ritual have left an indelible mark on my belief system.
But beyond the tangible outcomes lies a deeper significance that compels me to return to this tradition. Writing down my wishes, folding them into intricate shapes, and releasing them into the universe symbolizes a profound act of faith—a willingness to surrender to the mysteries of fate and embrace the possibility of the unknown.
In a world often characterized by uncertainty and chaos, the Chinese New Year Wishing Paper tradition offers a moment of clarity and connection to something greater than ourselves. It serves as a reminder that amidst life’s trials and tribulations, there is always room for hope and renewal. Though I may never fully comprehend the mysteries that govern its efficacy, I approach it with an open heart and a steadfast belief in the power of hope.
Feng Shui Master Marites Allen shares more on what we can look forward to this year of the wood dragon through the science of luck.
