Kung Hei Fat Choy!

The HelperFirst team wishes you a happy and prosperous year of the rat!

In Chinese culture, rats are seen as a sign of wealth. Married couples would also often pray to rats for children, because of their high production rate. People who are born in the year of the rat are said to be likeable by all due to their optimism and energy, sensitive to others emotions but stubborn with their own opinions. They are known to have a kind personality, but due to weak communication skills they can seem impolite and rude. People born in the year of the Rat tend to like saving and can be stingy. Although, their love for hoarding can sometimes cause them to waste their money on unnecessary things.

Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival will officially begin on the 25th January and end on February the 4th. There are some rules to follow during this time of year:

Avoid saying negative words, this can be seen to bring misfortune.
Do not break ceramics or glass, this can break your connection to prosperity and fortune.
Do not clean or sweep during the festival, only the day before. Sweep away the bad luck and do not risk sweeping away the good.
Do not use sharp objects, this may cut your stream of wealth or success.
Do not visit the wife’s family, this could indicate marriage problems and may bring bad luck to the whole family.
Do not demand debt repayment to show understanding (borrowing money is also taboo).
Avoid fighting and crying to ensure a smooth path in the new year.
Try to not take medicine to avoid being sick for the whole year (of course, this is unavoidable for some).
Do not give new years blessings to someone still in bed, or they may end up being in bed for the whole year!
Do not gift anyone a clock, this can be a symbol for paying your last respects.

All domestic workers in Hong Kong are entitled to three statutory holidays over CNY, the 25th January to the 28th of January. If you ask your helper to work any of these days, make sure you offer them an alternative day off. It is a common practice for employers to reward their domestic helper during these festivities. These gifts are usually in the form of red envelopes, new clothes, buffet coupons or traditional dishes from helpers’ homelands. Just showing your helper some appreciation can leave a big mark on their lives, and make them very happy.

Happy Chinese New year to all, and stay safe!

Recent years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.