A holiday tradition
During the New Year holidays families gather for days of visiting and eating, and mahjong tables appear in living rooms everywhere. Older relatives teach younger ones, and games run late into the night.
Luck and prosperity
The green dragon, 發, shares a character with the New Year wish gong xi fa cai, "wishing you prosperity". Winning at New Year is taken as a good omen for the year ahead.
Small stakes
Many families play for small amounts as part of the festive spirit, often returning winnings or treating them as red-envelope money for children.
Abroad
In diaspora communities, community centres and night markets sometimes set up public tables during New Year festivals, inviting anyone to join.
