Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you a Happy Chinese New Year and Great Year of the Tiger

The Chinese New Year is known to be the most important holiday of the year in Chinese society. The Chinese lunar calendar determines the Chinese New Year date, and this year the day falls on February 14, which of course is the same day as Valentine’s Day! Traditionally, Chinese people start cleaning up their homes prior to the Chinese New Year’s eve. This symbolizes that you have rid yourself of all bad luck and unpleasant stuff to get ready to welcome the brand new year.

There are many other customs that have been passed on for centuries. Families reunite and have dinner at home on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Elders in the house give red envelopes to the younger ones and wish them health and good luck. Also, people bring lots of gifts when they visit relatives and friends during the Chinese New Year period.

As the Chinese New Year approaches, spam related to this upcoming event is a certainty. Most samples we have observed involve loan and gift set promotions. The rationale behind loan-related Chinese New Year spam is that people in China believe that one must clear off debts before the Chinese New Year or else they fear that they will be debt ridden for the entire new year.
 

Sample 1

Header:
From: "▅ 急貸專家" <[Details Removed]>
Subject: [Details Removed] 年關將近，準備現金要趁早!!

Translation:

From: “Fast Loan Expert” <[Details Removed]>
Subject: [Details Removed] It’s close to Chinese New Year, get the cash ready now!!
 

Body Translation:

This loan helps you through the Chinese New Year.
Too much debt! Tired of it?
0% interest rate limited time offer [Details Removed]

Sample 2

From: "劉小姐" <[Details Removed>
Subject: 年節送禮的最佳選擇,水果禮盒幫您宅到家.......[Randomization]

Translation:
From: “Miss Liu” <[Details Removed]>
Subject: The best gift for Chinese New Year. We can deliver the fruit baskets to your home……..[Randomization]
 

Body Translation:
Well-known company XXX fruit baskets. Best quality.

XXX company wish you a happy new year…
Chinese New Year coming soon. XXX provides high quality fresh fruit in gift box. It’s the best gift for your friends, relatives, and clients.
You can save time and get respect with our service.
Free to deliver even for only one box.
Buy 10 boxes and get special discount….[Details Removed]

Sample 3

Header:
From: 【春節伴手禮】![Randomization]  <[Details Removed]>
Subject: 【最夯的∼春節 伴手禮】!![Randomization]  

Translation:
From:  [Chinese New Year Gift] ![Randomization] <[Details Removed]>
Subject: [ Top Choice of Chinese New year Gifts]!![Randomization]
 

Body Translation:
[Details Removed]

You can also purchase red wine jelly gift box….. very delicious…

^^… Chinese New Year best gift selection…

Youth should not drink!! Over consume wine is hazardous to health!!
Click me to get to know this product
[Randomization]

From the above samples, it is loud and clear that Chinese New Year presents itself as a great opportunity for spammers. Be aware of those festive headers—we wish you all the best for the year of the Tiger!

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Note: My thanks to blog contributor Hitomi Lin.