Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the lunar calendar, beginning with the first new moon of the year and lasting for 15 days. Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and welcoming in the new year.
Cleaning and Decorating
Before the Spring Festival, one customary practice is cleaning the house to get rid of any bad luck from the old year and to welcome in good fortune. Homes are also decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and other festive decorations. Red is the dominant color since it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
Reunion Dinner
The biggest event during the Spring Festival is the reunion dinner, usually held on New Year’s Eve. Families gather together to enjoy a big feast to celebrate the past year and to look forward to the new one. The foods served are symbolic, such as whole fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth, and longevity noodles for a long life.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, called “hongbao” in Mandarin, are a tradition during the Spring Festival. Elders usually give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good luck and fortune. However, in recent years, young people have also started giving red envelopes to friends and loved ones as a way of showing gratitude and love.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are a quintessential part of the Spring Festival celebration. It is believed that the loud noises and bright lights scare off evil spirits and bring good luck. During the 15-day festival, fireworks are set off throughout the day and night, creating a festive and exciting atmosphere.
Dragon and Lion Dance
The dragon and lion dance is a highlight of the Spring Festival parade. The dragon dance involves a long dragon made of colorful fabric, held up on poles by a team of performers. The lion dance involves one or more performers in a lion costume, dancing and jumping to the beat of a drum. Both dances are believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Conclusion
Spring Festival is a time of great joy and celebration in China, as families come together to celebrate the new year. The traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year are rich and varied, reflecting the deep cultural heritage of the Chinese people.
