Spring Festival: Classic English Sentences and Vocabulary
Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is a time for family reunion, feasting, and celebration. Here are some classic English sentences and vocabulary related to Spring Festival:
The Meaning of Spring Festival
Spring Festival represents the beginning of a new year and the hope for a good harvest in the coming year. The date of the festival varies each year but usually falls between late January and mid-February. During the festival, people put up red decorations and celebrate with fireworks.
Spring Festival Greetings
When greeting someone during Spring Festival, people often say "Happy New Year" or "恭喜发财" (gōngxǐ fācái), which means "may you be happy and prosperous". Other common greetings include "新年快乐" (xīnnián kuàilè), meaning "Happy New Year", and "万事如意" (wànshì rúyì), meaning "may all your wishes come true".
Traditional Foods
Spring Festival is also a time for feasting. Traditional foods include dumplings, tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and niángāo (sweet glutinous rice cake). Dumplings symbolize wealth and good luck, while tangyuan and niángāo symbolize family unity and prosperity.
The Legend of Nian
There is a legend about a monster called Nian who used to terrorize villagers on the night of New Year's Eve. The villagers discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red and loud noises. This is why people put up red decorations and set off fireworks during Spring Festival.
The Year of the Pig
2019 is the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. At the beginning of Spring Festival, people often visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts.
Conclusion
Spring Festival is a time for family, food, and celebration. It is a time to look forward to the coming year and to let go of the past. As the Chinese saying goes, "过年好，过大年" (guònián hǎo, guò dànián), which means "Happy New Year, have a great Spring Festival!"
