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Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually falling between late January and mid-February. It is a time for family reunions, good food, and joyous festivities. However, there are some lesser-known facts about the Spring Festival that are worth exploring. In this article, we will take a closer look at some interesting cold knowledge about the Chinese New Year.
1. The Zodiac Animal The Chinese lunar calendar is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year represented by a zodiac animal. The order is rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor held a race and invited all the animals to participate. The order in which they finished determined the order of the zodiac. In 2021, we will enter the Year of the Ox, which is believed to bring good luck and success.
2. New Year's Eve Dinner On New Year's Eve, Chinese families gather for a grand feast, known as the reunion dinner. This tradition dates back to ancient times when families worked in the fields all year round and rarely had a chance to meet. The reunion dinner is considered the most important meal of the year, with a variety of dishes, such as fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and rice cakes. Each dish has a symbolic meaning, such as prosperity, happiness, and long life.
3. Red Packets During the Chinese New Year, adults give red packets filled with money to children. The red color symbolizes good luck and the money inside represents a wish for wealth and prosperity. The amount varies depending on the giver's relationship with the recipient and their financial situation. The red packet tradition is believed to have originated from a legend about a demon named Sui who terrorized children at night. To protect their children, parents would put money in red envelopes and hang them on their doors to ward off Sui.
4. Fireworks Fireworks are a common sight during the Chinese New Year. The tradition of setting off fireworks dates back to ancient times when people believed that the loud noise and bright lights could scare away evil spirits. Today, setting off fireworks is a way to welcome the New Year, create a festive atmosphere, and express joy and happiness.
5. The Lantern Festival The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, falling on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. People light decorative lanterns, eat tangyuan, a type of sticky rice dumpling, and watch lion and dragon dances. Lanterns have a long history in China, with the earliest records dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time of joy and celebration, steeped in rich culture and tradition. From the zodiac animals to the reunion dinner, red packets, fireworks, and lanterns, there are many fascinating facts to explore. Whether you are Chinese or not, the Chinese New Year offers an opportunity to learn more about one of the world's oldest and most enchanting cultures.