Chi
nese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in late January or early February. As a foreigner, I have learned some surprising facts about this holiday that many people may not know.
1. The Holiday Lasts for 15 Days Many people think Chinese New Year is a one-day celebration, but in fact, it lasts for 15 days. The festivities begin with New Year's Eve (除夕 chú xī) and end with the Lantern Festival (元宵节 yuán xiāo jié). Each of the 15 days has its own unique customs and traditions.
2. The Color Red is Everywhere Red is a significant color during Chinese New Year. People decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts. They wear new red clothes and give red packets (红包 hóng bāo) filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
3. The Zodiac Animal Changes Every Year Chinese people have a 12-year zodiac cycle, and each year is represented by one of the 12 animals. The rat is the first in the cycle, followed by ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, which is associated with hard work, honesty, and stability.
4. The Largest Human Migration in the World Happens During This Time Because Chinese New Year is a time for family reunion, it is also a time for travel. It is estimated that over 3 billion trips will be made during this holiday period, making it the largest human migration in the world. Train stations and airports are packed with people trying to get home to celebrate with their families.
5. The Traditions and Customs Vary Across China Although Chinese New Year is celebrated nationwide, the traditions and customs vary from region to region. For example, in northern China, people eat dumplings on New Year's Eve, while in southern China, people eat rice cakes (年糕 nián gāo). In some areas, people even set off fireworks to scare away evil spirits.
6. The Spring Festival Gala is a National Tradition The Spring Festival Gala (春节联欢晚会 chūn jié lián huān wǎn huì) is a televised event that airs on the evening of New Year's Eve. It features various performances, including singing, dancing, acrobatics, and comedy skits. The gala is a national tradition that has a massive audience every year. In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with family and friends and to reflect on the past year's achievements and challenges. Understanding the customs and traditions adds to the richness of the holiday experience, and I believe it is essential to embrace the local culture when living abroad.