Chinese New Year Customs
Chinese New Year is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in China. Every year, billions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival. For the Chinese people, this festival is a time to come together with family and friends, to exchange greetings and gifts, to pay respects to ancestors and gods, and to partake in a variety of traditional customs and activities.
Preparations for Chinese New Year
In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, preparations begin in earnest. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom to sweep away bad luck and make way for good luck. Red decorations are hung up around the house, including paper cutouts of symbols of good fortune, such as fish, dragons and phoenixes. People also buy new clothes and new shoes to wear during the New Year period.
Greeting for Chinese New Year
On New Year’s Eve, people gather with their families for a reunion dinner. After the meal, they exchange greetings and wishes for the coming year. Traditional greetings include “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (恭喜發財) and “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (新年快樂). These greetings are often accompanied by the exchange of red envelopes containing money, which are given to children and unmarried adults as a sign of good luck.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
On the morning of Chinese New Year, people traditionally set off firecrackers and fireworks to ward off evil spirits. The sound of the explosions is believed to scare away the Nian, a mythical beast that was said to prey on villagers. Nowadays, firecrackers and fireworks are usually set off only in certain areas, as the smoke and noise can be dangerous.
Lion and Dragon Dances
During the Chinese New Year period, lion and dragon dances are often performed in the streets and in front of homes. The lion represents strength and courage, while the dragon symbolizes wisdom and power. The dances are believed to bring good fortune to those who watch them.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year period. People hang up brightly colored paper lanterns around their homes, and take part in a number of activities, including eating special lantern-shaped cakes and watching dragon and lion dances. The festival is believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who take part.
Other Customs
In addition to the above customs, there are a number of other traditional activities associated with the Chinese New Year. These include making offerings to gods and ancestors, exchanging red envelopes, eating special dishes such as dumplings and spring rolls, and playing games such as mahjong and card games.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a time of joy and celebration for millions of people around the world. For the Chinese people, it is a time to come together with family and friends, to exchange greetings and gifts, and to partake in a variety of traditional customs and activities. The customs and activities associated with the Chinese New Year may vary from region to region, but the spirit of the festival remains the same: to bring peace, prosperity and good luck for the coming year.