Spring Celebrations: A Look into the Festivities of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese people across the globe. It is a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and wishing for good fortune in the coming year. The festival starts on the first day of the Lunar New Year and lasts for 15 days. Let's dive into the three main aspects of the Spring Festival celebrations.
Preparation and Decoration
The preparations for Chinese New Year begin weeks in advance. Families clean their homes from top to bottom, considered to be a way of sweeping away bad luck and opening up space for good luck. Every inch of the house must be cleaned, from the windows to the furniture. Red decorations are put up as the color symbolizes good luck and happiness. Window and door frames are decorated with red paper-cut patterns with wishes of good fortune or themed images like zodiac animals. Blooming flowers such as orchids, cherry blossoms, and chrysanthemums bring additional color and vitality to the home.
Family Reunions and Food
Perhaps the most critical part of the Spring Festival is the reunion dinner, which takes place on New Year's Eve. Families come together with members from near and far to sit down around the dinner table for a feast. The dinner most often includes dumplings, fish, noodles, and various meat dishes. This is a time to catch up with family members and share stories. After the meal, the family may gather to watch the annual national Spring Festival Gala, which features dancers, singers, and a variety of performances.
Worship and Celebrations
The ninth day of the Spring Festival marks the birthday of the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of all gods in Chinese mythology. People may visit temples and make offerings of incense, food, and Fai Chun, which are decorative red banners with lucky phrases written on them. Dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and traditional folk performances are held in parks and public places. These festivities often last until the 15th day of the New Year which is known as the Lantern Festival. During this day, people hang up lanterns, solve puzzles, eat sweet glutinous rice balls, and look up at the full moon.
In conclusion, the Spring Festival brings joy and excitement to the Chinese people as they prepare to welcome a new year. It's a time of celebration, reflection, and creating memories with loved ones. As a foreigner, being a part of the Spring Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand and witness the fascinating traditions that have been passed down through generations.
