Chinese New Year is the most important of all Chinese holidays. For the Chinese, it is not just an occasion to have fun, but a special day when life seems to be renewed. Unlike the European New Year, the Chinese holiday has deep roots and unchanging traditions.
The date of the Chinese New Year varies from year to year. It depends on the phase of the moon. The holiday begins with the new moon between January 21 and February 20. This also reflects the natural meaning of the holiday.
This time, the New Year is coming on February 17. And it will be the Year of the Fire Horse.
How to prepare for the holiday: the main traditions
Chinese New Year traditions begin a week before the holiday itself. At this time, every house is cleaned in order to sweep out all the bad things that happened during the year. But in the holiday itself it is strictly forbidden to clean. It is believed that you can accidentally sweep away good luck along with the garbage!
The main event is the family dinner on New Year's Eve. All generations gather around the table. And every dish here is no accident:
- Fish is a symbol of abundance
- Jiaozi dumplings - in shape resemble ancient silver bars, i.e. wealth
- Long noodles are a wish for a long life.
Red Hongbao envelopes with money are an obligatory gift. Adults give them to children and young unmarried relatives as a warm wish for good luck in the new year.
Holiday symbols
Red color is the main one of the symbols of the Chinese New Year. According to legend, on New Year's Eve, the terrible beast Nyan descended from the mountains to frighten people. But once the inhabitants noticed: the beast is afraid of red color and loud sounds. Since then, houses have been decorated with red lanterns, paper cutouts and scrolls with wishes.
In Chinese lore, each Lunar Year is under the patronage of one of the 12 animals:
- rat
- bull
- tiger
- rabbit
- dragon
- snake
- horses
- goat
- monkey
- rooster
- dog
- pig
According to a beautiful legend, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to the feast, and the first twelve who came were given the right to «lead» the respective years.
Many Chinese even plan births or weddings based on the animal of the year. For example, children born in the year of the Dragon are considered particularly lucky.
How Chinese New Year is celebrated today
How Chinese New Year is celebrated depends on the place, but the essence is the same everywhere. Family, warmth and faith in the best. In China, people still gather around the festive table, give red envelopes, and fireworks light up the night sky.
Outside China the holiday is also gaining popularity. In Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, Lunar New Year is an official holiday. In Moscow, London and New York, there are colorful street festivities with dragon dances, drums and national food.
Chinese New Year is more than just one of China's holidays. It is a reminder that even in this time of gadgets and speed, we need simple things: to gather with loved ones, remember traditions and together believe in the best.
