Understanding The Culture Behind Chinese New Year Celebration

Gong Hei Fat Choi!
It’s that time of the year again to celebrate the Lunar New Year or popularly known as the Chinese New Year (CNY) or Spring Festival. This event is based on moon phases, usually on the appearance of the new moon between January 21 to February 20, and the occasion lasts during the full moon.
This is also an official public holiday in China to allow people to relax and enjoy. This year, the festival was held last February 12th.
Chinese New Year History
Earlier traditions during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC) involve offering worship sacrifices to ancestors or gods for a bountiful harvest. On the other hand, the official date of the Chinese New Year was determined during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) which falls on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar.
In the modern-day, the Chinese festival was renowned, thanks to Chinese families who spread the culture upon migrating to different countries.
Just like other celebrations, people go home to their villages to spend time with their family and loved ones and share abundant blessings.
It also became part of the tradition to give children red envelopes called “hongbao” (or lai see in Cantonese) filled with money as a symbol of good luck, hence, it is the red envelope that brings luck because it is believed that red means strength, joy, and good fortune.
You also probably noticed the dancing dragon at every festival, this is called the Dragon Lantern Dance, a traditional performance intended to ward off evil spirits.
There are several types of dragons during the traditional dance:
- The Celestial Dragon is believed to protect gods’ dwelling place
- The Dragon of Hidden Treasure guards hidden treasures, both natural and man-made
- The Earth Dragon controls the waterways; and
- The Spirit Dragon has the power to control the rain and winds
Chinese people see dragons as powerful and noble creatures, not monsters, who bring well wishes.
Where is the Best Place to Celebrate Chinese New Year?
Singapore
One of the famous festivals in Singapore is the Spring Festival celebrated for 15 days with customary practices including lion dances, spring cleaning, and family gathering. On a similar note, people get together to honor deities and ancestors.
Hong Kong
During the lunar year celebration, the colorful city of Tsim Sha Tsui ignites the whole place with bright parade floats, fireworks, and lively performances from artists and dancers.
While most families visit Hong Kong Disneyland which is perfect for children. Other places you can visit during the festival are flower markets, temples, and local street markets. At night, you should not miss being at the top of Hong Kong Island to enjoy breathtaking views of Central Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor to Lamma Island, and many more.
Beijing, Northern China
As the country’s capital, Beijing claimed to be the mother of all Chinese New Year celebrations. From carnivals, town parties, and temple ceremonies, the city’s festivities remain the most special because of their origins in the past. Customarily, families get ready by cleaning and decorating the house as part of the preparation for the next 12 months.
What Do People Do During the Spring Festival?
Aside from worshipping gods and dragon dances, here are some interesting things you might want to try during the Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year Foods
There are certain foods and dishes served and eaten during this event that is considered lucky.
- Chinese dumplings – brings wealth
- Fish - growth and prosperity
- Glutinous rice cake – lucky food for business’ success
- Noodles – symbolizes long life and happiness
- Round fruits – represents abundance and wealth
- Spring rolls – symbolizes wealth and prosperity
- Sweet rice balls – brings family even closer together

Chinese New Year Decorations
It is also observed that decorations bring luck, it should be displayed 10 days before the day of the festival. Here are some of the décors you can add to your home.
- Chinese Red Lanterns – hang them in front of your door to eliminate bad luck
- Couplets (red paper with Chinese calligraphy written in black ink) -paste them on your doors to attract good wishes
- Kumquat trees – represents wealth and good luck
- Red paper cuttings – you can place them on windows and doors; it symbolizes longevity, fertility, love, eternal youth, etc. depending on the plant or animal cutting you made.

Conclusion
With the birth of new trends like the Spring Festival Gala, online shopping, and overseas vacation, some of the traditional activities might have faded away but more importantly is to make this occasion interesting and in good spirits.
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