Chinese (Lunar) New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of joy and celebration widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia, and many other countries. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, which is why the date changes every year. Unlike other celebrations and holidays, Chinese New Year lasts for about 15 to 16 days! This year, the Chinese New Year will start on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Just imagine having 2 whole weeks celebrating, eating big feasts, and having fun with your family and friends. Now that's what I call a festival!
The festival has deep historical roots with traditions dating back thousands of years. According to https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year, it's said to have started with the fight against a mythical beast called Nian (年), meaning year in English, who had a taste for villagers and their crops. Nian was also a beast with fears, who was scared off by red colors, bright lights, and loud noises. That's what people used to scare him off, they put up red decorations and a set of fireworks and it worked! This is why red, is the holiday color, symbolizing good luck and happiness, and why the holiday is celebrated with lots of red and firecrackers!
Family is a big deal during the Chinese New Year. Everyone tries to get together for a massive dinner on New Year’s Eve, and the food isn't just tasty, the dishes are full of symbolism and are very meaningful! Think dumplings for fortune because they look like ancient Chinese money. Fish is a must-have because in Chinese, saying “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus” Who wouldn't want extra luck and money, right? Red envelopes, or what most people call “hongbao (红包)” are filled with money and are handed out for good luck, and kids just love them! The red envelopes are definitely one of my favorite traditions of the Chinese New Year.
The festivities are packed with lion and dragon dances, which are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. You may have seen some dragons performing last year outside our school entrance! People also do a deep clean of their entire house to sweep away bad luck and welcome good vibes for the new year. The whole celebration ends with the lantern festival, where the night sky is lit up with beautiful glowing lanterns, with riddles written on them for others to decipher. It's like a night-time treasure hunt in the sky!
Chinese New Year is a time that's rich in culture and history, and it's cherished by millions of people around the world. It's not just a holiday; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings families together and honors ancient traditions. So that's Chinese New Year for you. It's more than just a holiday, it's a time to honor.