The tradition of the Chinese New Year Celebrations
The Chinese New Year celebration originated from the date marked in the Chinese Calendar for the
beginning of Spring. This date used to signal the beginning of agricultural work for the farmers in the fields after the long winter break.
Nowadays it is the day when billions of Chinese people celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year.
In 2020, the year of the Metal Rat the start of the Spring is on 25th January.The celebration takes 15 days, so it is the longest Chinese festival of the Year as well.
Chinese New Year’s Day is an occasion for Chinese families to get together for the annual Reunion Dinner. It does not matter where they are or work, people travel to their home town or village to celebrate the festival with their families. Traditional habit for every family that they clean the house to make some space for good incoming luck.
An important ceremony after the relatives are gathered is to take a photo at the hall of the house or in front of the house. The most senior man or the head of the family sits in the center.
At Chinese New Year celebrations people wear red clothes because red is the main colour for the festival, and it symbolises fire. According to the Chinese legends, fire can chase away bad luck. The fireworks are rooted in a similar ancient habit as the discovery gunpowder stems from China.
Every street, building and house is decorated with red colour. For example: red lanterns and red couplets.
There is always an exchange of presents during the Spring Festival.
The most typical presents are red envelopes.
A Red envelope has money in it and married couples or elderly people give it to children, unmarried juniors and retired seniors.
In addition to red envelopes, small presents are also given between friends or relatives (of different households) during Chinese New Year. These small presents are generally food items or sweets as sweet taste represents a good fate. Typical presents include fruits as well that is oranges/ never pears/ and cakes, biscuits, chocolates or candies. People generally bring them when visiting friends or relatives at their homes.
The last day of the Chinese New Year festival is the Lantern Festival.
Chinese people eat a traditional sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup.
They light candles outside as a way to guide headstrong spirits home.
Families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns.
Happy and Prosperous Year of the Metal Rat!
May the Chinese New Year bring you peace, joy and good health!
Master Kristina
