Synopsis
Spring Festival is China's most important traditional holiday, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar with family reunions, fireworks, and red envelopes.
Overview
Spring Festival (春节, Chun Jie), also known as Lunar New Year or Guo Nian, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It begins on the first day of the first lunar month and celebrations run from the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month until the 15th day (Lantern Festival).
The core meaning of Spring Festival is family reunion. On New Year's Eve, family members travel from near and far to gather for the reunion dinner, one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture.
Traditions
| Tradition | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| House cleaning | Before New Year | Sweeping away bad luck |
| Spring couplets | Before New Year | Red banners with auspicious phrases |
| Reunion dinner | New Year's Eve | Family feast |
| Red envelopes | New Year's Eve | Elders give money to children |
| Firecrackers | Eve to Lantern Festival | Fireworks to drive away evil |
| New Year visits | First day onward | Visiting family and friends |
| Dragon and lion dances | First month | Traditional performances |
The Legend of Nian
According to legend, a monster called Nian would come out on New Year's Eve to harm people. People discovered that Nian feared the color red, fire, and loud noises. So they put up red decorations and set off firecrackers to drive it away.
References
- Baidu Baike: Chun Jie
- Wikipedia: Chinese New Year
- Chinese Folklore Network
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