About Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year is also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. It is a celebration with the family, fireworks and gift-giving. People get together and welcome the new year with customs that shall bring good luck, good fortune, wealth, prosperity and happiness. The festival begins on the first day of a new moon and ending with the full moon on the day of the Lantern Festival. Normally, it take 15 days.
Chinese Zodiac
Many legends surround the origins of the Chinese zodiac animals. The most commonly told story involves the Jade Emperor. He decreed that the first 12 animals in the universe to complete a race would be chosen as calendar signs, and the order in which they finished the race would determine the order of the zodiac. The rat, who placed first, is believed to have won the race by hitching a ride on the ox’s back.
Chinese New Year Traditions
Red is the main color for the festival, as red is believed to be an auspicious color. Red Chinese Lanterns hang in streets; red couplets are pasted on doors, and red envelope are given to younger children. Red envelopes have money in, to give blessing to children. Lighting lots of red firecrackers and fireworks to scare away evil and bring good luck.
In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. People perform lion dances at Chinese festivals to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits.
Fruit is almost always a good Chinese New Year’s gift. Oranges and tangerines are a traditional favorite, though, and can also represent happiness and abundance, as in an abundant harvest.
CNY Vocabulary
Kids are wearing beautiful new clothes to visit relatives and friends. Spending some time with family is a best gift for you. May the joy of festivity stay with you year around.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
0 Comments