The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is typically celebrated for 15 days, starting from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in late January or early February.
During the Spring Festival, families gather together to enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional customs. Some common activities include:
Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. Red decorations, such as lanterns and couplets, are put up to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Reunions:
Family members from near and far gather for a big feast and to spend time together.
Gift-Giving
People exchange gifts, such as red envelopes filled with money, fruit, sweets, and other treats.
Fireworks
Fireworks are a big part of the Spring Festival celebrations, and they are set off at midnight on New Year’s Eve to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Dragon and Lion Dances
The dragon and lion dances are performed to bring good luck and fortune to the community.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
A big feast is held on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the end of the old year and welcome the new year.
These are just a few of the many traditions associated with the Chinese New Year, and the celebrations can vary from region to region.