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Chinese New Year's Day is called Guo Nian (过年) in Chinese, which can mean 'celebrate (a new) year' or 'overcome Nian'. The character 年 (Nián) could mean a 'year' or 'the monster Nian'. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nian (年, or Nianshou 年兽) with a long head and sharp horns. It dwelled deep in the sea all year round and The stories date back thousands of years. Read on to learn of a few popular and interesting Chinese New Year myths. The Monster and New Year’s Eve. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It usually lived at the bottom of the sea and would come up once a year to feast on animals and humans. Many of the traditions are inherited till today. According to the story, Chinese New Year's Day or the Spring Festival is also called "Guo Nian", which means surviving in the Nian's attack. The red becomes the most popular color for festival celebration and dressing code. Read more about How to Decorate for Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is a vibrant tapestry woven with myths that shape its celebrations. From the legend of Nian to the traditions surrounding the Kitchen God and the zodiac animals, these stories not only enrich the festivities but also reinforce cultural values of family, respect, and hope for prosperity. The Nian is a legendary creature rooted deeply in Chinese mythology, often depicted as a fearsome beast that emerges at the dawn of the Lunar New Year. This mythical entity has become a symbol of fear and tradition, playing a pivotal role in the festivities leading to the New Year celebrations. Traditions . Aside from New Year’s Eve, there are other important days of the 15-day Chinese New Year Festival, including:. JIE CAI CENG: Welcoming the Gods of Wealth and Prosperity New Year customs like setting off firecrackers and writing couplets on red paper were allegedly inspired by the legend of nian (VCG) Another version of the legend states that the monster was actually known as 夕 (xī), and nian was a minor god dispatched by the Kitchen God to deal with xi by using firecrackers and bands of red silk. This is Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba ( 腊八 Làbā /laa-baa/ '12th lunar month' + '8'), in the traditional sense, which Unlocking the Mystery of the Chinese New Year's Fearsome Beast. In the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year traditions, one figure looms large and fearsome – the Nian. A legendary creature from Chinese folklore, the Nian holds a reputation for its notorious attacks on people and animals. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. Unlocking the Mystery of the Chinese New Year's Fearsome Beast. In the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year traditions, one figure looms large and fearsome – the Nian. A legendary creature from Chinese folklore, the Nian holds a reputation for its notorious attacks on people and animals. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year celebration usually lasts 15 days, from New Year's Eve to the 15th day of the Chinese New Year—the Lantern Festival.In 2025, the celebration starts on Jan. 28th and ends on Feb. 12th. Understanding Chinese New Year Superstitions. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and observing various traditions. This year, Chinese New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29. Those who celebrate will be entering the year of the snake. Just like with any holiday, traditions abound for Chinese New Year. 13. Watching the CCTV New Year’s Gala. On the eve of Chinese New Year, millions of people across China and beyond tune in to watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala. This televised variety show features a wide array of performances, including music, dance, comedy, acrobatics, and more. Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions, offering an opportunity to reflect on the past and welcome fresh beginnings. It serves as a moment to honour ancestors, seek While most Westerners experience ‘Chinese New Year’ by watching parades in Chinatown and having a great meal, its traditions vary from country to country. The holiday is more aptly called ‘Lunar New Year’, as it marks the start of a new lunar cycle, and is one of the most important holidays in Asia. In Chinese, "fish" (鱼 Yú /yoo/) sounds like 'surplus'. Fish is a traditional Chinese New Year dish on the Chinese New Year dinner menu. Chinese people always like to have a surplus at the end of the year, because they think if they have managed to save something at the end of the year, then they can make more in the next year. As the New Year approaches, the significance of this mythical bell resonates deeply within Chinese culture, echoing the hopes and aspirations of people as they bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. The celebrations surrounding the New Year are rich with traditions, making the Golden Bell a central figure in these festivities. Nonetheless, the telling of folklore tales is a great and enthralling way to spend the Chinese New Year holidays. It is also a good way to link the origins of each superstition to its conception. Chinese zodiac
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