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. There are many Chinese New Year traditions about dos and don'ts. Find out the top 18 things you should not do. Some are taboos on the first day of the Chinese New Year and some are superstitions for the whole New Year Festival season (from the 1st to 15th of the Lunar New Year). 1. Avoid taking medicine. During Chinese New Year, people have a long list of things to do. From one week preceding the festival to the 15th day after, many Chinese New Year customs are widely observed for thousands of years. The family reunion dinner, eating dumplings, and setting off firework are the must-dos that you might know. What else interesting do the Chinese do? 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 Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. This vibrant and joyous occasion is steeped in rich traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. In this article, we will explore Chinese New Year is a time when age-old superstitions are observed by households as festive customs & traditions. If you are interested in superstitions, we have plenty of blog posts with fascinating superstitions from the Super Bowl, holidays, Friday the 13th, and more. 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. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the oldest traditional festival in China, but a few people concern the origin and story behind the holiday. Many existing customs and activities of the festival actually can be traced back to a popular story of the Monster Nian, which helps to explain why and how the festival is celebrated. 2021 is the year of the Metal Ox. Chinese New Year 2021, also called Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, falls on Friday, February 12th. It lasts for 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival (first full moon of the lunar year) on February 26th. However, only February 11 through 17th (the first 7 days) are considered a national holiday. Chinese New Year occurs on 25th January 2020. We’re all familiar with myths, legends, and fairytales. It’s always interesting to see how they explain traditions that we still have in modern On the evening before the New Year, Nián would ascend from the water. According to Chinese New Year myths, Nián would terrorise villages and feast on animals and humans. Villagers would run to the mountains and seek temporary shelter in order to steer clear of Nián. One New Year’s Eve, a beggar came to the village to seek sanctuary. The interconnectedness of nature and Chinese New Year myths reveals the deep cultural significance that the natural world holds in the lives of the Chinese people. From the seasonal changes that influence agricultural practices to the mythical creatures that embody natural forces, the relationship between nature and the New Year is profound and In Chinese tradition, cleaning during the new year is believed to sweep away wealth and good fortune. Even taking out the garbage is seen as tossing out prosperity from the home. So, yes – this gives you the perfect excuse to put off housework until after Chinese New Year. Let the tradition work in your favour! 11. Enjoy festive CNY events 9. Do not give New Year blessings to someone still in bed. You are supposed to give New Year blessings (拜年 / bài nián). But let the recipient get up from bed first. Otherwise, they’ll be bed-ridden for the entire year. You also shouldn’t tell someone to wake up. You don’t want them to be rushed around or bossed for the year. Red Envelopes (红包, hóng bāo): Elders give these to younger family members as a blessing for the new year. Don’t forget to say 新年快乐! (xīn nián kuài lè , Happy New Year!). For more customs during Chinese New Year (春节, chūn jié), we strongly recommend you check the video we shared on YouTube. I'm sure you'll learn a lot Chinese New Year is filled with traditions—fireworks, lanterns, and delightful family meals. Yet beyond these activities lies a rich tapestry of lore, stories, and myths that shape the customs and celebrations of this significant holiday. This guide explores the rich customs and celebrations that make Chinese New Year traditions 2025 a truly unique cultural experience. The Heart of Chinese New Year Traditions 2025: Family Reunion Dinner. At the center of the Chinese New Year celebration is the family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. This meal is not just food—it’s a As for legends and myths, you can always expect dragons and various gods in Chinese New Year decorations. Zodiac animals , especially the animal of the year, go without saying as well. Chinese culture has a history that spans thousands of years. Each day holds its own unique traditions and significance, making it a rich tapestry of celebrations that honor family, ancestors, and new beginnings. Myth 2: All Asian Cultures Celebrate Chinese New Year. Another prevalent myth is that all Asian cultures celebrate Chinese New Year in the same way. Chinese New Year is considered the most important festival in the Chinese community as it gives the hope of attracting luck, strong family ties, prosperity, and peace.
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