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? 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. 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 In this article, we will explore the top 15 Chinese New Year traditions and customs that reflect the deep-rooted cultural significance of this festive season. Each tradition carries its own symbolism, from cleansing away the old to welcoming the new with joy and unity. 1. Spring Cleaning (Sweeping Away Bad Luck) Now let’s take a look at some Chinese New Year traditions and customs, and feel the cultural memory that belongs to Chinese people. Worshiping the Kitchen God. Chinese New Year usually begins with the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God. It is a traditional custom that has a great influence and is widely spread among Chinese Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan: Chinese New Year is a major holiday in these regions, with locals actively participating in customs and traditions. Taiwan enjoys a 6-holiday from January 28 to February 2 in 2025, while Hong Kong and Macau residents have a 3-day holiday from January 29 to 31 in 2025. Chinese New Year is one of China's traditional festivals with a history of over 1000 years. Throughout its evolution, it has developed many customs. Most of the traditions we see today have been passed down from the past. Read the top 15 Chinese New Year Traditional activities below: Chinese New Year traditions 1. House Cleaning C hinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节), is the most significant celebration in Chinese culture, blending ancient traditions with vibrant modern adaptations. These beloved Chinese New Year traditions reflect the cultural essence of renewal, family unity, and prosperity. 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 Visiting extended family and friends during the week of Chinese New Year and exchanging gifts is a Chinese New year tradition that goes on throughout the 15-day holiday. This process of visiting family and friends is called bài nián (拜年), in which you wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. The Chinese New Year, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, is celebrated worldwide with traditions promoting good luck and avoid bad fortune. Key practices include thorough cleaning before Before the real New Year, there’s the Little New Year a few days beforehand. Again, people are remembered and prayers are said, but the most important activity is the thorough cleaning of your house, to drive out evil spirits. Alongside this, debts are paid and new clothing is purchased. This is all in preparation for the real New Year. New 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 Before the real New Year, there’s the Little New Year a few days beforehand. Again, people are remembered and prayers are said, but the most important activity is the thorough cleaning of your house, to drive out evil spirits. Alongside this, debts are paid and new clothing is purchased. This is all in preparation for the real New Year. New This custom of showing respect ensures blessings for the new year. 9. Staying up late “Shousui,” which translates to “after the New Year’s Eve dinner,” is the Chinese New Year tradition of staying awake past midnight. Also known as the New Year’s vigil, t his tradition is believed to prolong the lives of parents and welcome a The start of the new year doesn’t fall on the same day for everyone. Today is Chinese New Year—the most important Chinese holiday—also well-known as a celebration of spring. Get to know this beautiful tradition. Out of all the Chinese New Year customs and traditions, this one might be a young person’s favorite. Every new year, adults give children red envelopes containing paper money and/or coins. According to the Chinese Culture Center, Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, represents a time for family reunions and cultural traditions. It symbolizes the renewal of life and the coming of spring. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years The Lunar New Year: Rituals and Legends. The Lunar New Year; The Chinese Calendar; Preparations for the New Year; New Year’s Eve; New Year Festivities; The Lantern Festival; Suggested Reading; The Lunar New Year. For Chinese, in China and in ethnic communities around the world, the lunar new year is the most important and most festive holiday
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