old chinese new year traditions chinese new year activities in chinatown nyc

Cleaning the house is a long-observed Chinese New Year tradition. The ground, the walls, and every corner of the house need to be cleaned. In Chinese, “Dust” is a homophone for the word “Chen", meaning the old. Therefore a year-end cleaning is needed to drive the old things or the bad luck away from the house, and get ready for a new start. From sharing food with family to visiting temples and more, here are common Chinese New Year traditions you need to remember for a prosperous year The new year signifies a year of fresh begi The main content of Chinese New Year traditions is to remove the old and build new ones, worship the gods and ancestors, pray for blessings and drive off disasters. During the Chinese New Year, there are rich and colorful customs, strong New Year atmosphere and family affection, embodying the essence of traditional Chinese culture. 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. In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, Chinese families sweep the floors, wash clothes and other things, clean spiders' webs, and dredge ditches. It is also a time to ring out the old and ring in the new. The Chinese New Year can also be called "Guonian" which means the passing of the old year to the new one. This festival emphasizes the importance of family ties. The dinner gathering on Chinese New Year's Eve is the most important family occasion of the year. Lunar New Year Calendar and Lunar New Year rush starts after China lifts COVID travel rules. By Associated Press. Lion dancer makes impact on Chinese Lunar New Year tradition. By Mori Rothman, Michael D. Regan. Happy Lunar Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year on China's traditional lunisolar calendar. It is a time for family gatherings. It is the most important festival in China (where it is known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival), and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea (where it is known as Seollal), in Vietnam (as Tet), as well as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries 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 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 New clothes for the New Year. Do away with the old and wear new clothes for Chinese New Year as it symbolises a fresh beginning to the year. And since the colour red represents luck and positivity, many choose to wear red clothes, and sometimes even underwear, to help usher in an auspicious year. For the Lunar New Year 2025, I asked NPR readers and listeners to share the new and old traditions they practice to ensure a lucky year ahead. Here are some of their responses, edited for length 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 Chinese New Year traditions also revolve around letting go of the old year and bringing in the new. Many traditions are culturally associated with bringing good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Chinese New Year in China is called chunjie, which translates to “spring festival”. As such, it should be no surprise that spring-cleaning is an important part of ushering in the new year. Originating from an ancient religious ritual to ward off illness, this tradition now embodies a good old end of year deep clean. China will come alive with red lanterns, firecrackers, and joyous family gatherings, but Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is far more [] Chinese New Year Food Guide 2025: Tradition Meets Innovation. Welcome to the Year of the Snake! In 2025, Chinese New Year isn’t just about dazzling fireworks and red envelopes. When is Chinese New Year? The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the traditional Chinese calendar, a lunisolar calendar that blends solar, lunar, and other cycles. The holiday falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21. Each year the New Year in China falls on a different date than on the Gregorian calendar. Photo by Elvir K on Unsplash 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. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year as it occurs on the first new moon of the lunar calendar , celebrates renewal, family, and cultural traditions. From the vibrant red decorations to the symbolic foods, the holiday is a time for reflection and connection. The origin of the Chinese New Year Festival can be traced back to about 3,500 years ago. Chinese New Year has evolved over a long period of time and its customs have undergone a long development process. A Legend of the Origin of Chinese New Year. Like all traditional festivals in China, Chinese New Year is steeped with stories and myths. As expats or enthusiasts of cultural festivities, embracing Chinese New Year allows us to participate in a historical narrative over 3,500 years in the making. Let’s all welcome the new year with respect and enthusiasm, honoring an age-old tradition that continues to beat at the heart of Chinese society.

old chinese new year traditions chinese new year activities in chinatown nyc
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