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? There are more Chinese New Year traditions and customs, such as wearing new clothes, staying up late on Chinese New Year's Eve, watching the Spring Festival Gala, etc. How Long Is Chinese New Year Celebrations? Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival. The 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. More specifically, the Lunar New Year tradition involves visiting family and friends starting on the morning of the first day of the new year around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. 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 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 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 Ang bao come in many different designs, with some bearing gold accents, but the red color is a standard. The Chinese character on the envelope, “hok,” means good luck. How does the Chinese zodiac influence the Chinese New Year tradition? Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, shaping themes and celebrations. For example, the Year of the Snake emphasizes wisdom, vitality, and renewal, aligning with broader cultural values of reflection and growth during the festival. For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, it’s nice to put some cash into a hongbao. If you’re traveling in the north, go for a round number; in the south, use lucky 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. It is rich with symbols that embody various wishes and traditions, each carrying deep meanings and playing a significant role in the festivities. Below are some of the most prominent Chinese New Year symbols, along with their symbolism and how they are applied in everyday life during the celebrations. 13 Most Popular Chinese new year symbols 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 What are some beliefs and traditions around the Lunar New Year? One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with the Year of the Snake! Explore fascinating Year of the Snake facts, Chinese New Year activities for kids, fun crafts and Chinese zodiac facts for children. Discover traditions, celebrations and creative ideas for families. With roots tracing back some 3,500 years to ancient China, it signifies the end of winter and the arrival of a new year. The festival holds deep importance in Chinese culture and is observed with The traditions associated with Chinese New Year, such as family reunions, communal meals, and the exchange of red envelopes, foster connections that transcend geographical boundaries. When the lunar calendar signals the arrival of the New Year, families often travel great distances to reunite. Chinese New Year holds deep meaning in Chinese culture. It marks new beginnings and brings families together to celebrate traditions passed down for generations. Historical Background. Chinese New Year dates back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. It began as a way to mark the end of winter and welcome spring. 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.
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