10 Things to Know About Chinese New Year Festival

The beginning of a new year is a time for celebration for all of us. Most parts of the world celebrate January 1 as the beginning of New Year. Did you know that China has a different New Year and different customs? Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival. Let us have a look at some of the unique aspects of the Chinese New Year.

1. No fixed date

The Chinese do not have a fixed date to begin their new year. Unlike the West, here it is celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar. Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20 every year. For 2020, the New Year is set to start on 25 January. This is the best time to travel to this amazing nation and be part of the festivities.

2. Every Year has a Zodiac Animal

In Chinese calendar system, every year is represented by a zodiac symbol. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac system, and one of these is assigned to every year. This 12 year cycle keeps repeating. Some of the animals in Chinese zodiac are rat, snake, dog, and pig. 2020 is the Year of the Rat. The year of one’s own zodiac sign is considered to be bad for the person.

3. Celebrations for 15 Days

China has perhaps one of the longest New Year celebrations all over the world. The festivities begin a day before the start of the New Year and end on the 15th day which is celebrated as the Lantern Day. Each day has its significance and unique customs. The festivities begin with a reunion dinner on the New Year’s Eve, when the entire family unites for the celebrations.

4. Longest Holiday

As the New Year celebrations last for a period of 15 days, China breaks off into a phase of enjoyment and relaxation during these 15 days. Most employees will have a long holiday of 7 to 12 days. This is the time when Chinese nationals all over the world head home for uniting with their families. The holidays for 2020 last from January 24 to January 30.

5. Unique Food Traditions

Every food item made and served during the Spring Festival has its significance and cultural values. The most famous food is the dumplings. There are other special delicacies such as noodles, rice cakes, spring roll and fish. Reunion dinners will have specialty meats and seafood. A special rice dumpling, Tangyuan, is eaten on the last day of the celebrations.

6. Unique Customs

On the first day of the New Year, firecrackers and bamboo sticks are burned in front of houses to keep away the evil spirits. Some people believe that lighting a fire and using knives on the New Year starting day will bring misfortune. So all food items are cooked the day before. Sweeping of the house is also prohibited for the fear of swiping away good fortune. On the last day of festival, single individuals will seek a romantic partner.

7. Unique Gifts

Chinese people have a unique way of gifting too. Instead of nicely wrapped gifts, Chinese people exchange red envelopes carrying money as gifts. These gifts are usually handed over by the elders in the family to the youngsters. This red envelope is believed to suppress the evil spirit. These envelopes are kept under the pillow for seven nights so that the entire year remains prosperous.

8. Red Color Prominent

Chinese Spring Festival is a festival of red color. From candles to cakes, everything will be made in red color during this period. Red color signifies joy, virtue, truth, and sincerity. The Chinese equivalent for the word red is also considered to be auspicious. People dress up in red color to receive good luck.

9. Unique Decorations

Chinese houses will be decked up in a unique manner for receiving the New Year. Diamond shaped ‘fu’ or good luck characters are displayed at the entrances of houses. Chinese calligraphy of auspicious idioms will be displayed on the doorways. Chinese knots, paper cutting and couplets are other decorations found in houses.

10. Largest Firecracker Show

Traditionally, bamboo stems were filled with gunpowder to create crackers. Today, modern firecrackers are used in every household. Burning of firecracker is considered essential on the first day of the New Year so that all demons and evil spirits are scared off. Though it is an old tradition, the Chinese government has banned the use of firecrackers in several places considering the environmental hazards.

Every part of China will be lighted up with lanterns during the New Year celebrations. This is why there’s no better time to visit China than during spring and there’s no better Tour guide for this endeavour than Fortune Tours to guide you along your trip as you explore the hidden treasures and finest destinations of China