Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节, Chūn Jié), is one of the most significant and vibrant holidays in China. It is celebrated not only in China itself, but also in other countries with Chinese communities. This holiday symbolizes the beginning of a new lunar year, filled with traditions, symbols and rites that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and philosophy.
The Chinese New Year is not only a time for family gatherings, but also a period when the Chinese express gratitude for the past year and begin a new cycle with the hope of luck, well-being and prosperity. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the traditions, symbols and delights that accompany this important holiday in Chinese society.
1. History and significance of the Chinese New Year
1.1 Lunar Calendar and Beginning of the Year
The Chinese New Year is observed according to the lunar calendar, and its date varies depending on the position of the moon. It usually falls on the period from late January to mid-February. The beginning of the new year marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing a new cycle and the renewal of nature.
- The Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China itself, but also an important event for Chinese communities around the world, including in Southeast Asia, America and Europe.
1.2 Traditions and Historical Roots
According to Chinese mythology, an ancient monster named Nian went to earth on the last day of the old year to attack people. To protect themselves, people used red and fireworks that scared off monsters. These customs became the basis for Chinese New Year celebrations, where red and the sounds of fireworks serve as important symbols.
2. Chinese New Year symbols
2.1 Red color and its value
Red is a symbol of luck, happiness and well-being in Chinese culture. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese decorate their homes with red lanterns, pairs of verses on red papers, and red envelopes of money (红包, hóngbāo), usually given to children and younger relatives.
- Red is used to scare off failure and evil spirits, as well as to attract happiness and good luck in the new year.
2.2 Dragon and Its Meaning
The dragon - a symbol of strength, luck and power, is an important symbol of the Chinese New Year. Some regions host dragon dances and dragon boats, where people in dragon costumes symbolise long-awaited well-being and prosperity.
- The dragon is associated with Chinese mythology and is considered the protector of the people, which makes it an important attribute in the Chinese New Year holidays.
2.3 Swallows and Family Values
Swallows and other birds are also symbols of happiness and luck. The birds are associated with a new beginning and revival, matching the renewal themes that permeate the entire Chinese New Year.
- Holiday paintings and sets often feature swallows, symbolizing good wishes for all family members.
3. Chinese New Year rites and traditions
3.1 Family Reunion
One of the most significant aspects of the Chinese New Year is family reunification. During this period, people return home to celebrate the holiday with their relatives, which is an important moment in Chinese culture, where the family has always played a central role.
- New Year's dinner is a solemn occasion, when the whole family gathers at a large table to enjoy festive dishes. Main dishes include fish, which symbolizes wealth, and dumplings, symbolizing wealth and happiness.
3.2 Waiting for good luck through rituals
On the night before the Chinese New Year, it is customary to clean the house in order to rid it of evil spirits and the failures of the old year. It is believed that during New Year's Eve, all grievances and negatives should be left behind in order to celebrate the new year with positive energy.
- It is also important on this day to pay off debts in order to start the new year with a clean account. Many Chinese people celebrate and pray for health and happiness for their loved ones.
3.3 Gifts and envelopes with money (hóngbāo)
One of the most popular rites is the exchange of red envelopes with money. Usually, older family members give envelopes to younger ones, which symbolizes the wish of good luck and well-being throughout the year. Gifts can also include sweets and fruits that are symbols of health and prosperity.
- This rite strengthens family ties and helps to transfer luck to the next generation.
4. Festive food and traditional dishes
4.1 Dumplings (jiǎozi)
One of the most popular dishes in the Chinese New Year are dumplings, which are prepared in the form of coins. This symbolizes wealth and wealth, as coins are traditionally associated with financial success.
4.2 Moon Pies (yuèbǐng)
Traditional moon pies, which are often filled with sweet pasta, are also served during festive events. These pies symbolize happiness and family unification.
4.3 Fish and Other Dishes
Fish is an integral part of the New Year's table, as it symbolizes prosperity. Fish in Chinese sound like "yu," which also means "surplus," which means happiness and prosperity.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is not just a holiday, but a whole system of traditions and rituals that help the Chinese express gratitude for the outgoing year and meet the new one with the hope of happiness, good luck and prosperity. This holiday continues to be an important element of Chinese culture, reflecting the depth of historical values and modern perception of the world.
The Chinese New Year is not only a time for family gatherings, but also a period when the Chinese express gratitude for the past year and begin a new cycle with the hope of luck, well-being and prosperity. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the traditions, symbols and delights that accompany this important holiday in Chinese society.
1. History and significance of the Chinese New Year
1.1 Lunar Calendar and Beginning of the Year
The Chinese New Year is observed according to the lunar calendar, and its date varies depending on the position of the moon. It usually falls on the period from late January to mid-February. The beginning of the new year marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing a new cycle and the renewal of nature.
- The Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China itself, but also an important event for Chinese communities around the world, including in Southeast Asia, America and Europe.
1.2 Traditions and Historical Roots
According to Chinese mythology, an ancient monster named Nian went to earth on the last day of the old year to attack people. To protect themselves, people used red and fireworks that scared off monsters. These customs became the basis for Chinese New Year celebrations, where red and the sounds of fireworks serve as important symbols.
2. Chinese New Year symbols
2.1 Red color and its value
Red is a symbol of luck, happiness and well-being in Chinese culture. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese decorate their homes with red lanterns, pairs of verses on red papers, and red envelopes of money (红包, hóngbāo), usually given to children and younger relatives.
- Red is used to scare off failure and evil spirits, as well as to attract happiness and good luck in the new year.
2.2 Dragon and Its Meaning
The dragon - a symbol of strength, luck and power, is an important symbol of the Chinese New Year. Some regions host dragon dances and dragon boats, where people in dragon costumes symbolise long-awaited well-being and prosperity.
- The dragon is associated with Chinese mythology and is considered the protector of the people, which makes it an important attribute in the Chinese New Year holidays.
2.3 Swallows and Family Values
Swallows and other birds are also symbols of happiness and luck. The birds are associated with a new beginning and revival, matching the renewal themes that permeate the entire Chinese New Year.
- Holiday paintings and sets often feature swallows, symbolizing good wishes for all family members.
3. Chinese New Year rites and traditions
3.1 Family Reunion
One of the most significant aspects of the Chinese New Year is family reunification. During this period, people return home to celebrate the holiday with their relatives, which is an important moment in Chinese culture, where the family has always played a central role.
- New Year's dinner is a solemn occasion, when the whole family gathers at a large table to enjoy festive dishes. Main dishes include fish, which symbolizes wealth, and dumplings, symbolizing wealth and happiness.
3.2 Waiting for good luck through rituals
On the night before the Chinese New Year, it is customary to clean the house in order to rid it of evil spirits and the failures of the old year. It is believed that during New Year's Eve, all grievances and negatives should be left behind in order to celebrate the new year with positive energy.
- It is also important on this day to pay off debts in order to start the new year with a clean account. Many Chinese people celebrate and pray for health and happiness for their loved ones.
3.3 Gifts and envelopes with money (hóngbāo)
One of the most popular rites is the exchange of red envelopes with money. Usually, older family members give envelopes to younger ones, which symbolizes the wish of good luck and well-being throughout the year. Gifts can also include sweets and fruits that are symbols of health and prosperity.
- This rite strengthens family ties and helps to transfer luck to the next generation.
4. Festive food and traditional dishes
4.1 Dumplings (jiǎozi)
One of the most popular dishes in the Chinese New Year are dumplings, which are prepared in the form of coins. This symbolizes wealth and wealth, as coins are traditionally associated with financial success.
4.2 Moon Pies (yuèbǐng)
Traditional moon pies, which are often filled with sweet pasta, are also served during festive events. These pies symbolize happiness and family unification.
4.3 Fish and Other Dishes
Fish is an integral part of the New Year's table, as it symbolizes prosperity. Fish in Chinese sound like "yu," which also means "surplus," which means happiness and prosperity.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is not just a holiday, but a whole system of traditions and rituals that help the Chinese express gratitude for the outgoing year and meet the new one with the hope of happiness, good luck and prosperity. This holiday continues to be an important element of Chinese culture, reflecting the depth of historical values and modern perception of the world.