How China Celebrate Lunar Year

.The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is a significant holiday celebrated by millions of people in China and around the world. This ancient tradition marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is typically celebrated over a period of 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.

One of the most iconic symbols of the Lunar New Year is the red lantern, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Red lanterns can be seen hanging in homes, streets and public places throughout the country. The color red is also prominently featured in decorations, clothing and gifts as it is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Another important aspect of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the reunion dinner, also known as the "Nian Ye Fan". This is a special meal shared by families on New Year's Eve, usually consisting of traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and a whole suckling pig.

The Lunar New Year is also a time for giving and receiving red envelopes filled with money, known as "hongbao", as gifts. These are usually given by older family members to younger members as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

The Lunar New Year is also a time for lion and dragon dances, which are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The dances are typically performed by teams of skilled dancers and drummers, dressed in elaborate lion and dragon costumes.

In addition, there are various parades and festivals that take place across China, including the world-famous Lantern Festival in the city of Suzhou. This festival features thousands of colorful lanterns in various shapes and sizes, including traditional Chinese symbols such as dragons, phoenixes, and koi fish.

In conclusion, the Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition in China. From the iconic red lanterns to the reunion dinners and lion and dragon dances, this ancient holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new year.

The Lunar New Year is also a time for fireworks, which are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. Fireworks can be seen in cities and towns across China, with the biggest displays taking place in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

In addition to the traditional celebrations, many Chinese people also use the Lunar New Year as an opportunity to travel and visit family members who live in other parts of the country. This can lead to some of the largest human migrations in the world, with millions of people travelling by train, bus, and plane to be with their loved ones.

The Lunar New Year is also an important economic event in China, with many businesses shutting down for a week or more to allow employees to celebrate with their families. This can lead to a slowdown in economic activity, but it is also seen as an important time for businesses to reconnect with customers and build relationships.

The Lunar New Year is also an important cultural event, with many traditional Chinese festivals and events taking place during the holiday period. These can include temple fairs, traditional opera performances, and martial arts competitions.

The Lunar New Year is also an important event in the Chinese diaspora, with Chinese communities around the world celebrating the holiday with traditional food, music, and dance. This can include lion and dragon dances, parades, and fireworks displays.

In recent years, the Lunar New Year has also become an important event for foreign tourists visiting China. Many tour operators offer special Lunar New Year tours that take in the major celebrations and festivals, and allow visitors to experience the traditional customs and culture of the holiday.

In conclusion, the Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition in China. From the iconic red lanterns to the reunion dinners and lion and dragon dances, this ancient holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate the new year. It is also an important economic, cultural, and social event that has a significant impact on China and the Chinese diaspora around the world. Whether you're a Chinese citizen or a foreign tourist, the Lunar New Year is an event that should not be missed.