Rare things about Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and significant cultural celebration that holds several rare and fascinating traditions. Here are some lesser-known facts about Chinese New Year:

The World's Largest Human Migration: Chinese New Year triggers the largest annual human migration on Earth. Referred to as Chunyun, this period sees hundreds of millions of Chinese people traveling to their hometowns to reunite with their families. It puts immense pressure on transportation systems, resulting in crowded trains, buses, and airports.

Red Envelopes and Lucky Money: During Chinese New Year, it is customary to exchange red envelopes known as "hongbao" or "lai see." These envelopes contain money, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The amounts are usually in even numbers and should not include the number four, as it is considered unlucky in Chinese culture.

Lion and Dragon Dances: Spectacular lion and dragon dances are performed during Chinese New Year. The lion dance involves two performers inside a lion costume, while the dragon dance requires a team of performers maneuvering a long dragon puppet. These vibrant and energetic dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Nian, the Beast: According to Chinese folklore, there was once a mythical beast called Nian that would terrorize villages on New Year's Eve. To ward off the creature, people started using firecrackers, wearing red clothes, and pasting red paper cutouts on their doors. This tradition has continued, symbolizing the triumph over evil forces.

Dumplings for Luck: Dumplings hold a special significance during Chinese New Year. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Making and eating dumplings during the New Year celebrations is believed to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.

The Lantern Festival: The 15th day of the Chinese New Year festivities marks the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated with the release of vibrant, glowing lanterns into the sky. These lanterns symbolize letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. Lantern displays, riddle contests, and lion dances are common during this festival.

Kitchen God's Departure: According to tradition, a week before Chinese New Year, the Kitchen God, who watches over a household's activities, departs to report to the Jade Emperor about the family's actions throughout the year. To ensure a favorable report, families offer the Kitchen God sweet treats and perform rituals to ensure his return.

Chinese New Year is a treasure trove of customs and traditions, rich in symbolism and cultural significance. These lesser-known aspects add to the charm and uniqueness of this joyous and auspicious celebration that brings families together and ushers in a new beginning.

Here are some additional intriguing and lesser-known aspects of Chinese New Year:

Festival of Lights: In addition to the Lantern Festival, the celebration of Chinese New Year also involves illuminating homes and streets with various types of lights. From traditional lanterns to modern LED decorations, the festival creates a dazzling display of lights, symbolizing a bright and prosperous future.

Drowning the Nian: The legend of Nian also gave rise to a fascinating tradition called "drowning the Nian." In some regions of China, people reenact the mythical battle against Nian by throwing a paper effigy of the beast into rivers or burning it, symbolizing the defeat of evil forces and the start of a new year.

The Color Red: Red is the dominant color during Chinese New Year. It is believed to symbolize good luck, happiness, and ward off evil spirits. Red decorations, red clothing, and red lanterns are abundantly present throughout the festivities. The color red is also associated with the mythical creature, Nian.