|
|
Chinese New YearThe Chinese New Year and the celebration of the New Year in Western cultures are similar in that both celebrate the passing of the previous year and the welcoming of a new year. The New Year promises a fresh and prosperous start to a renewed life. While the Western New Year celebration normally lasts 2 days (Dec. 31st – Jan.1st), the Chinese New Year celebration lasts a total of 15 days and may start as early as Jan. 21st and end as late as Feb. 19th. Based on a combination of lunar and solar movements the Chinese calendar’s lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order for the lunar calendar to match the solar calendar, an extra month is inserted once every few years (similar to a leap year). This is the reason why the Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year. Chinese New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair. It is a time of reunion and thanks for the past year. Honor is offered to the heaven and earth, the gods of the household and family ancestors. The Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the Chinese New Year is called the “Lantern Festival". Celebrated on the night of the last day of Chinese New Year, people carry lanterns into the streets and take part in parades. Some Traditions
of the New Year -The 20th of the Twelfth Moon is set aside for the annual housecleaning called "Sweeping of the Grounds”. Every inch of the house must be swept and cleaned in preparation for the coming New Year. After the house is cleaned it’s time to bid farewell to the Stove God Zaojun (or Zaowang). Zaojin is the deity in charge of the home and traditionally leaves the house on the 23rd of the last month to report to heaven on the behavior of the family. -The New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations are family affairs. On New Year’s Eve, all members of a family gather together for a family dinner. If a family member cannot attend an empty seat is kept to symbolize his/her presence at the feast. At midnight the younger members of the family bow and pay their respects to their parents and family elders. -Symbols and art motifs of good fortune are posted both outside and inside the house in the form of woodblock prints, paper cutouts, and calligraphy strips. Common greetings are “Congratulations” and “May You Be Prosperous”. Red is the primary color for good fortune. -During the New Year children are given “red envelopes” containing good luck money. In some areas such as Taiwan, their adult children present red envelope money to parents. - The seventh day of the Chinese New Year is considered the birthday of all human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for future success. -On New Year’s Day everyone puts on new clothes and is to be on his/her best behavior. -During the New Year numerous lion dances, theatrical shows, and other performances are performed to celebrate the New Year. -Firecrackers are exploded throughout the New Year to drive away any evil spirits. Traditional Chinese New Year Schedule Day 2: The Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. Days 3-4: Both are days for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law. Day 5: The Chinese stay at home to welcome the God of Wealth. Visiting family or friends on this fifth day will bring bad luck to both parties. Days 6-13: A time to visit to family, friends, and religious temples to pray for good fortune, health, and a prosperous coming year. Day 14: Prepare for the Lantern Festival Day 15: The Lantern Festival Unlike any other time of the year, the Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate family, honor ancestors, pray to the gods, and to be thankful for life and family. It also offers one the hope for an auspicious future.
|
