Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is widely celebrated specially in China and Taiwan. The origin of this Spring Festival is too old to be traced and gained implication because of several myths and legends. It is one of the most important and longest festivals in the lunar calendar lasting for 15 days.

Chinese New Year History

The Chinese New Year is widely celebrated specially in China and Taiwan. The origin of this Spring Festival is too old to be traced and gained implication because of several myths and legends. It is one of the most important and longest festivals in the lunar calendar lasting for 15 days.

The legend spoke of a wild beast Nien (which also means ‘Year’ in Chinese) that appeared at the end of each Chinese New Year killing animals and villagers. To drive away this ferocious beast, people used to make loud noises, light up fire and paste red-colored paper on their doors to scare away Nien. The next morning people use to greet each other and enjoy for driving away the beast for a year. Hence, the celebration of the Chinese New Year was born.

Chinese New Year Symbols

Symbols play an important role in a festival. Chinese New Year cannot be an exception as it is filled with mysticism and age old traditions.

Flowers:

Flowers play an important role for the decorations of the Chinese New Year. The usage of blossoms symbolizes certain aspects of life as well.

- Peach Blossoms: Symbolizes luck

- Kumquat and Narcissus: Symbolizes prosperity

- Chrysanthemum: Symbolizes longevity

- Bamboo: Can be used any time of the year

- Sunflower: Symbolizes good year

Fish:

Another symbol for the Chinese New Year is the Koi Fish that can be found in paintings or at times the foods are decorated like the fish. It signifies abundance.

Lanterns:

The traditional Chinese lanterns are used generally at the last day of the festival known as the Festival of Lanterns. They are mostly red in color and oval in shape. When lit they look bright and colorful.

Lai-See Envelops or Hong-Bao:

These envelops are generally red in color and money is often given to kids and young ones wrapped in Lai-See Envelops as gifts .Presents are also exchanged among families.

Tray of Togetherness or Chuen-Hop:

It’s a tradition in many families to greet their guests and relatives with a tray full of dry fruits, sweets and candies. This is known as Chuen-Hop in Chinese or Tray of Togetherness. This signifies plentitude and good luck.

Dragon and Lion Dance:

Dragon and lion dances along with loud beats of drums and cymbals are the main attraction in the Chinese New Year. It is believed that the aggressive dance of the dragon and lion along with the cacophony drive away the evil spirits.