Facts, myths, and traditions in Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China and more than 20 percent of the world’s population celebrate this holiday.
However, some of the people may not know these things about the event.
Spring Festival
The New Year of Chinese is also called the Spring Festival. During the celebration, the end of the coldest days is also coming. Lunar New Year is also another term for this event.
No exact date
Unlike other holidays, the celebration of Chinese for their new year has no exact date. It ranges from January 21 to February 20. This 2019, it falls on February 5.
Fireworks, prayers to ancestors, fighting monsters
For the Chinese, it is the time to pray to their ancestors while according to myth it is the time when a boy fought a monster which only goes out every new year’s eve. Based on the story, the boy triumph against the monster through firecrackers and to celebrate this, people set off more firecrackers.
Longest Chinese holiday
Technically, this holiday lasts for 15 days but the celebration starts on new year’s eve or on the 16th day. Based on the Chinese tradition, one has to stay with their family and can only go out after the 5th day. Most of the stores are close so people buy their goods a month before.
Largest human migration
Chinese who are living in the city come back home to their parents in rural areas for the traditional Chinese New Year’s eve dinner. Train tickets are already available 60 days prior of the holiday.
Hiring of fake girlfriend/boyfriend
As part of Chinese culture, having children and passing down the family name is very vital. This is the reason why some Chinese hire fake boyfriend and girlfriend to take them home.
Things prohibited to do
During the New Year’s day, taking a shower, sweeping and throwing the garbage are not allowed. They believe that these will wash away good luck. Some of the things that are not allowed to do are breaking ceramics or glass; using scissors, knives or any sharp objects; arguing and swearing; saying unlucky things and hair cutting.
Meaning of Chinese desserts
Every Chinese dessert has a meaning. Examples of this are: Nian
Wine
Wine should always be present in every Chinese occasion. For them, there’s no manners and/or etiquette without wine.
The color red
Chinese tradition dictates that decorations for new year should have the color red to drive away the mythical monster called Nian. Children also receive gifts from red envelopes.
Zodiac animal and bad luck
Every year has a designated zodiac animal and people born on the zodiac year are considered bad luck.
1 year older
During the Spring Festival, Chinese people add 1 year to their nominal age.
Greetings
The Chinese New Year greeting is “
“gong
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