The Chinese New Year and It’s Welcoming World.
Known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Celebrated by more than 20% of the world, this is the dog year – no pun intended – and with it, we need to get you up to speed on what your this Chinese new year makes of your fortune! Grab your pen and paper and get to know all the things you didn’t know about this Chinese tradition!
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The Spring Festival.
The Chinese New Year is also known by Spring festival. Why? Here’s the answer: In China, winter is still ongoing but this special event marks the end of the coldest days. People welcome Spring and what it brings along: planting, harvesting, new beginnings and fresh starts. To celebrate this special event several red lanterns are spread in the street for example.
2. Fireworks.
This tradition marks new beginnings so, this special custom is meant to scare the monsters, bad luck and bad vibes away. In fact, some say that this is the day that most fireworks are set off in the world. Why do you ask? We have the answer: in the myth about Nian, firecrackers are supposed to scare off monsters and bad luck. So, people stay up on Chinese New Year’s Eve and set off firecrackers at midnight and in the morning as well. This time with the purpose of bringing good luck and welcoming the new year.
3. It’s the longest holiday in China.
While technically the Spring Festival is 15 days celebrations start on New Year’s Eve making it 16 days. You can also say that the holiday season starts in (lunar) December with the Laba Festival (腊八节—là bā jié). That’s around 40 days of celebrations! One of the curious facts about this holiday and what makes it so special is that you are supposed to spend time with your family and can only go out on the 5th day!
4. There are Things You Can and Can’t-Do.
For starters you can’t do laundry, sweeping or showering in this Chinese national holiday! Why? To maintain good luck. Hair cutting, using sharp objects such as scissors or knives, arguing and swearing are also not allowed. Besides this, you actually have a day to get rid of bad luck! The day prior to the New Year it’s an absolute must!
5. Chinese Desserts Have a Special Meaning.
This is a great reason to have seconds don’t you think? While a lot of cultures have special foods this isn’t the one to step out. For example, Nian Gao is a type of rice cake. It symbolizes success each and every year and fa gao is a hybrid of sponge cakes and muffins. People dye it festive colours. The fa is the same as in fa cai, which means “to get rich.” And everyone wants that!
6. Red All Over.
In this Chinese festivity red is the chosen colour. Used all over the streets, outside or inside the home, Chinese red decorations are something you can’t help but love. Why red? Well, remember the myth of Nian? While firecrackers helped scare the monsters away, red was also used for the same reason. An invaluable weapon, used in nearly all Chinese New Year decorations! Now that you feel inspired by all this red all over we’re ready to present you with this ebook with all the reasons why you need red scarlet in your modern home decor ideas!
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