Chinese New year is an elaborate event, which lasts for a total of 15 days. It
is also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year and is celebrated traditionally with
family and friends. Chinese New Year is an event that is celebrated
internationally and marked by elaborate festivity. Since red is an auspicious
color, red packets with sweets are distributed to everyone. Chinese New Year is
also marked with extensive display of fireworks, feasting and dancing as well.
One can see the famous Lion Dances and Dragon Dances on the occasion. The first
week of Chinese New Year is very important and is dedicated to all family
members and friends.
Traditionally, an elaborate feast is prepared in each household on Chinese New
Year, to pay respect and tribute to ancestors and all those who have passed
away. All traditional food items, like chicken, fish, noodles, and rice, are
cooked on the day. The noodles should be uncut as they symbolize a long life.
Any white food item, such as curd, is not to be included, as the color white is
unlucky and symbolizes death. Rice is taken with chicken and other foods and
also in the form of sweet pudding. A traditional vegetarian item called "Jai" is
also prepared in all households, on Chinese New Year, and has significant value.
It is a combination of various fibrous roots, like lotus seeds, gingko biloba
nuts, bamboo shoots, etc, which signify wealth and abundance.
The Chinese New Year begins with visits to friends and loved ones and greeting
them with good luck. All members of the household take part in the celebration
with great enthusiasm and fervor. The event ends with the Lantern Festival,
which falls on the 15th day. The kids enjoy this day in particular. They move
around with friends and family members, carrying colorful and brightly-lit
lanterns and are very excited all throughout the day. All said and done, Chinese
New Year is an occasion to thank family members and friends and most importantly
God, for being generous to them and pray that they and others have a great year
ahead.
Chinese New Year Dates
Chinese calendar is based on the combined movement of the lunar and solar
cycles. This is the reason why the Chinese New Year falls on a different date
every year. In 2010, Chinese New Year will fall on the 14th of February and will
be the year of the Tiger. In the year 2011 (the year of rabbit), the Chinese New
Year will be on 3rd of February, while in 2012 (the year of dragon), it will
fall on the 23rd of January.
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