7 Exciting Activities to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Style
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday in China. The holiday marks the beginning of the lunar calendar in China, and it’s celebrated all over the world. It’s a time to focus on family, friends, food, and good fortune. In this article, I will share with you what to do on Chinese New Year and how to make the most out of this festive season.
Firstly, you should learn some greetings to make a good impression on your Chinese friends. One of the most popular greetings is “Gong Xi Fa Cai”, which means “wishing you good luck and prosperity”. Do you know any other greetings?
Secondly, prepare some red decorations as red is a lucky color in Chinese culture. You can hang red lanterns, banners, or even wear red clothes. Did you know that Chinese people believe that red can ward off evil and bring good fortune?
Thirdly, join the festivities by watching a dragon or lion dance. These are traditional performances that symbolize good luck and prosperity. You can also watch fireworks, which are believed to scare off evil spirits. Have you ever witnessed a lion dance or fireworks display?
Fourthly, have a big feast with your family and friends. Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Some must-have dishes include fish, dumplings, rice cakes, and spring rolls. It’s believed that eating these dishes will bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Fifthly, exchange red envelopes with your loved ones. These are small gifts of money that parents, grandparents, or married couples give to children and unmarried relatives. The amount of money given usually ends with an even number, except for the number 4 which is considered unlucky. How much money will you give or receive?
Sixthly, play traditional games like Mahjong or Chinese poker. Gambling is a common Western stereotype of Chinese New Year, but these games are played for fun, not for money. Do you know how to play any traditional Chinese games?
Seventhly, learn some Chinese New Year traditions and superstitions. For example, it’s bad luck to sweep or clean on the first day of the lunar year as it’s believed that you’ll sweep away good luck. It’s also bad luck to wear black or white as they’re funeral colors. Have you heard of any other Chinese New Year traditions or superstitions?
Eighthly, attend a temple fair or cultural performance. Many cities organize temple fairs during Chinese New Year where you can experience traditional Chinese culture and performances. You can watch acrobats, folk music, and dance performances. Have you ever been to a temple fair or cultural performance during Chinese New Year?
Ninthly, give gifts to your loved ones. Giving gifts is a way to express your love and gratitude to your family and friends. Some popular gifts include tea, sweets, fruit baskets, and red envelopes. What gift will you give to your loved ones?
Tenthly and lastly, have fun and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Chinese New Year is a time of happiness, joy, and celebration. Don’t be shy, participate in the festivities, and create new memories with your loved ones. Will you make the most out of this Chinese New Year?
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant holiday for Chinese people all over the world. It’s a time to focus on family, friends, food, and good fortune. Use this article as a guide to celebrate Chinese New Year and make the most out of this festive season. Happy New Year!
"What To Do On Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year: The Most Important Chinese Holiday
Introduction
China is known for its unique and vibrant celebrations, but none are as important as the Chinese New Year. The celebration is also called the Spring Festival, which commemorates the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It is a time of vibrant colors, delicious food, and fireworks. If you live in China, or plan to visit during the Chinese New Year, you should know what activities you can do to fully immerse yourself in the joy of the celebration.1. Explore the Festive Decorations
As the days leading up to the Chinese New Year celebrations begin, the streets are filled with elaborate decorations celebrating the holiday, such as red lanterns, banners with New Year greetings, and flowers. Exploring these decorations is a great way to experience the festive feeling of the Chinese New Year. You can visit traditional markets and shopping malls to see the decorations or take a walk around your neighborhood.2. Participate in Temple Fairs
Temple fairs are held all over China during the Chinese New Year festivities. These fairs allow you to immerse yourself in Chinese culture while enjoying traditional games, foods, and performances. Beijing’s Ditan Park Temple Fair and Shanghai’s Yuyuan Temple Fair are two of the most popular in China.3. Next Stop: Traditional Family Reunions
Family reunions are an essential part of the Chinese New Year. People will travel from all over the country to be with their families. People usually prepare their homes and cook delicious meals in feast-sized proportions. You could also try experiencing a Chinese New Year dinner taking place at local restaurants, like Jia Chang Cai Guan or Hui Lao Shan.4. Have fun with Fireworks
Fireworks play a significant role during Chinese New Year, as it is known to ward off evil spirits. You can purchase fireworks from the local markets around China, but keep in mind there are specific rules on when and where you can launch them. Many celebrations have intricate firework presentations and performances, head out to public squares to get the most out of your experience.5. Celebrate Lantern Festival
The Chinese New Year festivities go on for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The night sky is lit up with colorful lanterns of different designs, sizes, colors and patterns, adding another dimension of illuminated vibrancy throughout the streets and in people’s homes.6. Enjoy Chinese New Year Movie Night
Watching Chinese New Year-themed movies is also an excellent way to learn more about Chinese culture. Films like Kung Fu Hustle and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon showcase traditional themes while being entertaining and enjoyable.7. Join in on the Dragon & Lion Dance
Throughout China, there are various dragon and lion dance performances taking place. The overwhelming excitement and color present in these dances are what make them an irresistible opportunity for anyone visiting China during the new year celebrations.8. Appreciate the Chinese Festive Food
Food is a significant part of the Chinese New Year. Treat yourself to some authentic dishes that include sweet rice balls, fish, dumplings, hotpot, and Niangao, a type of Chinese cake. These dishes will surely tantalize your palate.9. Learn Your Zodiac Sign & Fortune Prediction
Chinese astrology has been practiced for centuries and plays a significant role in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Every year corresponds to a certain animal on the Chinese zodiac like the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Traditional fortune telling is believed to reveal one’s future according to their zodiac sign, so why not give the predictions a shot?10. Experience Chinese Street Parades
Street parades are popular during the Chinese New Year. The parades are accompanied by Dragon dancing and colorful floats that depict the lunar calendar animals of the Chinese zodiac. Visitors get an up-close and personal view of performers, including local musicians and acrobats who always put on a great show.Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a time of vibrant and engaging celebrations. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, the festivities offer a unique experience full of authentic Chinese culture. You can enjoy the elaborate festive decorations, the temple fairs, fireworks, traditional family reunions, appreciate Chinese festive food, learn your zodiac sign prediction, or experience dragon and lion dancing. With these activities to choose from, you're bound to have an unforgettable time celebrating the Chinese New Year.Comparison: What To Do On Chinese New Year
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls between January 21 and February 20. The festival lasts for 15 days and is filled with various customs and traditions. In this article, we will compare and contrast the different things people do during Chinese New Year.Foods
Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, especially during New Year. There are many traditional dishes and snacks that people prepare and consume during the festival. Some popular ones include:| Food | Description | Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Dumplings | Symbolizes wealth and prosperity because their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency. | Dumplings are my favorite Chinese New Year food. |
| Spring rolls | Looks like gold bars, so they represent wealth and good fortune. | Spring rolls are tasty, but I prefer dumplings. |
| Niangao | A sticky rice cake that symbolizes achieving higher each year. | I'm not a big fan of niangao, but my family loves it. |
Decorations
Another essential part of Chinese New Year is decorations. Homes and businesses are adorned with red lanterns, banners with spring couplets, and images of gods and animals. These decorations represent different meanings and help create a joyous atmosphere.One popular decoration is the Chinese character fu, which means good fortune or happiness. The character is usually posted upside down on doors or windows to symbolize that good luck is coming. People also like to wear red clothing during the festival because red represents good luck and warding off evil spirits.
Activities
Chinese New Year is a time for families and friends to gather, eat, and celebrate together. There are many activities people can participate in during the festival. Let's take a look at some of them.| Activities | Description | Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Fireworks | Lighting firecrackers and fireworks is a traditional way to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year. | I love watching fireworks, but they can be dangerous. |
| Dragon and lion dances | A colorful and vibrant dance performed by a group of people wearing dragon or lion costumes. | The dragon and lion dances are fascinating to watch. |
| Visiting relatives | Visiting family and friends is a common practice during Chinese New Year. | Visiting relatives can be tiring, but it's nice to catch up with everyone. |
New Year's Eve
The most important day of Chinese New Year is New Year's Eve. It is a time for family reunions, big meals, and festivities. Here are some customs that people observe on New Year's Eve.Cleaning the house: It is believed that cleaning the house before New Year's Day will sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck to come in.
Reunion dinner: Families gather together to have a big feast, often with traditional dishes such as dumplings and fish. It is a time to share love and happiness with one another.
Red envelopes: Adults give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good luck and blessings for the new year.
The Lantern Festival
The 15th day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival. It marks the end of the Spring Festival and is celebrated with various activities, such as hanging and solving riddles on lanterns and eating yuanxiao (sweet glutinous rice balls).The most famous custom of the Lantern Festival is the releasing of sky lanterns. People write their wishes on paper and attach them to the lanterns, which are then released into the sky. It is believed that the higher the lantern goes, the better chances the wish would come true.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is rich in customs and traditions. From the food to the decorations and activities, there is a lot to experience during the festival. Whether you prefer dumplings or spring rolls, fireworks or dragon dances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The festivities also bring families and friends together, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create lifelong memories.What To Do On Chinese New Year
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated all over the world. It is also known as Spring Festival and marks the beginning of the new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar new year. There are many traditions and customs associated with this festival, which makes it a unique experience for everyone who celebrates it. In this article, we will look at some of the things that you can do during this festive season.Clean Your House
One of the most important customs associated with Chinese New Year is cleaning your house. This is done to get rid of any bad luck or negative energy that may have accumulated over the past year. It is also a way of welcoming good fortune and prosperity into your home. Make sure to clean every nook and corner of your house and throw away any clutter or unwanted items.Decorate Your Home
Another important tradition is decorating your home. This is done to create a festive atmosphere and attract good luck and positive energy. The most popular decorations include red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts featuring auspicious symbols. You can also decorate your home with fresh flowers such as plum blossoms, orchids, and chrysanthemums.Wear Red
Wearing red is considered auspicious during Chinese New Year as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. You can wear red clothes or accessories such as a red scarf or a red bracelet. Avoid wearing black or white as they are associated with mourning.Give Red Envelopes
Giving red envelopes or hongbao is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. It is a way of giving blessings and good wishes to younger family members or friends. The envelopes are usually filled with money and are given to children or unmarried adults. The amount of money usually ends with an even number as odd numbers are considered unlucky.Eat Traditional Foods
Eating traditional foods is an important aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations. Some of the most popular dishes include dumplings, spring rolls, glutinous rice cakes, fish, and noodles. Dumplings are believed to symbolize wealth and good fortune while fish represents abundance and prosperity. It is also customary to eat vegetarian on the first day of the festival to purify the body.Reunite with Family
Reuniting with family is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones during this festive season. It is a time to catch up with family members, exchange greetings and share a meal together. This reunion dinner held on the eve of Chinese New Year is a very important meal where families come together to celebrate.Watch Lion and Dragon Dance
Watching the lion and dragon dance is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. The dance is performed by a group of people wearing a lion or dragon costume and is accompanied by loud music and firecrackers. It is believed that the dance can bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.Set Off Fireworks
Setting off fireworks is another popular custom during Chinese New Year. The loud noise and bright colors are thought to scare away evil spirits and ensure a prosperous new year. However, some countries have banned the use of fireworks due to safety concerns, so make sure to check your local regulations before setting them off.Visit Temples
Visiting temples and praying for good fortune is also a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. Many people visit temples on the first day of the festival to burn incense, make offerings and seek blessings. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions associated with Chinese New Year.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and traditions. Whether you are cleaning your house, decorating your home, giving red envelopes, or enjoying traditional foods, there are many ways to enjoy the festive season. Remember to wear red, reunite with family, watch the lion and dragon dance, and set off fireworks. May the new year bring you good fortune, happiness, and prosperity!What To Do On Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated for 15 days, starting on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. During this time, people all over China and other parts of the world with a significant Chinese population, celebrate with a variety of customs and traditions.
In this article, we will explore some common practices during Chinese New Year and what you can do to join in the festivities:
Cleaning and Decorating
Cleaning your house before Chinese New Year is a way to get rid of any bad luck that may have accumulated in the previous year and make room for the good fortune of the new year. Once the cleaning is complete, it’s customary to decorate your home with lanterns, Chinese knots, and couplets with auspicious phrases to bring good luck. Red is the primary color used in decorations as it is considered lucky.
New Year’s Eve Dinner
The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important meal during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Family members gather together to enjoy a lavish feast featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and hotpot. The dinner symbolizes family unity and prosperity for the coming year. After dinner, families may stay up late playing games, telling stories, or watching the CCTV New Year's Gala.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, also called hongbao, are a prominent Chinese New Year tradition. They are red, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, and contain money. Elders and married couples give red envelopes to children, unmarried people, and others as a wish for good fortune in the coming year. It is customary to receive red envelopes with both hands and express thanks.
Lion and Dragon Dance
The lion and dragon dance is a fascinating performance during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The dance involves a team of performers dressed in lion or dragon costumes, accompanied by festive music, waving flags, and beating drums. It is believed that the lion and dragon dance can ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are also an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. When midnight strikes on New Year's Eve, people light fireworks and firecrackers to drive away evil spirits and welcome the new year with excitement and joy. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, many cities have imposed restrictions on fireworks and firecrackers, so it’s best to check beforehand if you’re planning to light them.
Visit Temple Fairs
Temple fairs are traditional Chinese celebrations held in temples or public squares. During Chinese New Year, many temple fairs are open to the public and offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment. You can try traditional snacks, watch performances like martial arts or acrobatics, and take part in games and other cultural activities.
Wear Red Clothes
Wearing red clothes is another way to celebrate Chinese New Year. Red symbolizes good fortune, happiness, and prosperity, so many people choose to wear red clothes, especially during the New Year’s Eve dinner. If you don’t have anything red, it’s a good idea to accessorize with something red, like a scarf, hat, or handkerchief.
Visit Relatives and Friends
Visiting relatives and friends is a beloved Chinese New Year tradition. During the 15-day festival, people travel from far and wide to reunite with their loved ones and exchange well-wishes for the new year. It’s also customary to bring gifts when visiting, like fruits, tea, or candy.
Eat Glutinous Rice Cakes
Glutinous rice cakes, also known as nian gao, are a traditional Chinese New Year snack. They are sticky, sweet cakes usually made with rice flour and sugar, symbolizing the desire for upward progression every year. You can fry them, steam them or wrap them with egg, meat or vegetables, making them versatile and delicious.
Pray for a Prosperous Year
Praying for prosperity and good luck is an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Buddhists and Taoists often go to temples to pray and make offerings to deities of wealth and good fortune. However, even without going to the temple, you can still take a moment to make a prayer or wish for a prosperous year in front of your home altar or while lighting incense.
In conclusion, celebrating Chinese New Year is a way to connect with one's culture and heritage. There is something for everyone to enjoy and participate in during this festive season. Whether it's the traditional customs, scrumptious food, or the contagious energy that surrounds the festivities, Chinese New Year is an excellent time to immerse oneself in colorful Asian culture.
So why not join in the fun of the celebrations this year? Happy Chinese New Year and wishing you all good health, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of Ox!
What To Do On Chinese New Year: People Also Ask
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It is usually celebrated between late January to mid February, depending on the lunar calendar.
What are the traditions associated with Chinese New Year?
There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, including:
- Cleaning the house before Chinese New Year's Eve to sweep away bad luck.
- Decorating with red objects and tangerines to attract good fortune.
- Eating reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve.
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children.
- Burning incense and praying at temples for good luck and blessings.
What should I wear on Chinese New Year?
It is customary to wear red on Chinese New Year as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. Other bright colors such as gold and yellow are also popular.
Where can I celebrate Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year celebrations can be found in many cities around the world, especially in areas with large Chinese populations. Some popular places to celebrate include:
- Chinatown districts (such as San Francisco and New York City)
- Chinese temples and cultural centers
- Chinese restaurants and banquet halls
What dishes are typically eaten during Chinese New Year?
There are many traditional dishes that are eaten during Chinese New Year, including:
- Jiaozi (dumplings)
- Nian gao (sticky rice cake)
- Fish
- Spring rolls
- Longevity noodles
- Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)
How can I participate in Chinese New Year if I am not Chinese?
Chinese New Year is a celebration of family, community, and new beginnings, and it is open to everyone. Some ways you can participate include:
- Attending festivals and parades in your area
- Trying traditional Chinese New Year dishes
- Wearing red or other festive colors
- Learning about the traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year
What are some other customs or superstitions associated with Chinese New Year?
Some other customs and superstitions associated with Chinese New Year include:
- Avoiding sweeping on New Year's Day to avoid sweeping away good luck
- Avoiding cutting hair or nails on New Year's Day to avoid cutting away good fortune
- Avoiding borrowing money on New Year's Day to avoid borrowing bad luck
- Burning fake paper money or offerings to ancestors for good luck
Celebrating Chinese New Year is a great way to experience Chinese culture and tradition. Whether you are Chinese or not, participating in the festivities can bring new opportunities and blessings for the year ahead.