 |
| (File Photo) |
Spring Festival or the Chinese Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for Chinese people who believe that a good beginning is half done.
This year the Chinese New Year's Eve (Chu Xi) will fall on February 9. According to tradition, the Spring Festival officially ends on the 15th day of the first lunar month (this year February 24), which usually called the Lantern Festival.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake represents wealth, flexibility and wisdom.
On the Chinese New Year's Eve, all family members gather in reunion at a round (symbol of unity) table filled with traditional dishes, including jiao zi (steamed dumplings with pork or vegetable fillings) and nian gao (sticky glutinous rice pudding).
At midnight, people set off firecrackers to welcome the new year and scare off evil spirits.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, younger generations put on their new clothes and pay visits to elders of the family. Children get lucky money in red envelopes (hong bao oì°ü) from their parents and relatives.
As the number of expats in China rises, more foreigners have an opportunity to celebrate the festival with locals and learn about Chinese culture.
Cameron Andersen, or better known as An Long, a popular Australian TV host from International Channel Shanghai, says he has enjoyed Spring Festival in China for three years already. This year he will celebrate it with his wife's family in Cixi of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province.
Entrepreneur takes 48 buses to go home
Feedback
RSS
