Spring Festival and its colourful traditions (Hello China #31)

Summary

The Chinese Spring Festival, marking the start of the Lunar New Year, is a vibrant time of family reunion and cultural traditions. Preparations include cleaning, shopping, cooking traditional dishes, and creating festive decorations. A key highlight is the family dinner, where dumplings symbolize unity and goodwill. On New Year's Day, people dress in new clothes, visit loved ones, and exchange money as a gesture of good wishes. The celebration extends over two weeks with temple fairs, lantern exhibitions, and performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and communal spirit of the holiday.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Spring Festival marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar.
• 😀 People prepare for the festival by purchasing goods, cleaning their homes, and cooking traditional foods.
• 😀 Spring Festival couplets and festive pictures are created and hung up as part of the celebrations.
• 😀 The family dinner on Lunar New Year's Day is the most important event of the festival.
• 😀 Dumplings are an essential dish during the family dinner, symbolizing reunion and goodwill.
• 😀 The entire family comes together to spend quality time during the festival.
• 😀 On Lunar New Year’s Day, people wear new clothes and visit family and friends.
• 😀 Giving money to children during the Spring Festival is a tradition that symbolizes good wishes.
• 😀 The Spring Festival lasts nearly half a month, with various celebrations and festivities taking place.
• 😀 Temple fairs, performances, and lantern exhibitions are key components of the Spring Festival celebrations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Spring Festival in the Chinese lunar calendar?

The Spring Festival marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and is one of the most important holidays in China. It symbolizes new beginnings and is a time for family reunions and cultural celebrations.

What activities do people engage in during the Spring Festival?

During the Spring Festival, people engage in various activities such as cleaning their houses, purchasing goods, preparing traditional foods, making Spring Festival couplets, and hanging pictures. These activities are done to prepare for the new year and bring good luck.

What is the significance of dumplings during the Spring Festival family dinner?

Dumplings are essential in the family dinner on the first day of the Lunar New Year. They symbolize reunion and goodwill, and are a tradition that brings the whole family together to enjoy quality time.

What does the Spring Festival symbolize for families?

The Spring Festival symbolizes family reunion and unity. It is a time for families to gather, celebrate, and spend quality time together, reinforcing the importance of family bonds.

What do people do during the Spring Festival beyond family gatherings?

Beyond family gatherings, people in China wear new clothes, visit each other, and give money to children as a way of sending good wishes for the new year.

What are some of the public celebrations during the Spring Festival?

During the Spring Festival, various public celebrations are held, including temple fairs, performances, and Lantern exhibitions. These events take place over nearly half a month and add to the festive atmosphere.

What is the cultural meaning behind wearing new clothes for the Spring Festival?

Wearing new clothes during the Spring Festival represents a fresh start and symbolizes good luck for the coming year. It is also a way of showing respect for the holiday and the traditions it embodies.

How long do the Spring Festival celebrations last?

The Spring Festival celebrations typically last for nearly half a month, starting from the Lunar New Year's Day and continuing through various cultural activities and public celebrations.

What are Spring Festival couplets and how are they used?

Spring Festival couplets are traditional Chinese poems written on red paper that are displayed on doorways during the Spring Festival. They are believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.

Why is the family dinner considered the main activity of the Spring Festival?

The family dinner is considered the main activity of the Spring Festival because it represents the core value of family reunion. It is a time for relatives to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the holiday with warmth and love.