Hey there! 🎉 Have you ever wondered how people celebrate Chinese New Year? It’s an exciting journey that starts with the Winter Solstice and ends with the Lantern Festival. Let’s explore these awesome traditions together! 🌟
Winter Solstice – The Start of the Journey ❄️
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. In China, it’s called “Dongzhi” and is a super important day. It’s like the start of the countdown to the New Year!
Counting the Nines
After the Winter Solstice, people start “Counting the Nines.” It’s a fun way to count the 81 days (nine times nine) until spring arrives. They use a special chart called the “Nine-Nines Disperse the Cold Chart.” Each day, they fill in a part of the chart, and before they know it, spring is here! 🌱
Winter Fishing at Chagan Lake 🐟
Up in the chilly northeast at Chagan Lake, fishermen have an amazing tradition. Every winter, they drill holes in the thick ice, set up nets, and use horses to pull in tons of fish! This tradition dates back hundreds of years and brings the community together with hopes for a great New Year.
Laba Festival – A Bowl of Warmth 🍚
Next up is the Laba Festival, celebrated on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month. On this day, people enjoy a special treat called Laba porridge. It’s made with rice, beans, nuts, and fruits all cooked together. Yum!
At Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, huge pots of Laba porridge are cooked and shared with everyone. It’s a way to spread kindness and warmth during the cold winter days. ❤️
Little New Year – Time to Clean Up! 🧹
About a week before Chinese New Year, it’s time for “Little New Year.” Families clean their homes from top to bottom to sweep away any bad luck and make space for good luck in the New Year. They also honor the Kitchen God, who watches over the family’s morals. Sending him off with sweets is believed to make him give a good report to the Jade Emperor! 🍬
Chinese New Year’s Eve and Beyond 🎊
As the New Year gets closer, excitement builds! People shop for decorations, food, and new clothes. In Guangdong Province, there are beautiful Spring Festival flower markets filled with fresh blooms and festive goodies. 🌺
Delicious Steamed Buns 🍥
In Shandong Province, people make decorative steamed buns shaped like cute animals, flowers, and more! They’re almost too pretty to eat!
Family Reunion Dinner 🍲
On New Year’s Eve, families come together for a big feast. It’s the most important meal of the year! Everyone enjoys delicious dishes and shares joyful moments.
Festive Activities 🦁🐲
During the festival, there are exciting activities like lion dances and dragon dances. Performers bring these creatures to life, dancing through the streets to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.
Lantern Festival – Lighting Up the Night 🎆
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the New Year celebrations. People light up beautiful lanterns, watch dragon dances, and eat yummy sweet rice dumplings called “tangyuan.”
In Puning, Guangdong Province, there’s a huge lantern parade where thousands of people carry lanterns, creating a sea of lights. It’s truly magical! ✨
In Yueqing, Zhejiang Province, they have the amazing Jewelry Dragon parade. This special dragon is decorated with intricate figures that move! So cool! 🐉
A Celebration of Joy and Hope ☺️
From the chilly days of the Winter Solstice to the glowing Lantern Festival, Chinese New Year is a time of happiness, family, and new beginnings. It’s all about welcoming the spring and hoping for a wonderful year ahead. Isn’t it amazing how these traditions have brought people together for thousands of years?
Reference(s):
From Winter Solstice to Lantern Festival: Chinese New Year rituals
cgtn.com
