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Inspite of the immense changes in the post modern world of China, people still view their life from the historical vantage point of the ancient traditions and customs. This is best explained by the zest with which the Chinese all across the globe celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival. Everyone knows that the first of January marks the first day of a new calendar. But the first day of Chinese New Year falls on the first new moon after 1st of January. Chinese New Year Festival is a family celebration with food, light, fireworks and lots of interactive activities that strengthens filial ties. |
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Chinese put their family in a very significant position as they consider it as a way to keep the family blood running.
The Chinese New Year Festival starts the night before Chinese New Year as family members gather together for a traditional dinner known as “surrounding the stove” and acknowledge the spirits of their ancestors. The Chinese New Year Festival spans across fifteen days with each day having its individual importance.
On the first day of the Chinese New Year it is believed that the Chinese New Year God ascends to heaven to pay their respects and also report on the household chores to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist deity. Therefore many folks abstain from having meat on the first day of the New Year because it is believed that this will ensure healthy and happy lives for them. On the second day, the Chinese acknowledge their ancestors as well as pray to all the gods. People feed dogs as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to offer respect to their parents-in-law. The fifth day is known as Po Woo. On that day people stay at home to usher in the God of Wealth. It is customary not to visit families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck. From the sixth to the tenth day, the Chinese greet their acquaintances, relatives and friends and wish them a happy and prosperous year ahead. They also visit the temples to pray for good luck, riches and health.
The seventh day of the New Year is the day when farmers display their harvest. They make a drink from seven types of vegetables to commemorate the occasion. The seventh day is also believed to be the birthday of human beings. It is customary to eat noodles and raw fish for long life and success. The eighth day of the festival is characterized by another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they offer prayers to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven. The ninth day is the day of make offerings to the Jade Emperor. From the tenth through the twelfth day of the festival friends and relatives are invited for dinner. The thirteenth day has a biological significance. People eat simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse their system. The fourteenth day is spent in the preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival also known as Shang Yuan festival which is to be held on the fifteenth night.
123Chinese NewYear offers information on Chinese New Year Festival from all over the world.
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