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New Year's Holiday

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New Year's Holiday is a national holiday in China

New Year's Holiday in China (春节 - Spring Festival)

Day:

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is not fixed to a date in the Gregorian calendar. It typically falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar. It marks the first day of the lunar New Year and the beginning of spring.

History:

The festival has a history dating back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in various myths and traditions. One prevalent legend is that of Nian, a beast that would emerge to terrorize villages at year's end until it was driven away by red decorations and loud noises, which explains some of the customs seen today.

Traditions:

  • Cleaning: Homes are thoroughly cleaned before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
  • Decorations: Red is predominant in decorations due to its association with good luck; homes are adorned with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings.
  • Reunion Dinner: Known as "Nian Ye Fan," this feast on New Year's Eve is a significant event where families gather for an elaborate meal.
  • Red Envelopes: Money is gifted in red envelopes ("hongbao") as a symbol of transferring fortune from elders to younger generations.
  • Fireworks/Firecrackers: Originally used to scare off evil spirits like Nian, fireworks are set off at midnight to celebrate and bring luck.
  • Dragon & Lion Dances: These traditional dances are performed during celebrations for their auspicious connotations.

What People Do:

On New Year's Day people often visit family members and friends, offering greetings of good fortune ("gongxi facai"). There's also a strong emphasis on relaxation and enjoyment after several days leading up to it filled with preparation. Many watch or participate in festivities such as temple fairs or other public events featuring performances, games, and food stalls. Television specials like CCTV's New Year Gala are widely watched by families across the country.

The holiday period spans several days (typically 7 days for public holiday), creating one of the world's largest annual human migrations known as Chunyun (Spring Festival travel season) as people travel to reunite with family members.

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