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Introduction
Many countries in Asia celebrate the new year around this time, like Vietnam and Korea. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is super important in China and other Asian places. It lasts for about 15 days and starts with the new moon between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. The festival goes on until the next full moon. It all started as a time to have big feasts and show respect to household and heavenly gods, and also to ancestors.
Chinese New Year Festivities Duration
The Chinese New Year in 2024 begins on Feb. 10 and ends with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 24. People celebrate for up to 16 days, and the public holiday in China lasts from Feb. 10 to Feb. 17.
Understanding the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, also called Sheng Xiao (生肖), is a 12-year cycle of animal signs based on the lunar calendar. Each year has its own animal sign with special qualities. The Lunar New Year marks the switch from one animal to another. The Year of the Rabbit, which started on Jan. 22, 2023, ends on Feb. 9, and then the Year of the Dragon starts on Feb. 10. The last Year of the Dragon was in 2012.
Preparing for the Lunar New Year
Before the Lunar New Year, people clean their houses very well to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year. They also try to pay off any debts they have. Some other traditions include putting spring festival couplets on doors or windows and buying new clothes.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
On the morning of New Year’s Eve, people clean the tombs of their ancestors and then go back home. After they hang up spring festival couplets and red lanterns, they have a big family dinner. This dinner is super important, and big families from different generations come together to enjoy yummy food. The food varies from north to south China; northerners like dumplings and noodles, while southerners prefer rice cakes. After dinner, people give out red envelopes with money and light fireworks. This is called "hong bao" in Mandarin. Red symbolizes energy and happiness in Chinese culture. The fireworks are set off to mark the new year and keep away bad spirits. Legend says it started with a monster called Nian, and people scared it away with fireworks.
Festival of Lanterns
The last day of the Lunar New Year is the Festival of Lanterns. People light up all sorts of lanterns in the streets, and there are often poems and riddles for fun.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year, especially the Year of the Dragon, is a time of joy and tradition for many Asian communities. By understanding its customs and rituals, we can appreciate the rich cultural heritage it brings.