Chinese New Year By: Denny and Paras

What and When is Chinese Spring Festival? Chinese New Year celebrations, also known as the Spring Festival, in China start on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese 压延 (calendar). The festival lasts for about 23 days, ending on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the following year in the Chinese calendar.

How was the Holiday Originated? It is unclear when the exact beginning of the New Year celebration in China is. Normally, it was said to start from the year end religious ceremony during the Shang 王朝 (Dynasty) (1766 BC BC). A few believe that it started from as early as Emperor Yao and Shun (~2300 BC). At the beginning, the date of celebration varied from mid-winter to early spring. With the maturity of the solar base calendar, Emperor Wu (157 BC - 87 BC) of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220), established the first day of the first month as the beginning of the year, where it remains.

How many days does the festival last? The festival lasts for about 23 days, ending on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the following year in the Chinese 压延 (calendar). A lot of people celebrate the Chinese New Year. More than just Chinese, but even foreigners celebrate.

What kind of food do people eat during the festival? New Year's Eve Dinner, 饺子 (Dumplings), New Year Cake, Tang Yuan, LaBa Congee.

What do people do during Chinese New Year Days? Before the New Year's Day - Shopping, cleaning, decorations New Year's Eve - Family dinner, Shou Sui, Launch Fireworks First Day of the New Year - In some places, people stay at home on the first day. In other places, people greet each other, especially younger people and will visit and greet older relatives and friends. Second Day - Some people will host a religious ceremony to honor the Gods. Married females will visit their parents. Third Day - 仪式 (Ceremony) to honor the ancestors. Fifteenth Day - This is the Yuan Xiao festival, also called The Lantern festival. This is also the end of the New Year celebrations. 过年好 / 過年好 (Guònián h ǎ o)

What is significant about the dragon and lion dance? The Lion 舞蹈 (Dance) - Street celebrations often include a traditional lion dance which is thought to bring good luck. The Dragon 舞蹈 (Dance) - Dragons are of course legendary animals, but they are important to Chinese people who think of dragons as helpful, friendly creatures. They are linked to good luck, long life and wisdom. 新年好 / 新年好 (Xīnnián h ǎ o)

What is the Chinese Zodiac? The Chinese Zodiac - known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a twelve-year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign. These animal signs are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. It is calculated according to Chinese lunar calendar. 新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè)