Spring Festival, most important traditional holiday
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional Chinese holiday which begins on January 1st of the lunar calendar and ends on the Lantern Festival1 on the 15th. According to tales and legends, Chinese New Year started with people's fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Vietnam, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and other countries which have extensive interaction with China or significant Chinese populations.
Before the New Year celebration, Chinese families clean their houses to sweep away the bad luck of the preceding year and welcome good luck. The color red is used in all decorations. Purchasing new clothing, shoes and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start. On New Year's Eve, family members get together and enjoy their reunion dinner, which is comparable to Christmas dinner in the West.
Dumplings (jiaozi), Tangyuan, New Year cakes, candies and noodles are popular food. People wear new clothes, visit relatives and friends and activities include Temple Fairs, lion and dragon dancing, displaying firecrackers and fireworks are held. Lucky Money is given to juniors and children by the married and elders.
Before the New Year celebration, Chinese families clean their houses to sweep away the bad luck of the preceding year and welcome good luck. The color red is used in all decorations. Purchasing new clothing, shoes and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start. On New Year's Eve, family members get together and enjoy their reunion dinner, which is comparable to Christmas dinner in the West.
Dumplings (jiaozi), Tangyuan, New Year cakes, candies and noodles are popular food. People wear new clothes, visit relatives and friends and activities include Temple Fairs, lion and dragon dancing, displaying firecrackers and fireworks are held. Lucky Money is given to juniors and children by the married and elders.