Considered to be the most important occasion in Chinese culture, the Spring Festival is more commonly known as Chinese New Year in the west. Based on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year is a centuries-old celebration of the beginning of spring. This year, festivities began on February 07, 2008, in honor of the 4705th lunar year -- and the Year of the Rat. Preparations for the festival generally begin several days before New Year's eve. Food and new clothes are bought, hair is freshly cut, and houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated. By donning new clothes and cleaning, it is hoped that any lingering ill-fortune from the previous year will be swept away to make room for incoming good luck. There is a great emphasis on decorating doorways leading into the home. Scrolls of red paper, with texts or couplets seeking fortune, health and luck, are pinned to the door. Red has many connotations among the Chinese, especially during this occasion. Its bold hue is believed to be capable of warding against evil spirits and bad luck. But it also represents rebirth and celebration. New outfits worn during the first days of the new year are often red, as black and white colored clothes are associated with death and are avoided at all costs. Red envelopes filled with monetary gifts are given to children and unmarried adults, not only as a sign of generosity, but to shower the recipient with luck and joy. On the final evening of the lunar year, families gather at home for a large dinner. Served on fancy dinnerware, each specially prepared dish carry a symbolic meaning. Delicacies like prawns are meant to bring happiness, oyster mushrooms ensures general well-being, seaweed brings prosperity, and dumplings bestow good wishes upon the family. New Year's Eve is considered almost as important as the first day of the year. Houses are brightly lit and the lights are kept on the entire night. At midnight fireworks and firecrackers light up the sky in a final act to ward off evil spirits. The next morning, families will venture out to greet relatives and friends to the new year. Red envelopes are given from adults to children, from married couples to unmarried couples. It is also during this time that enemies reconcile their differences and old grudges are cast away. The air is permeated with warmth and friendliness. In some Chinese communities the Spring Festival is a public holiday that lasts at least 3 days. The most spectacular event is the Lion Dance. Performed by two "dancers" -- generally from a martial arts school or an acrobatic company -- the dance is accompanied by a mixture of sounds from exploding firecrackers, a large drum, a gong and cymbals. The demonstration is thought to bring luck to the households or businesses which the lion visits. The Spring Festival traditionally ends on the 15th day of the lunar year with the Lantern Festival. Homes are again decorated with lanterns and pastries are served. While these celebrations may differ from one Chinese community to the next, the underlying goal is for families and friends to spread peace and joy and to begin the year anew. |
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