Chinese Spring Festival

by Eduardo Rivera Jaramillo
(Mexico D.F.)

China is one of the oldest countries in the world, 9 to 12 thousand years old. They must hold a knowledge that can make the world a better place. The Chinese Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year and the Lunar New Year, is considered the most important of all the traditional holidays in China. It has been usually called the "Lunar New Year," since it is based on the Chinese calendar known as lunisolar.

The tradition usually starts on the 1st day based on the first Chinese month, in their calendar, and it ends with the Lantern Festival which is, on the other hand, on the 15th day of the month. The origin of this tradition in China is already centuries old and has gained significance in relation to their traditions and myths. In fact, the ancient Chinese New Year has become a reflection of how the people believed and in what things they believed the most.

In most houses, you will see windows and doors that are decorated with paper cutouts and couplets with red color, all these with themes of "wealth," "longevity," and "happiness." On the Chinese New Year Eve, a family supper is considered a feast. Ducks, sweet delicacies, pigs, and chicken usually decorate the tables. Then before the night ends, they will be having a display of firecrackers. All the children are expected to greet everybody, especially their parents, and wish them not just a happy but a healthy New Year, and in turn, they will receive money placed in red Chinese paper envelopes.

It is also a common belief that the Chinese New Year is a tradition that usually reconciles families, making them forget all the past grudges, and offering sincere wishes of happiness and peace for everyone in the coming New Year.