Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional festivities in China. The festival begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar and ends on the 15th (Lantern Festival). Since, the track of the new moon changes from year to year. it can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.
The Chinese New Year tradition is centuries old. Legend says that it started with the fight against a mythical beast called the “Nien”. Nien would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and even villagers. The villagers began putting food outside in anticipation. On eating the food, it wouldn’t attack any more people. Once, people saw Nien running away from a little child wearing red, indicating its fear of the red colour. Hence, around New Year, the villagers would hang red lanterns and scrolls on windows and doors. They used firecrackers as well. Men never came to the village again but the traditions continued.
Every family cleans the house thoroughly to sweep away any ill-fortune and make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors are decorated with red paper cuts and lanterns. New Year Eve supper is a feast with family followed by firecrackers. Next morning. children greet theirparents and receive money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year tradition is a great way to forget grudges and spread peace and happiness.
