Culture

Chinese New Year

This past Monday, January 23rd, was the Chinese New Year, also known as “Spring Festival”. It marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. The festival begins on the first day of the first month on the Chinese lunar calendar and ends on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival and is celebrated in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Chinatowns around the world.

Most people are familiar with the 12 zodiacs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. What people may not be so familiar with is that each zodiac has five different elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. This year is the Water Dragon, which is the more calming Dragon of the group. The Dragon is also considered to be the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac.

There are many customs and traditions that take place during the celebration such as thoroughly cleaning houses to sweep away bad fortune and hanging red colored paper cuts on doors and windows symbolizing good fortune, wealth, happiness, and longevity.

Chinese New Year is widely celebrated around the world and is the most important of the Chinese holidays!

Happy Chinese New Year!


For a more basic understanding of what happens on Chinese New Year, click here!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html

By Global Immersions, Inc.

Global Immersions, Inc. specializes in Boston Homestay living for individuals and customized Group Homestay Programs. Global Immersions, Inc. distinguishes itself in the industry with its commitment to building cultural awareness and fostering global understanding. We are dedicated to the advancement of living and learning opportunities that provide an in-depth understanding of U.S. culture.