Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
12.2.2021

Today begins the Lunar New Year, based on the lunisolar calendar. The most famous and related event is Chinese New Year, the celebration of which stretches over 15 days. In this tradition, each year is assigned one of the 12 animals to define the character of the coming year. This time the chosen animal is the buffalo, which means your hard work will be rewarded.

 

Source: https://ideas.ted.com/why-do-we-light-firecrackers-on-chinese-new-year/

 

Chinese New Year is an important holiday and is therefore approached appropriately. Preparations start before the holiday begins. You should start with a thorough cleaning of the house to help get rid of evil spirits. You also need to do shopping and prepare gifts for loved ones. Usually, you give them sweets, fruit or money in an envelope. It should be red, because in Chinese culture it symbolizes happiness. The same principle also applies to clothes worn during the holidays - they are usually red or bright coloured. You shouldn't wear anything black or white, these colours are associated with death or mourning. 

 

After the preparations there is time for celebration. Families gather for traditional meals with jiaozi dumplings. They also participate in fireworks shows. Various performances such as lion and dragon dances that bring good luck are also popular.

Source: https://cookidoo.pl/recipes/recipe/pl-PL/r344517

 

Source: https://www.chineseamericanfamily.com/dragon-and-lion-dances/

 

Not only in China is the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebrated. Other Asian countries, such as South Korea or Vietnam, also have traditions related to this event.

 

More customs and traditions related to this event can be found in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCljlSbWzw