8 Things To Do At Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in China. It's a time for family reunions, feasting, and merriment, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festivities typically last for 15 days, with the first day of the Lunar New Year marking the beginning of the celebrations.

If you're looking to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of China, the Chinese New Year is an excellent time to visit. Here are 8 things to do during Chinese New Year:

Understand the Traditions and Customs

Understanding Chinese New Year Traditions

Before diving into the festivities, it's essential to understand the significance and customs behind Chinese New Year. The holiday is steeped in tradition, with roots dating back to the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BC). The celebrations are deeply influenced by Chinese mythology, folklore, and astrology. For instance, the iconic dragon and lion dances are performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Learn About the 12 Zodiac Animals

The Chinese New Year is closely tied to the 12 zodiac animals, which rotate on a 12-year cycle. Each year is represented by a different animal, such as the rat, ox, tiger, and rabbit. Understanding the zodiac animals can help you appreciate the cultural significance of the holiday and the various traditions and customs associated with it.

Attend a Lion or Dragon Dance Performance

Watching a Lion or Dragon Dance Performance

Lion and dragon dance performances are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. These vibrant and energetic performances are meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The dances are typically performed by trained troupes, who use elaborate costumes and props to tell stories and myths from Chinese folklore.

Try Traditional Chinese New Year Foods

Sampling Traditional Chinese New Year Foods

Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with many traditional dishes being served during the festivities. Some popular dishes include dumplings, niangao (sticky rice cake), and fa gao (prosperity cake). These dishes are often served at family gatherings and are meant to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Visit a Chinese Temple or Garden

Chinese temples and gardens are beautiful and serene spaces that offer a glimpse into Chinese culture and architecture. Many temples and gardens host special events and festivities during Chinese New Year, including lion and dragon dance performances, calligraphy exhibitions, and traditional Chinese music performances.

Participate in a Chinese New Year Parade

Participating in a Chinese New Year Parade

Chinese New Year parades are vibrant and colorful events that showcase Chinese culture and traditions. Many cities around the world host Chinese New Year parades, which feature lion and dragon dance performances, floats, and marching bands. Participating in a Chinese New Year parade is a great way to experience the energy and excitement of the holiday.

Give Red Envelopes and Receive Lucky Money

Giving Red Envelopes and Receiving Lucky Money

Giving red envelopes filled with lucky money is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. The red envelopes are meant to symbolize good luck and prosperity, and are typically given to children and loved ones. Receiving lucky money is a fun and exciting way to experience the generosity and kindness of Chinese culture.

Learn a Few Chinese New Year Greetings

Learning a few Chinese New Year greetings is a great way to show respect and appreciation for Chinese culture. Some common greetings include "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin for "Wishing you prosperity and good fortune") and "Gong Hey Fat Choy" (Cantonese for "Wishing you prosperity and good fortune").

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a rich and vibrant holiday that offers a wealth of cultural and traditional experiences. From understanding the customs and traditions to participating in parades and giving red envelopes, there are many ways to experience the excitement and energy of Chinese New Year. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking to learn more about Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is a holiday that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

We hope you've enjoyed this article on things to do during Chinese New Year. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us below!

What is the significance of the 12 zodiac animals in Chinese New Year?

The 12 zodiac animals are a significant part of Chinese New Year celebrations, as they represent the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Each year is represented by a different animal, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

What is the difference between a lion and dragon dance performance?

A lion dance performance is typically performed by a group of dancers who mimic the movements of a lion, while a dragon dance performance is performed by a group of dancers who mimic the movements of a dragon. Both performances are meant to bring good luck and prosperity.