Vera Cho
Writer '20
Chinese New Year is believed to have been originally established during the Shang Dynasty, around 1766 BC. Based on the Chinese Lunar calendar, the celebration annually varies from mid-winter to early spring.
According to the folktales of Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year began with a battle against the mythical beast called the “Year.” On the night of New Year’s Eve, the “Year” would come out to damage houses, and cause harm to people and animals. However, people found out the “Year” feared the color red, fire, and loud sounds. As a result, the Shang nation established an annual tradition of launching fireworks, and hanging lanterns for self protection one night of the year. This story has left a legacy in the development of Chinese beliefs and culture, along with the celebration of the new year.
New Year is known as a traditional celebration of the Chinese people and continues to reunite families and friends throughout the festive week. Additionally, the most essential part of the New Year is celebrating a year’s worth of hard work. Originally, the Chinese traditionally celebrated the start of a new year by wishing for a successful harvest. This belief has evolved into the celebration of the start of a new business year by hoping for the increase of success through profits. Furthermore, Chinese people believed a good start to the year will lead to a year full of luck.
With the Lunar New Year is approaching, Chinese families work diligently, planning and preparing for the New Year’s Eve dinner; it is considered the most important meal because it reunites families around the table. The variety of foods serve a distinct purpose in the celebration of the new year. For example, fish and dumplings are the most important dishes because both represent prosperity. A particular popularity is Tang Yuan, which are small glutinous rice balls that are either filled or unfilled to add a savory unique flavor.
Families also prepare for the New Year by giving red envelopes, giving new clothes, and hanging new decorations. Giving red envelopes to friends and family symbolizes the wish for a fortuitous and prosperous upcoming year. Along every street, buildings are decorated in red images, while red lanterns hang above. This year, particularly, is the year of the Rooster. As a result, images of roosters are printed on decorations.
Chinese people in many New Year superstitions such as cleaning or washing their hair in the first three days of the New Year so the bad luck would be washed away. Chinese people also believe asking for a loan of money is unacceptable. Additionally, wearing red clothing is accustomed to warding off bad luck and misfortune.
Writer '20
Chinese New Year is believed to have been originally established during the Shang Dynasty, around 1766 BC. Based on the Chinese Lunar calendar, the celebration annually varies from mid-winter to early spring.
According to the folktales of Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year began with a battle against the mythical beast called the “Year.” On the night of New Year’s Eve, the “Year” would come out to damage houses, and cause harm to people and animals. However, people found out the “Year” feared the color red, fire, and loud sounds. As a result, the Shang nation established an annual tradition of launching fireworks, and hanging lanterns for self protection one night of the year. This story has left a legacy in the development of Chinese beliefs and culture, along with the celebration of the new year.
New Year is known as a traditional celebration of the Chinese people and continues to reunite families and friends throughout the festive week. Additionally, the most essential part of the New Year is celebrating a year’s worth of hard work. Originally, the Chinese traditionally celebrated the start of a new year by wishing for a successful harvest. This belief has evolved into the celebration of the start of a new business year by hoping for the increase of success through profits. Furthermore, Chinese people believed a good start to the year will lead to a year full of luck.
With the Lunar New Year is approaching, Chinese families work diligently, planning and preparing for the New Year’s Eve dinner; it is considered the most important meal because it reunites families around the table. The variety of foods serve a distinct purpose in the celebration of the new year. For example, fish and dumplings are the most important dishes because both represent prosperity. A particular popularity is Tang Yuan, which are small glutinous rice balls that are either filled or unfilled to add a savory unique flavor.
Families also prepare for the New Year by giving red envelopes, giving new clothes, and hanging new decorations. Giving red envelopes to friends and family symbolizes the wish for a fortuitous and prosperous upcoming year. Along every street, buildings are decorated in red images, while red lanterns hang above. This year, particularly, is the year of the Rooster. As a result, images of roosters are printed on decorations.
Chinese people in many New Year superstitions such as cleaning or washing their hair in the first three days of the New Year so the bad luck would be washed away. Chinese people also believe asking for a loan of money is unacceptable. Additionally, wearing red clothing is accustomed to warding off bad luck and misfortune.