Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon from all of us at IVASđ˛! It is also known as the Spring Festival in China and is celebrated by Chinese people around the world. Many people in Asia also celebrate this first new moon of the year, called the Lunar Near Year.
In China, do you know that celebratory customs are different across various regions? In northern China, families celebrate by making and sharing dumplings, symbolising wealth as their shape resembles ancient Chinese money. In southern China, we make spring rolls and rice cakes (Nian Gao) as these foods signify prosperity and a rise in fortune! In most regions of China, thorough house cleaning is prevalent to sweep away ill-fortune. Homes are decorated with red lanterns and couplets since red is an auspicious colour that brings good luck and wards off evil spirits! The most exciting part is the exchange of red envelopes (Hongbao) with money for good luck and blessings. You can be given Lucky Money in a red envelope if you are still single regardless of age! Fireworks and lion and dragon dances are also significant, with performers parading through the streets to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
What's more fun than celebrating the New Year for 15 days and having two festivals in a row? The Lantern Festival is celebrated at the end of the Chinese New Year. As you can already tell by the name, this festival is celebrated with the lighting of colourful lanterns hanging in temples, symbolising letting go of the past and welcoming of the new. Another traditional activity is the solving of riddles. These riddles are often written on pieces of paper and attached to the lanterns.
What are your experiences of celebrating the festival? Please share your fascinating stories with us as we are excited to learn more about the festival!
Fancy a quiz?
âWhich animal is NOT part of the Chinese zodiac?â
A) Dragon
B) Rabbit
C) Cat
D) Rooster
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