The greatest traditional event in the Chinese culture is the Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. It is the first day of a new year based on a lunar calendar and the renewal, hope, and family togetherness. The festival is celebrated by millions of people in different parts of the world who observe traditions which have been passed on generations.
The festival normally takes place during the period between late January and mid February based on the lunar calendar cycle. It is prepared several weeks ahead. It is the time during which families systematically clean their houses to let the bad energy of the last year go and have a new and good luck of this year. This ritual of cleaning is an epitome of a new beginning and new opportunities.
The celebration is characterized by decorations. Red lanterns, banners, and paper cuttings cover the homes, streets and business. Red color is the color that represents happiness, prosperity and safeguard against ill fortune. A significant number of the decorations include the traditional sayings that wish good health, success, and prosperity to the next year.
The Chinese New Year celebrations revolve around family get-togethers. The reunion dinner that takes place on the New Year Eve is believed to be the most crucial meal of the year. To enjoy this meal, family members walk long distances to eat the meal as a unifying factor and respect the traditions of the family.
Fireworks and lion dances are also very significant in the celebration. It has been recorded that loud sounds frightened evil spirits. Nowadays fireworks are a sign of euphoria, happiness and new dawn.
The other tradition of significance is the gift of red envelopes called hongbao. The money is placed in these envelopes and handed out by the elderly to children and other younger members of the families as a blessing to prosperity and success.
The period of celebration is fifteen days and ends by the Lantern Festival. In the process, communities organize parades, cultural celebrations, and festivals.
The Chinese New Year is not a mere holiday. This is a cultural festival, which makes family ties stronger, praises the customs, and gives them chances to be happy and prosperous at the next year.