can you please describe the chinese new year? and how its celebrated?
http://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-new-year.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear/
LOTS of parties and fireworks! It's very loud!!
http://www.google.com/search?q=chinese+new+year+celebrations&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&oq=chinese+new+year+celebrations&aqs=chrome.0.57j60l2j61j64j62.4959&sugexp=chrome,mod=1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Certainly! The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture. It is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between late January and mid-February.
Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, with each day having its own significance. Here's an overview of how it is celebrated:
1. Preparations: Before the New Year's Eve, people thoroughly clean their homes to symbolize getting rid of bad luck and making way for good fortune.
2. Reunion Dinner: On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, also known as "Nian Ye Fan." It is a time to enjoy a lavish meal and exchange gifts.
3. Red Decorations: Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, symbolizing happiness and good luck. Red lanterns, couplets, and other decorations adorn homes and streets.
4. Fireworks and Firecrackers: Lighting fireworks and setting off firecrackers is a traditional practice to drive away evil spirits and welcome the New Year with a bang.
5. Lion and Dragon Dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed in various communities and public spaces. The dances are believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.
6. Giving Red Envelopes: Elders give red envelopes ("hongbao") containing money to younger family members as a gesture of blessing and good fortune.
7. Temple Visits: Many people visit temples during the New Year period to pray for good luck, health, and prosperity.
8. Lantern Festival: The final day of the celebrations is marked by the Lantern Festival. People gather to appreciate lantern displays, solve riddles written on lanterns, and enjoy traditional performances.
To learn more about the specific customs and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year, you can refer to books, articles, documentaries, or even consult Chinese friends or local communities that celebrate this festival.