Unit 5 Portfolio, Informational essay.
Topic: The Chinese New Year.
Body Paragraphs (Claim Evidence)
Please write in complete sentences.
Body Paragraph 1:
Details – Provide detailed examples that support the culture/heritage/tradition you presented in your topic sentence. Use information from the internet (be sure to cite) or use personal anecdotes/stories to provide excellent details. (2-3 sentences)
Topic sentence: (The Chinese New Year has a rich history and many customs that represent the spirits of unification and rejuvenation.)
The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and has a history that dates back thousands of years. One of the most well-known customs during this celebration is the practice of thorough house cleaning, known as "sweeping the dust." This tradition symbolizes the cleansing of the old year and making way for the arrival of good luck and fortune in the new year. People also hang red lanterns and decorate their homes with auspicious symbols like the character "福" (fú), which means "fortune" or "good luck," to attract positive energies. According to Chinese folklore, this practice originated from the belief that the Kitchen God, who watches over households, reports to the Jade Emperor about the family's conduct each year. By thoroughly cleaning and decorating their homes, people hope to impress the Kitchen God and receive good fortune in the coming year. (source: www.chinahighlights.com)
In addition, the Chinese New Year is a time when families come together and share a special meal called the "reunion dinner." This meal is usually the most important feast of the year, and it is believed that the food consumed during this time will have a great impact on the family's prosperity and fortune for the upcoming year. The dishes served during the reunion dinner often have symbolic meanings. For example, fish represents abundance and surplus, while dumplings symbolize wealth and good fortune. It is also common for families to leave a portion of the meal uneaten overnight to ensure that there will always be food in the house. These customs not only showcase the importance of family unity but also highlight the significance of abundance and good fortune in Chinese culture. (personal anecdote) During my visit to China last year, I had the privilege of experiencing a traditional reunion dinner with my host family. The table was filled with a wide variety of dishes, each thoughtfully prepared to symbolize different blessings. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as we shared stories and relished the delicious food. It was a truly memorable experience that reminded me of the importance of family and the symbolic value attached to the Chinese New Year customs.