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mmmmm food

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Festivities

The Chinese New Year holiday comes to its climax with the Yuan Xiao (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié), or Lantern Festival.

Began over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society. It features ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the "true" Chinese Valentine's Day.

The many activities include moon gazing, lighting lanterns, riddles, lion dances and eating rice balls. According to the lunar calendar, the festival takes place on January 15. Dates of past and future Lantern Festivals using the Gregorian calendar include:

Cultural Significance of the Lantern Festival

The Spring Festival is a time reserved for families. There is the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, visits (拜年 / bài nián) to in-laws on the 2nd day and neighbors after that. Stores reopen on the 5th and society basically goes back to normal.

In 2008, the Lantern Festival was listed as an intangible cultural heritage element.

But on the 15th, everyone-regardless of age or gender-go out onto the streets to celebrate. Though the Lantern Festival symbolizes reunions (more on that later), it's also a time of socializing and freedom.

In Ancient China, women usually weren't allowed out the house. But on this night, they can stroll freely, lighting lanterns, playing games and interacting with men. The wild and romantic stories are why some say the Lantern Festival is the true Chinese Valentine's Day, rather than Qixi (七夕).

On a more serious side, the Lantern Festival also has religious aspects. It was important in ancient Chinese paganism, and also modern day Buddhism and ethnic minority cultures.

Origins and Histories

The general consensus is that the festival began more than 2000 years ago in the Western Han dynasty.

Emperor Wu (汉武帝 / hàn wǔ dì) designated this day for worship rituals for Taiyi (太一神 / tài yī shén), one of the universe's sovereigns.

Intense power play and unrest came after his reign. The new emperor was Emperor Wen (汉文帝 / hàn wén dì). To celebrate the return of peace, he made the 15th a national holiday. Every household would light candles and lanterns. It became known as 闹元宵 (nào yuán xiāo). "Nao" can be interpreted as having fun, or going wild with excitement.

Emperor Ming of the later Eastern Han was a devout Buddhist. He heard that on the 15th, monks would light candles for the Buddha. He ordered the palace and temples to light candles, and for the citizens to hang lanterns.

Both events combined and eventually developed into the Lantern Festival we know today.

Lantern Festival Celebration

The duration of celebrations varied throughout history. Nowadays, the festival technically isn't a national holiday, so there aren't any days off. The best period for Lantern Festival lovers would be the Ming dynasty. It lasted around 1 month!

There are some holidays that coincide with the Lantern Festival and are now celebrated together.

Torch Festival (火把节 / huǒ bǎ jié)

The Torch Festival began in ancient times to chase away insects and pests and pray for a good harvest.

Children gather firewood and tree branches. Adults then light them. Holding these torches, entire communities dance in fields from dusk to dawn. Even now, it is still celebrated in some parts of Southwestern China.

Vegetable Stealing Festival (偷菜节 / tōu cài jié)

This is celebrated by the Miao ethnicity in China. On that day, groups of girls steal Chinese cabbage from someone's fields. Being caught is totally fine, but it's forbidden to steal from relatives or friends.

Later, everyone puts the stolen Chinese cabbage together to make a feast. The one who eats the most will be the one to marry first.

Lighting the Lanterns

Lanterns are the most notable part of the festival. Which you can probably tell by the name.

In the early days, the Lantern Festival was also called Shang Yuan (上元). It was dedicated to the heavenly palace (天宫 / tiān gōng). People would gather in their yards and give offerings to the gods. The lit lantern near the setup represented a god's seat.

Throughout history, countless variations of lanterns have been created. They can be small globes that fit in your palm, or as large as a parade float. People make lanterns in symbolic designs as well.

When you visit a celebration, you might see giant fish, lotuses or dragons.

A famous variation is the Kongming lantern (孔明灯 / kǒng míng dēng). They represent hope, success and happiness. In the past, people used these lanterns to signify they were safe after an attack.Now, they are used for wishes.

Also known as the sky lantern (天灯 / tiān dēng), it sounds similar to 添丁 (tiān ding), which means "adding children". Lanterns would be gifted to newlyweds or couples without children to pass on the blessings. Pregnant women would receive a pair of small lanterns to wish health and safety on both mother and child.

Some regions also burn lanterns to determine the gender of their future child from the shape of the ashes.

Traditions and Activities

Every holiday has its own set of activities. There's more to this festival than lanterns!

In the city of Fengyang, swings play a major role. A popular saying there is, "Swing on the Lantern Festival, no aches or pains the entire year."

One of the festival sights in Hebei are the jǐng xíng lā huā (井陉拉花) performances. Holding fans and parasol-like props, folks dance to the beat of drums.

It's an energetic and colorful dance that hundreds crowd around to watch.

Lantern riddles (猜灯谜 / cāi dēng mí)

The ancient Chinese would often get together with some friends, drink wine and write poetry. Plays on words and riddles were a favorite pastime.

During this festival, people would write riddles on the lanterns. These small games are popular with everyone. They require you to be clever and think outside the box.

According to many love stories, you can catch the attention of your crush through this game!

Modern riddles with dangling from red lanterns.

Dragon dance (耍龙灯 / shuǎ lóng dēng)

Dragon dance has a history almost as long as Chinese culture itself.

The performers create impressive formations to the beat of Chinese drums and cymbals.

Details show the dragon's expression and scales on its body.

Lion dance (舞狮子 wǔ shī zǐ)

Lion dances can be seen in any festive event, from holidays to weddings and store openings.

The lion is intricately designed, with movable eyes and mouths. Sometimes, the lion will open its mouth and demand food and red pockets. Other times, they roll around and play like oversized kittens.

Each lion is operated by 2 performers, one as the head and one as the body.

Stilts (踩高跷 / cǎi gāo qiāo)

Chinese stilt performances are an ancient act. They stem from Chinese opera and the performers sing and dance while on stilts. Depending on their character, they have difference costumes and heights.

Even on stilts as high as 3 meters, these skilled acrobats can still perform jumps and flips.

Food and Family

The trademark food of the Lantern Festival is called yuan xiao, just like the festival itself. It's also known as tāng yuan (汤圆) in the South, and one of the many tasty Chinese New Year desserts.

They are glutinous rice dumplings with sweet fillings made of syrup, red bean paste, black sesame paste or more. They can be steamed or fried, but usually boiled and served in hot water.

They represent family reunions because tang yuan sounds similar to "reunion" (团圆 / tuán yuan). Some businessmen also call these balls 元宝 (yuán bǎo), meaning gold or silver ingots.

Yuan xiao resemble full moons and represent reunions.

Despite being a night of revelry, the Lantern Festival is also a night for families. Before Chinese New Year finally ends, the family should reunite again. Take a break from the celebrations and relax with your family. Reconnect under the moon. Enjoy firework shows and performances while eating a bowl of yuan xiao.

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Festivities The Chinese New Year holiday comes to its climax with the Yuan Xiao (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié), or Lantern Festival. Began over 2000 years ago, the festival has developed many meanings. It celebrates family reunions and society. It features ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the "true" Chinese Valentine's Day.

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Chinese New Year will begin on Tuesday 5 February 2019.

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Cinese New year is a family event where they eat lots of traditional food.

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Cinese New year is a family event where they eat lots of traditional food.

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Chinese New Year used to last 15 days until the Lantern Festival on the year's first full moon.

The reason the new year falls at this time is because it marks the start of the lunar new year, which is when there is the start of a new moon.

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Traditions

The Spring Festival is a time of celebration. It's to welcome the new year with a smile and let the fortune and happiness continue on. At the same time, the Spring Festival involves somber ceremonies to wish for a good harvest. Strict rules and restrictions go without saying.

To help you with that, here are the top 10 taboos during the Chinese New Year. Follow these and fortune will smile on you.

1. 1. Do not say negative words

All words with negative connotations are forbidden! These include: death, sick, empty, pain, ghost, poor, break, kill and more.

The reason behind this should be obvious. You wouldn't want to jinx yourself or bring those misfortunes onto you and your loved ones.

2. 2. Do not break ceramics or glass

Breaking things will break your connection to prosperity and fortune. If a plate or bowl is dropped, immediately wrap it with red paper while murmuring auspicious phrases. Some would say 岁岁平安 (suì suì píng ān). This asks for peace and security every year. 岁 (suì) is also a homophone of 碎, which means "broken" or "shattered." After the New Year, throw the wrapped up shards into a lake or river.

3. 3. Do not clean or sweep

Before the Spring Festival, there is a day of cleaning. That is to sweep away the bad luck. But during the actual celebration, it becomes a taboo. Cleaning or throwing out garbage may sweep away good luck instead.

If you must, make sure to start at the outer edge of a room and sweep inwards. Bag up any garbage and throw it away after the 5th day. Similarly, you shouldn't take a shower on Chinese New Year's Day.

4. 4. Do not use scissors, knives or other sharp objects

There are 2 reasons behind this rule. Scissors and needles shouldn't be used. In olden times, this was to give women a well-deserved break.

Sharp objects in general will cut your stream of wealth and success. This is why 99% of hair salons are closed during the holidays. Hair cutting is taboo and forbidden until Lunar February 2, when all festivities are over.

5. 5. Do not visit the wife's family

Traditionally, multiple generations live together. The bride moves into the groom's home after marriage. And, of course, she will celebrate Chinese New Year with her in-laws.

Returning to her parents on New Year's Day means that there are marriage problems and may also bring bad luck to the entire family. The couple should visit the wife's family on the 2nd day. They'd bring their children, as well as a modest gift (because it's the thought that counts).

6. 6. Do not demand debt repayment

This custom is a show of understanding. It allows everyone a chance to celebrate without worry. If you knock on someone's door, demanding repayment, you'll bring bad luck to both parties. However, it's fair game after the 5th day. Borrowing money is also taboo. You could end up having to borrow the entire year.

7. 7. Avoid fighting and crying

Unless there is a special circumstance, try not to cry. But if a child cries, do not reprimand them. All issues should be solved peacefully. In the past, neighbors would come over to play peacemaker for any arguments that occurred. This is all to ensure a smooth path in the new year.

8. 8. Avoid taking medicine

Try not to take medicine during the Spring Festival to avoid being sick the entire year. Of course, if you are chronically ill or contract a sudden serious disease, immediate health should still come first.

Some related taboos:

Don't visit the doctor

Don't perform/undergo surgery

Don't get shots

9. 9. Do not give New Year blessings to someone still in bed

You are supposed to give New Year blessings (拜年 / bài nián). But let the recipient get up from bed first. Otherwise, they'll be bed-ridden for the entire year. You also shouldn't tell someone to wake up. You don't want them to be rushed around and bossed around for the year. Take advantage of this and sleep in!

10. 10. Chinese gift-giving taboos

It was mentioned above that you should bring gifts when paying visits. It's the thought that counts, but some gifts are forbidden.

Clocks are the worst gifts. Gifting clocks (送钟 / sòng zhōng) is a homophone of paying one's last respects (送终). Splitting pears (分梨 / fèn lí) is also a homophone of separation (分离).

Some regions have their own local taboos too. For example, in Mandarin, "apple" (苹果) is pronounced píng guǒ. But in Shanghainese, it is bing1 gu, which sounds like "passed away from sickness."

These don't just apply to the Spring Festival, so keep it in the back of your mind!

For the Spring Festival, these rules may seem excessive. Especially when you add in the cultural norms, customs and manners. But like a parent would say, they are all for your own good. Formed over thousands of years, these taboos embody the beliefs, wishes and worries of the Chinese people.

More Traditions & Customs

Festivities for All Ages

Chinese Zodiac Astrology

Let the Feasting Begin!

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Traditions The Spring Festival is a time of celebration. It's to welcome the new year with a smile and let the fortune and happiness continue on. At the same time, the Spring Festival involves somber ceremonies to wish for a good harvest. Strict rules and restrictions go without saying.

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oh yeah yeah

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Giving red envelops (Hongbao) is a custom at chinese new year.Red envelops always contain money in China. They are usually given to kids from their parents, grandparents, and others as a gifts for chinese new year.

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Chinese New Year Myths - Chinese New Year 2019

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The Chinese New Year is steeped in mythology, from the terrible monster Nian, to various gods and superstitions. Learn about them all.

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Decorations

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The Chinese New Year will begin on Friday 16 February 2018. The reason the new year falls at this time is because it marks the start of the lunar new year, which is when there is the start of a new moon. ... Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. It is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.

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ooohhh ahhhh ahhhh

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Year of the Monkey: Fortune and Personality - Chinese Zodiac 2019

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The Monkey is the ninth of all zodiac animals. Learn why Monkeys are lighthearted pranksters who have the ability to achieve all their dreams.

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Chinese dragons, also known as East Asian dragons, are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology, Chinese folklore, and East Asian culture at large. Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it in East Asian culture. During the days of Imperial China, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power and strength.[1]

Dragon stone relief, between flights of steps in the Forbidden City.

Portrait of the Yongle Emperor wearing a dragon robe

In Chinese culture, excellent and outstanding people are compared to a dragon, while incapable people with no achievements are compared to other, disesteemed creatures, such as a worm. A number of Chinese proverbsand idioms feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's son will become a dragon" (simplified Chinese: 望子成龙; traditional Chinese: 朢子成龍; pinyin: wàng zǐ chéng lóng).

hinese dragons are a symbol of China's culture, and they are believed to bring good luck to people, therefore the longer the dragon in the dance, the more luck it will bring to the community. The dragons are believed to possess qualities that include great power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and auspiciousness.

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LOCATION

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7 lucky foods to eat during Chinese New Year

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7 lucky foods to eat during Chinese New Year

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Traits Rat:1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020. Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind.

Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Diligent, dependable, strong, determined.

Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022. Brave, confident, competitive.

Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023. Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible.

Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024. Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic.

Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025. Enigmatic, intelligent, wise.

Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026. Animated, active, energetic.

Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027. Calm, gentle,sympathetic.

Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028. Sharp, smart, curiosity.

Rooster:1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029. Observant, hardworking, courageous.

Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030. Lovely, honest, prudent.

Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031.Compassionate, generous, diligent