Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in the Chinese calendar. It’s a time of vibrant celebrations, cultural rituals, and family gatherings. Whether you’re an avid cultural enthusiast, part of a family with eager kids, or a traveler looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, this listicle outlines ten fantastic activities to dive into the festive spirit of Chinese New Year.
1. Watch a Lion Dance Performance
The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed during the New Year celebrations for good luck. It involves performers mimicking a lion’s movements in a lion costume to bring prosperity and ward off evil spirits. These performances can be seen on the streets or in front of businesses, accompanied by the beating of drums and clashing cymbals.
This year happens to be the year of the wood dragon, which makes watching a lion dance performance even more significant.
2. Visit a Temple or Shrine
Chinese New Year is rich in spiritual significance, making it the perfect time to visit a temple or shrine. Experience the serene atmosphere as worshippers offer prayers, incense, and gifts to deities to seek blessings for the coming year.
3. Attend a Traditional Lantern Festival
On the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival illuminates the night. Delight in the sight of elaborate lanterns in various sizes and shapes, often including riddles to solve—a traditional Lantern Festival activity.
4. Have a Reunion Dinner
Gather around for the reunion dinner, the most significant meal of the year for Chinese families. This feast is filled with symbolic dishes like fish (for abundance) and dumplings (for wealth). It’s a heartwarming tradition that celebrates family unity. Many people travel long distances just to usher in the new lunar year with their loved ones.
5. Exchange Red Packets (Hongbao or Angpao)
Red packets known as ‘Hongbao’ and ‘Angpao’ containing money are given during Chinese New Year, primarily to children and unmarried adults. Symbolizing good luck and warding off negative energy, these red envelopes are a beloved tradition with a rich history dating back to ancient China.
6. Watch Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are set off at midnight to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. This noisy yet joyous tradition is rooted in the ancient belief that loud sounds drive away evil spirits.
7. Participate in Dragon Boat Races
In some regions, dragon boat races are a spectacular part of the festivities, where teams paddle to the rhythm of the drum in elaborately decorated boats, embodying the strength and spirit of the community.
8. Create Handmade Decorations
Bring the spirit of the New Year into your home by creating traditional decorations like paper cuttings, couplets adorned with well-wishes, and knots. Crafting these auspicious items can be a fun family activity.
9. Read Your Horoscope
The new year also means new forecasts based on your zodiac. The year of the wood dragon is a time of abundance in general, according to Rappler, but some zodiac signs might need to take special precautions this year.
10. Learn to Make Traditional Chinese New Year Food
Indulge in the culinary aspects of the celebration by learning to cook traditional recipes. From sweet glutinous rice cakes for success to savory turnip cakes for good fortune, these dishes are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.
Conclusion
Embracing the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year can be a thrilling and enriching experience. Whether you’re marveling at lion dancers, crafting decorations with your family, or savoring the flavors of festive cuisine, each activity offers a window into the heritage and heart of the celebrations. So this Lunar New Year, step into the season of renewal and joy, and may these activities inspire you to ring in the year with merriment and cultural appreciation.
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We hope you have a happy Chinese New Year!
Featured photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
