Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, celebrated with a mix of family gatherings, delicious food, and cultural rituals. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, the festivities Chinese New Year last for 15 days, starting with New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with a zodiac animal, bringing unique symbolism to the celebrations. This year, 2025, is Year of the Snake.
On New Year’s Eve, families come together for a grand reunion dinner, often considered the most important meal of the year. Traditional dishes served during this feast symbolize prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Dumplings, shaped like ancient gold ingots, represent wealth, while fish, pronounced “yu” in Chinese, symbolizes surplus and abundance. Noodles are eaten for longevity, and sticky rice cakes (nian gao) signify progress and success.
The customs of Chinese New Year are deeply rooted in tradition. On New Year’s Day, families honor their ancestors and some of them visit temples to pray for blessings, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Many people wear new clothes, typically in red, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Children receive red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money as a token of good fortune from elders.
Visiting family and friends is an essential part of the celebration. The second day of the New Year is often dedicated to visiting the wife’s family, while the following days are spent reconnecting with relatives and neighbors. The emphasis on family and relationships highlights the importance of unity and harmony in Chinese culture.
Each day of the festival has its own significance and customs. For instance, the fifth day, known as “Po Wu,” is the day to welcome the God of Wealth, and many businesses reopen on this day with ceremonies to attract prosperity. The Lantern Festival on the 15th day marks the end of the celebrations, with people lighting lanterns, enjoying tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and watching dragon and lion dances.
Throughout the festival, houses are decorated with red couplets, paper cuttings, and lanterns, all symbolizing good fortune and happiness. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and ensure a bright start to the New Year.
Chinese New Year is not only a time for celebration but also a reflection of Chinese values, emphasizing family bonds, respect for traditions, and hope for a prosperous future. Whether through food, rituals, or reunions, the holiday brings people together in a joyous expression of culture and heritage.
A Chinese girl living in Spain. PhD in Sociology.