Oriental New Year And Activities
You may find it difficult to calculate Chinese New Year but if you observe the traditional activities related to New Year carefully you will get to know when it is celebrated.
The Chinese New Year is a time when the locals bring back to life the ancient traditions that have been practiced for centuries in China. Although there is no fixed date for the Chinese New Year the activities sure do make it clear that the New Year is here. The festive spirits are on high during this time of the year and the whole of China is engaged in a hub of activity.
It is quite amazing that Chinese have no set date for their New Year. In spite of such a tradition you can not miss it as many ancient customs are revived at this time of the year. In fact the nation becomes active with traditional activities which are there for centuries and there is a festive spirit in the air. All the activities done during this time of the year makes New Year an important festival in China and any outsider can make out that Chinese New Year has arrived.
The action begins with the home, to be more precise, home cleaning is the first official New Year activity for all Chinese home owners. This cleaning includes a top to bottom makeover. Out with the old and in with the new. Families purchase new clothes for the celebration days and pay off any pending debts.
They give their homes a renovation that often includes a paint job and pending repair work. The family members get themselves a hair cut and gear themselves up to take on the blessings of the New Year to come.
The home cleaning is done in a big way by doing repair on the home and may be painting the house. The people spruce themselves up for the approach of New Year by getting a hair cut.
The tradition of the house cleaning in New Year is rounded off by painting the doors and windows in red color. This is done because Chinese believe that red color is a symbol of good luck and it holds off the evil.
During the Chinese New Year you will come across a lot of doorways with spring couplets hanging on them. These paper made curls and squares are engraved upon with particular meanings. Keeping with the auspicious spirit the couplets have blessings engraved for the coming year or showering of good fortune or a good spring time etc.
During the Chinese New Year the traditional symbols and traditions are given importance. They all hang paper lantern in their houses as a part of the tradition. The animal of the year must get prominence and as such should be seen throughout the house. Chinese also get beautiful flowers and plants for decoration, blessing and prosperity. Narcissus and quince are a few examples of the flowers they use.
Chinese new year food is a wonderful way to kick off any celebration. If you are interested in other Chinese family new year activities follow the hyperlinks.