Chinese New Year History
The history of Chinese New Year can be traced back to around 2600 BC. During this period, Emperor Huang Ti ruled and he was the first to introduce zodiac cycle. As far as Chinese New Year history is concerned, it is believed that several hundred years ago, a Chinese village was attacked by a monster during winter. This led to
The following year, villagers had made preparations to combat the devil. Red gongs, red firecrackers, and red drums were used to drive away the monster. This worked for the villagers and the devil didn’t come back the year after.
For this reason, red is considered to be a sacred color, which is used for decorating homes on the even of New Year and other festivals. It is believed to drive away evil spirit as it did in case of the monster.
Villagers were jubilant about the fact that their plan worked and since then the celebrations take place in China, which co-incidentally falls in the Lunar New Year.
Chinese New Year celebrations
The celebrations start around 30 days prior to the actual New Year day. Since the yesteryears, people exchange gifts, visit friends and other family members. In fact Chinese New Year celebration history indicates that this event is more than 4, 703 years old.
There are many customs and rituals that are observed on New Year. One of the most popular events that take place is the Festival of Lanterns. Lantern shows are common during Chinese New Year. There are lantern shows. You will also find lanterns being hung from the doors, ceilings and windows.
As part of the celebration in New Year, people clean their homes, change their upholstery and table linens, preferably with red.
Food occupies an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. A typical meal prepared on this day would include –
Dumplings made of rice
Seafood
Dried oysters
Prawns
Salad made of raw fish
The menu included essentially is symbolic as each dish is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
Another significant custom that is followed on New Year is Hong Bao. The meaning of Hong Bao is Red Packet. On this day, elders of the family and the ones who are married give away money in red envelopes. The children and the unmarried members of the family receive the envelopes. This is an ancient custom is closely associated with Chinese New Year celebration history.
In addition to the celebrations and customs mentioned above, you will find people attending parties, eating out at restaurants, and visiting friends and family.
According to Chinese New Year history, it is also believed that there is a Kitchen God in every Chinese household. Kitchen God is in form of a huge paper cutting that is placed on the wall. Throughout the year, He keeps a close watch on the family and their moral conduct. At the time of New Year, this paper cutting is burnt and the smoke rises up through the chimney. He assumes the form of smoke and if the family has been good throughout the year, He asks God to shower good fortune on the family. So, every year, before the paper cutting is burnt, people of the household apply honey on the lips of Kitchen God so that He speaks on behalf of the family when He goes up.
Latest Updated on 14/12/2010
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