The Meaning Behind New Year Activities In The East

By John Chan

You may find it complicated 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.

Most of the people have no idea as to when Chinese New Year is. For a starting it is important to know that Chinese New Year is not on January first. This occurs because Chinese follow the lunar calendar and therefore come up with a different date which is in accordance with the lunar calendar. To calculate the Chinese New Year keep your eyes open for the traditional activities that start off in China which has to do with the New Year celebrations.

It is quite amazing that Chinese have no fixed date for their New Year. In spite of such a tradition you can not overlook it as many ancient customs are revived at this time of the year. In fact the nation becomes busy 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 activity 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.

The New Year activities make their beginning in Chinese homes. It starts with home cleaning and clearing out the things that have no use. The Chinese people also make it a point to buy new things at this time as well as clothe. This is a time when they prefer to clear off past debts.

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 thorough cleaning of the house is followed by a paint job of the doors and windows. They are painted bright red in the belief that the red color is the agent of good fortune and it helps to keep the evil elements away.

Another New Year activity is decorating the entrance of the house with spring couplets. The couplets are made of paper having curls and squares with engravings done on them. The engravings have meanings such as it could be words of blessings of good luck or could be wishing for spring etc.

During the Chinese New Year the traditional signs 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. - 30294

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