In the far east, the celebration marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Many farmers grabs this golden opportunity to usher in the spring season as they plant for the new yield. Hence, Chinese New Year is also known as Spring New Year.
We also celebrate Chinese New Year as it is the time of the year when presumably, every member of the family gathers for reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. No matter where one and another lives, the celebration of Chinese New Year brings us back together to share the joy of welcoming the new year.
Photo source: ilearn-culture.com
Some Chinese does not eat meat on the first day of Chinese New Year because they believed that each new year carries the name of an animal, as seen in the Chinese Zodiac. Rice is considered as the must-eat food for New Year's Eve dinner as it safeguards and ensures harmony in the family.
As mentioned before, Chinese New Year is celebrated to scrap the old and greet the new. It is the time to revamp oneself and get rid of grudges, especially among family members. It is regard as true that one should not carry resentments and bitterness into the New Year.
Along with the Chinese New Year celebrations, there are multiple traditions and beliefs that the Chinese needs to follow closely to ensure a prosperous New Year, like not sweeping the floor on the first day of celebration as it is believed that doing so will 'sweep' away bad luck, decorate the house with red color and placing mandarin oranges in bowls throughout the house as they are the fruits of happiness, and avoid wearing black because the color symbolizes bad luck and death.
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