11The Chinese New Year celebration in China is not merely a change of year in the lunar calendar. For the Chinese community, the ChineseNew Year is the most important moment of the year to gather with family, honor ancestors, and begin the new year with hopeful aspirations.
So, it’s no surprise that the Chinese New Year in China is always synonymous with strong traditions, festive celebrations, and meaningful rituals. From the red color that dominates every corner of the city to traditional dishes filled with symbolism, each element carries its own story.
If you’re interested in learning more about Chinese New Year traditions in China, read this article until the end!
ALSO READ: Exploring Qingdao: Recommended Destinations and Travel Tips
Chinese New Year, also known as Sin Cia, is a year-changing tradition that has been recognized since the Xia Dynasty. Initially, the Chinese New Year was a tradition carried out by farmers to welcome the arrival of spring.
However, over time, the tradition evolved into the Chinese New Year celebration. This is because the tradition coincides with the beginning of the year according to the Chinese calendar.
Not only that, but there is also a Chinese legend about the origins of the Chinese New Year. In ancient times, it is said that there was a giant man-eating monster from the depths of the sea or mountains named Nian.
This monster appeared at the end of winter, coinciding with the new year, to devour crops, livestock, and even villagers. One day, villagers saw Nian flee in fear after encountering a child wearing red clothes. This event made them realize that Nian was afraid of the color red.
Therefore, every year during the new year transition, villagers would wear red clothing, hang lanterns, and place red paper scrolls in every corner of their homes to drive Nian away as well as seek protection.
Several Chinese New Year traditions in China that are still preserved and practiced by the Chinese community today include:
The first Chinese New Year tradition in China is cleaning and decorating the house with red decorations. Before the Chinese New Year arrives, the Chinese community thoroughly cleans their homes.
This is done to maintain physical cleanliness and remove bad luck that may have lingered in the house throughout the year. After that, various decorations such as lanterns, fabrics, and red paper-cut ornaments are installed throughout every corner of the house.
In Chinese belief, the color red is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
During Chinese New Year, you will also find the tradition of giving or receiving red envelopes, known as angpao, which contain money. This tradition is carried out by parents or married couples for both children and unmarried individuals.
In general, giving red envelopes symbolizes wishes for the recipient's prosperity and well-being.
Lion dance performances and fireworks are certainly inseparable from Chinese New Year traditions in China. Moreover, these two traditions make the Chinese New Year celebration feel even more festive.
Not only that, the lion dance is believed to ward off evil spirits. Meanwhile, fireworks are set off to celebrate the moment with joy and positive energy.
Praying at temples during the Chinese New Year is a tradition rich in spiritual meaning. People visit temples to convey prayers and hopes for good fortune in the new year.
In addition, praying and making offerings at temples are also seen as opportunities to reflect on life’s journey and hope for a better future.
Generally, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration series During this festival, you will witness the stunning sight of thousands of lanterns being released or hung beautifully.
This moment certainly creates a beautiful atmosphere filled with hope for the new year. Not only pleasing to the eyes, but the Lantern Festival also brings joy to everyone who celebrates it.
Visiting ancestral graves is another important tradition during the Chinese New Year in China. By visiting and caring for family graves, the Chinese community shows respect for their ancestors and maintains a connection with their family roots.
Having dinner on New Year’s Eve is another tradition always practiced by the Chinese community during the Chinese New Year. This tradition is not only a moment to share happiness with family, but also an opportunity to enjoy various special Chinese New Year dishes, each of which carries symbolic meaning.
Some of them include fish as a symbol of prosperity and a layered cake as a symbol of continuously growing fortune.
During the Chinese New Year celebration, visiting family and friends is also a tradition that should not be missed. This tradition strengthens bonds and conveys good wishes for the new year.
ALSO READ: Tracing Cultural Heritage in Chongqing, Tai’an, and Ürümqi
Here are several interesting facts that make the ChineseNew Year in China even more fascinating.
Besides being known as Sin Cia, another term for Chinese New Year in Mandarin is Guo Nian, which means “overcoming Nian.” As mentioned earlier, Nian is the monster that appears during Chinese New Year to devour people and livestock. Therefore, the ChineseNew Year celebrations originally served as a ritual to drive away the monster Nian.
Although the exact time this celebration began is not precisely known, the Chinese New Year is believed to have existed for 3,500 years. Some evidence has even been found in Chinese historical inscriptions.
So, there are five eras that have been passed through in the celebration of the Chinese New Year, namely:
According to the circulating story, Nian was afraid of the color red. That is why the Chinese community began placing red paper on doors and wearing red clothing during the Chinese New Year.
In addition, Nian was also afraid of the sound of burning bamboo and the light of fire or candles. So, it is no surprise that the Chinese New Year is always synonymous with the lively sounds of fireworks and lion dance performances.
Most people assume that the money inside the red envelope is more valuable. In fact, the red envelope itself symbolizes energy, happiness, and good fortune.
The money in the red envelope represents only wishes for happiness and blessings for the recipient. However, make sure you do not open the red envelope in front of the person who gives it, as this is considered impolite.
The final interesting fact about the Chinese New Year in China is that the decorative Chinese calligraphy placed on the front door is closely related to the mystical realm. So, the two lines written on it were originally the names of guardians of the other world, named Shentu and Yulei.
According to Chinese belief, these two guardians were feared by monsters and spirits because they would throw anyone who harmed humans to the tigers. However, over time, the writings no longer mention Shentu and Yulei, but have been replaced with other phrases.
Experiencing Chinese New Year celebrations firsthand in China offers a truly unique experience. In China, you will see cities decorated on a grand scale, authentic traditions that are rarely found elsewhere, and the warm Chinese New Year atmosphere filled with positive energy.
For tourists, the Chinese New Year is certainly a moment to understand Chinese culture from a deeper perspective.
ALSO READ: Hong Kong Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences You Can't Miss
Chinese New Year in China is a special moment filled with color, tradition, and meaning. If you plan to witness it directly, you will surely want to focus on enjoying every moment there.
Before planning your Chinese New Year holiday in China, you need to ensure your trip is covered with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. With this international travel protection, you can stay focused on exploring every Chinese New Year tradition and cultural experience with peace of mind.
With affordable premiums starting from IDR 132,000, you can already receive comprehensive protection. There is no need to worry, as this insurance can be purchased online with 24/7 service support.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your journey to be safer and more comfortable with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SPORT INSURANCE
MUDIK AMAN
PERSONAL ACCIDENT
MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE
