How long does chinese new year last?
Updated: July 27, 2024Introduction to Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture. It marks the transition from winter to spring and is celebrated with various traditions, festivities, and customs. But how long does this vibrant celebration actually last?
The Official Duration
The official duration of Chinese New Year is typically 15 days. It begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20, depending on the year. The festival concludes with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.
Preliminary Preparations
Preparations for Chinese New Year often begin well before the official start date. Approximately a week before the New Year, families engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes, known as "sweeping the dust," to rid their houses of bad luck and make way for good fortune. This period of preparation can be considered a precursor to the actual celebration, extending the festive period by another seven days.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
The eve of the Chinese New Year, known as "Chuxi," is perhaps the most important night of the festival. Families gather for a reunion dinner, which is believed to bring luck and togetherness. The first day of the New Year, known as "Chuyi," is marked by family visits, red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, and various traditional foods.
The Days Following New Year’s Day
Each of the 15 days of the Chinese New Year has its own unique customs and traditions:
Day 2: The Birthday of Dogs
On the second day of the New Year, families pray to their ancestors and the gods. It is also considered the birthday of all dogs, so pets are given special treats.
Day 3: The Day of the Red Mouth
The third day is believed to be an unlucky day to visit others, as it's known as "Chigou's Day" or the "Day of the Red Mouth." Many people stay home to avoid arguments.
Day 4: The Welcome of the Kitchen God
On the fourth day, offerings are made to the Kitchen God. Businesses often resume work on this day as well.
Day 5: The God of Wealth’s Birthday
The fifth day, known as "Po Wu," is dedicated to the God of Wealth. Businesses traditionally open on this day to honor him and attract good fortune.
Day 6: Visitations
The sixth day is often spent visiting friends and relatives. Some also visit temples to pray for good luck.
Day 7: The Common Man’s Birthday
The seventh day, known as "Renri," is considered the birthday of all human beings. It is a day to celebrate everyone’s birthday with special foods like noodles for longevity and raw fish for prosperity.
Day 8: Family Dinner
On the eighth day, families gather again for a meal, particularly in the Fujian province. It is a quieter day compared to the earlier festivities.
Day 9: The Jade Emperor’s Birthday
The ninth day is the birthday of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven. Offerings are made to him, and it is a significant day, especially in Taoist communities.
Days 10-12: Continued Celebrations
These days are often spent visiting friends and relatives, sharing meals, and continuing the festive spirit. The primary focus is on togetherness and joy.
Day 13: Clean-Up Day
The thirteenth day is reserved for cleaning and detoxifying the body after days of rich foods. Simple, clean foods like porridge are typically consumed.
Day 14: Preparations for the Lantern Festival
The fourteenth day is primarily spent preparing for the Lantern Festival. Families create and purchase lanterns, and communities set up decorations and plan activities.
Day 15: The Lantern Festival
The fifteenth day marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations with the Lantern Festival. This day is filled with activities such as lantern parades, lion dances, and eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls).
Regional Variations and Extensions
While the 15-day period is the standard duration, some regions and communities have their own extensions and variations. For instance, in some parts of China, the festival may be extended to 16 or even 23 days, incorporating additional local customs and events.
Modern-Day Observance
In contemporary times, the duration of Chinese New Year celebrations can vary significantly. In urban areas, people may not follow all 15 days of customs due to work commitments and the fast-paced lifestyle. However, the first few days, especially New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, remain widely celebrated.
Significance Beyond the Festival
The influence of Chinese New Year extends beyond the official 15 days. The period leading up to the festival and the time immediately following it are filled with cultural activities, preparations, and residual celebrations. This cumulative effect makes Chinese New Year feel like a month-long season rather than just a two-week event.
Global Celebrations
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in other countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and various Chinatowns worldwide. Each of these places may have their own unique customs and durations for the celebration, adding to the rich tapestry of this global festival.
The length of Chinese New Year is a blend of official traditions, regional customs, and modern adaptations, making it a dynamic and multifaceted celebration. The festival’s true duration is not just confined to the 15 days of official observance but is extended through preliminary preparations and post-festival activities, creating a period rich in cultural significance and communal joy.
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