Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marked by families reuniting, feasting, and various cultural activities. The duration of the Chinese New Year celebration can be quite complex due to the blend of official public holidays, traditional customs, and regional variations.
In 2024, Chinese New Year officially begins on February 10th and is typically observed as a 7-day public holiday in mainland China. These official holidays usually include:
Although the official public holiday spans 7 days, the traditional celebrations can last up to 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. These two weeks are filled with various customs, rituals, and events that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
The festivities kick off on New Year’s Eve with a grand family dinner known as the "Reunion Dinner." At midnight, fireworks are set off to ward off evil spirits and to welcome the new year. The first day of the new year is dedicated to visiting the eldest members of the family.
From the second to the fifth day, people continue to visit relatives and friends. Each day holds specific traditional customs:
The sixth day is believed to be the time to drive away the Ghost of Poverty, and from the seventh day onward, various regional customs are followed. The seventh day, Renri (人日), is considered the common man’s birthday. The eighth and ninth days involve more family gatherings and preparing for the Jade Emperor's birthday.
As the festival continues, preparations for the Lantern Festival begin. The fifteenth day, known as the Lantern Festival, is celebrated with lantern displays, dragon and lion dances, and eating "tangyuan" (sweet glutinous rice balls).
Different regions in China, as well as Chinese communities worldwide, may have unique customs and durations for celebrating Chinese New Year. For example:
Several lesser-known customs and beliefs are also part of the Chinese New Year celebrations:
The length and vibrancy of Chinese New Year 2024 can vary greatly depending on which aspects one focuses on—official holidays, traditional customs, or regional practices. Whether one chooses to engage in the full 15-day celebration or just the official public holidays, the spirit of unity, renewal, and joy permeates all activities.
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