Celebrating Chinese New Year: Exploring the Traditions

As one of the most important holidays in China, Chinese New Year marks the start of a new year in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated by billions of Chinese people around the world. It is a time for families to reunite, celebrate their hard work and look forward to the coming year. It is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. During this festive time, many Chinese families come together to celebrate and partake in a variety of traditional activities. Here, we will explore some of the most common and beloved traditions that Chinese families including my own observe during Chinese New Year.

One of the most important traditions is the giving of red envelopes, or hongbao. This is when family members give each other red envelopes containing money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Children are especially excited to receive the red envelopes, which are usually given by married couples or older relatives.

Another popular tradition is the exchange of New Year greetings. Chinese families usually visit each other to exchange New Year wishes and bestow gifts. People also take the opportunity to settle any debts or disagreements in order to start the new year on a positive note.

There is also a great emphasis on food during Chinese New Year. Families often come together to prepare and enjoy a large feast. This often includes dishes such as dumplings, steamed fish, and eight-treasure rice. It is believed that the more food consumed during the festival, the more luck one will have in the coming year.

One of the most popular dishes that my family and others enjoy during Chinese New Year are dumplings. Dumplings are a type of filled dough that can be boiled, steamed, or fried. It is common to have them filled with pork, beef, and vegetables. They are usually served with a soy dipping sauce and are perfect for sharing.

Another popular dish that I love is Chinese New Year cake. This is a sweet, sticky cake made from glutinous rice flour and usually filled with dates or other dried fruit. Chinese New Year cake is served to symbolize the sweetness of the New Year. Fish is another traditional Chinese New Year dish that my family cooks a lot. The Chinese word for fish is yu, which is also a homophone for the word meaning abundance. So, eating fish during Chinese New Year is thought to bring good luck and prosperity.

Noodles are another staple dish during Chinese New Year. Noodles are thought to represent longevity, so they are often served at Chinese New Year meals. Hand-pulled noodles, or lamian, are a popular choice.
Finally, no Chinese New Year feast is complete without a steamed whole chicken. The chicken is served with its head and feet intact to symbolize completeness, and is thought to bring good fortune.

One of the most joyous traditions is the setting off of fireworks. Fireworks are seen as a way of scaring away evil spirits and bringing good luck for the new year. Fireworks are often set off in the streets or in backyards, creating a festive atmosphere.

As part of the celebrations, many traditional performances take place to mark the occasion and bring in the new year. One of the most important aspects of these performances is the role music plays. Music has a long history in Chinese culture and is an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. From loud and raucous lion dances to the gentle strains of the guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, music is ubiquitous during the festivities. It is used to create atmosphere and set the mood, as well as to provide accompaniment to various performances. The most popular and iconic performance is the lion dance, which is performed as part of the opening ceremony of the new year. The music accompanying the dance is typically loud and upbeat, and is played by a combination of drums, gongs, cymbals, and other percussion instruments. The music is essential in setting the tone for the performance, and is used to build excitement and anticipation. 

Chinese New Year orchestra performances are a unique and vibrant way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Every year, traditional Chinese orchestras across China and the world pull out all the stops to celebrate the start of the new year. From small villages to large cities, the music of the orchestra is an integral part of the festivities. Chinese orchestras typically feature a variety of instruments, including percussion, string instruments, and wind instruments. The music can range from traditional Chinese folk music to modern interpretations of classical Chinese music. The music is often upbeat and exciting, reflecting the joy and optimism of the new year. Take a look below at this amazing performance featuring unique Chinese instruments for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

These are just a few of the many traditions that Chinese families observe during Chinese New Year. From the exchange of red envelopes to the setting off of fireworks, these traditions are an integral part of the Chinese New Year experience. They bring families closer together and help to create a lasting bond.