Gong Xi Fa Cai

To most, the old year ends on December 31^st and the New Year starts on January 1^st. However, for those from Chinese culture January 31^st, 2014, marked the start of their new year. They follow the Lunar New Year. Every year, large celebrations take place around the world for Chinese New Year. My own high school celebrates by putting on a wonderful show for everyone and eating yummy foods. The Chinese have an animal that represents each year, a zodiac symbol, this year it is the year of the horse, and it is going to be a great one.

           

Many people from China are heading back home for this celebration. More than three and a half billion trips will occur according to China’s National Development and Reform Commission. This is compared to last year’s 200 million that took place around this 40 day period that surrounds the holiday.

The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is a widely celebrated holiday that brings family together. Everyone enjoys a great time by feasting. Also, it is held to honor the ancestors and the heavenly deities. Over time the celebration has changed. Traditionally, homes are cleaned spotless to lose all the inauspicious aspects that could have occurred in the past year. Then scrolls with lucky messages were placed on gates and around the houses were put up. Along with the scrolls, firecrackers were set of to scare evil spirits away. Food and paper icons were offered as ritual sacrifices to gods and ancestors. Money was given out to the young children by the elders. Most of the traditions done were to bring good luck to the households.

Though a lot of these elements remain when celebrating the holiday, it like many other celebrations throughout the world, has evolved to fit the newer generations. Firecrackers are still let off. Everyone eats a ton of food. Grand parties and parades are held where dances, specifically the dragon dance, takes place. In the early 21^st century the Spring Festival also became a big part of this celebration. It is a televised even that shows various singers, dancers, magic performances, and all sorts of entertainment. People are preferring to watch the TV show now, rather than going out and celebrating. The types of foods eaten are moving away from the traditional rice and dumplings as well. Also, less time as family is spent. Big celebrations still do occur, and no matter what, Chinese New Year is a fantastic event, that would be wonderful to witness first hand. 

I mean come on, who would not want to see beautiful lanterns light up the sky. The whole city, the whole country covered with the color of red. Everyone staying up all night partying, dancing, enjoying, and spending time with friends and family. Those elements still remain, making it a wonderful holiday. 

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