Numerous theories exist regarding the origin of the Spring Festival, with several prominent explanations:
Explanation One:
Legends suggest the Spring Festival originated from sacrificial rites, shamanistic ceremonies, or ghost festivals. The most widely accepted theory traces its beginnings to the era of Emperor Shun.Over 2,000 years ago, on the day Shun ascended the throne, he led his followers in sacrificial rites to heaven and earth. From then on, people regarded this day as the beginning of the year. This is said to be the origin of the Lunar New Year, later called the Spring Festival.
Account Two:
In ancient times, a monster named "Nian" roamed the land. With a terrifying appearance, it ravaged crops, terrorized the people, and committed every conceivable evil.
Nian dwelled deep beneath the sea year-round, emerging only on New Year's Eve. Over time, people discovered this beast feared the color red, bright lights, and loud noises. This knowledge spread quickly, prompting them to produce vast quantities of firecrackers.
Thus, firecrackers were created to drive away the monster."Nian" dwelled deep in the sea year-round, emerging only on New Year's Eve. People gradually discovered this monster feared red, light, and loud noises. Word spread quickly, prompting people to produce vast quantities of firecrackers to drive away the beast. They also designated this day as the New Year celebration.
Does "Celebrating the New Year" refer to New Year's Eve or the first day of the lunar month?
Celebrating the New Year encompasses both New Year's Eve and the first day of the lunar month.
The Spring Festival isn't just one day. According to old customs, it begins on the 23rd or 24th day of the twelfth lunar month (Little New Year) and lasts until the night of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, or sometimes until the nineteenth day. This nearly month-long period is called "celebrating the New Year." Celebrating the New Year refers to observing the "New Year Festival," now known as the "Spring Festival."The Spring Festival celebrations center on ushering in the new year, paying respects to deities and ancestors, warding off evil spirits and disasters, and welcoming blessings and good fortune for the coming year. These festivities are rich in form, vibrant and joyous, brimming with the distinctive flavor of the New Year, and embody the essence of traditional Chinese culture.
New Year Customs
Eating the New Year's Eve Dinner
The New Year's Eve dinner, also known as the reunion dinner or family reunion feast, is a traditional custom specifically referring to the family gathering on the eve of the Lunar New Year. For Chinese families, this dinner symbolizes reunion and is the most lavish and significant meal of the year.
Giving New Year's Money
Giving New Year's money is another Spring Festival custom. Elders typically give this money to younger family members, as it is believed children are vulnerable to supernatural harm. The money is said to ward off evil spirits, ensuring the child's safety throughout the coming year. This act also conveys the elders' affection and care for the younger generation.
Decorating with Red
Hanging Spring Festival couplets, "Fu" characters, door gods, and paper cutouts are collectively called "decorating with red" because these festive red elements share a common theme. This practice reflects popular beliefs while enhancing the joyous holiday atmosphere.
Staying Up All Night
Staying up all night, also known as "illuminating the void," "guarding the New Year fire," or "illuminating the year," is one of the folk customs during the Spring Festival.On New Year's Eve, the custom primarily involves lighting the "year-keeping fire" or "year-watching fire." Every room must remain brightly lit all night as the family gathers together to welcome the new year. This practice is also called "illuminating the void," and it is said that doing so will bring prosperity to the household in the coming year.
Why Wear New Clothes During the New Year
As a significant festival, wearing new clothes on the Spring Festival symbolizes bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. It also embodies people's aspirations to ward off evil, avert disasters, and usher in blessings and good fortune.Additionally, the pre-holiday deep cleaning tradition aims to present a refreshed appearance for the home. Historically, families with limited means could only afford new clothes during the New Year celebrations.