If you want any hint of Chinese New Year you just have to take a look of the activities at this time and you will come to know.
Most of the people have no idea as to when Chinese New Year is. For a starting it is necessary to know that Chinese New Year is not on January first. This happens because Chinese follow the lunar calendar and therefore come up with a different date which is in agreement with the lunar calendar. To calculate the Chinese New Year keep your eyes open for the traditional activities that start off in China which has to do with the New Year celebrations.
Prosperity and hope for betterment is the tone that resonates off of every block in China. According to the tradition the Chinese will let the past year slide into the silent limbo of the days gone by and look forward to welcoming the New Year on a positive note.
The Chinese New Year is a symbol of hope and success and it reflects in every part of the society as they let the past year go by. With the traditional custom they usher in the New Year with great interest and leave the past year behind.
Home is where the New Year activities start. People make a meticulous cleaning of their houses and throw away the superfluous objects. They also buy new things for their home including clothes. They also make it a point to square off their debts if they have any.
As New Year brings in the new, the Chinese homes also acquire a new look with fresh paint and all repairing done. It goes for the personal life as well and people get hair cuts to be blessed during the New Year.
The thorough cleaning of the house is followed by a paint job of the doors and windows. They are painted bright red in the belief that the red color is the agent of good fortune and it helps to keep the evil elements away.
Another New Year activity is decorating the entrance of the home with spring couplets. The couplets are made of paper having curls and squares with engravings done on them. The engravings have meanings such as it could be words of blessings of good luck or could be desiring for spring etc.
During the Chinese New Year the traditional signs and traditions are given importance. They all hang paper lantern in their houses as a part of the tradition. The animal of the year must get prominence and as such should be seen throughout the house. Chinese also get beautiful flowers and plants for decoration, blessing and prosperity. Narcissus and quince are a few examples of the flowers they use.
Chinese new year food is a wonderful way to kick off any celebration. If you are interested in other Chinese family new year activities follow the hyperlinks.
