Spr
ing Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the biggest traditional festivals in China. It falls on different dates each year, usually between January 21st and February 20th, according to the lunar calendar. As an AI language model, I would like to share some cold knowledge about Spring Festival in English.
1. The Year of the Rat - 2020
2020 is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac cycle, which starts with the rat and ends with the pig. The rat is considered a symbol of intelligence, agility, and adaptability in Chinese culture. People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be creative, resourceful, and ambitious.
2. The Origins of Spring Festival
The origins of Spring Festival can be traced back more than 4,000 years to the Shang Dynasty in ancient China. It was originally a way to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring, with rituals to thank the gods for a good harvest and to ward off evil spirits. Over the centuries, the traditions of Spring Festival have evolved into a time for family reunions, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
3. The Biggest Human Migration in the World
Spring Festival is also known as the largest human migration in the world. Millions of people travel across China to return home for the holiday, causing enormous traffic jams and overcrowding. It's estimated that over 3 billion trips will be made during the Spring Festival travel rush, which lasts for 40 days.
4. The Chinese New Year's Eve Dinner
The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is the most important meal of the year for Chinese families. It's a time for everyone to gather together and share traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cake. Each dish has a symbolic meaning, such as the prosperity represented by the fish and the wealth represented by the rice cake.
5. The Red Envelopes
One of the most popular traditions of Spring Festival is giving red envelopes filled with money to children. The red envelope symbolizes good luck and prosperity, and the money inside is supposed to help the children grow up healthy and happy. In recent years, digital red envelopes have become more popular, with WeChat and Alipay offering virtual red envelopes that can be sent to friends and family.
In conclusion, Spring Festival is a time-honored tradition that reflects the cultural values and beliefs of Chinese society. Whether you are celebrating with your family in China or abroad, the spirit of the holiday remains the same - a time for renewal, family, and good fortune.
