7 Fun and Festive Things to Do for Chinese New Year 2021: A Guide for Celebrating with Family and Friends

Chinese New Year is a festive season celebrated in many countries around the world. It's one of the most significant traditional Chinese holidays that people look forward to celebrating every year. As the Year of the Ox fast approaches, it's time to think about what to do for Chinese New Year.

Are you ready to celebrate Chinese New Year like never before? Here are some fantastic things you can do to mark this new beginning:

Cook Up a Storm

Chinese New Year is a time when families come together, and what better way to do that than with food? Cooking up a storm of traditional Chinese cuisine is one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday. You could try preparing dumplings, spring rolls, or even a hot pot feast!

Decorate Your Home

During the Chinese New Year, it's customary to decorate your home with red and gold decorations. These colors represent good luck, prosperity, and happiness. You can hang up red lanterns, banners, and even put up couplets on your doors and windows.

Give Red Envelopes

One of the most exciting traditions during Chinese New Year is giving out red envelopes (also known as hongbao). These envelopes typically contain money and are given to children as a symbol of good luck and fortune. Giving red envelopes is also a way to show respect to your elders.

Attend a Parade

The Chinese New Year is an event celebrated worldwide, and parades are a significant part of the festivities. Attending a parade is a chance to witness fantastic performances from dragon dancers, lion dancers, and other entertainers. You might also get the opportunity to witness fireworks display or take part in a community feast.

Wear Red Clothing

Red is a prominent color during the Chinese New Year, and wearing it is believed to bring good luck. If you don't have traditional Chinese attire, you can still wear red clothing to show your enthusiasm for this annual celebration. You could dress up in red by wearing something as simple as a red shirt or accessorize your outfit with red jewelry.

Clean Your Home

Before the Chinese New Year, it's customary to clean your home thoroughly. The idea behind this is to sweep away any bad luck or negativity from the previous year and make room for good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Spend Time with Family and Friends

The Chinese New Year is a time when families come together and spend quality time with one another. It's a tradition that celebrates being together, putting aside any differences, and enjoying each other's company. Whether it's at home or through video conferencing, spending time with family and friends is an essential part of this holiday.

Take Part in Cultural Activities

There is a diverse range of cultural activities that take place during the Chinese New Year. Attending these events is a chance to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and learn more about this fascinating holiday. You could visit a museum, attend traditional shows, or participate in crafting workshops.

Create Lucky Symbols

In many cultures, good luck symbols are believed to bring happiness and prosperity. During the Chinese New Year, people might create various decorations with these symbols, such as oranges (which symbolize good luck and wealth) or even a Chinese knot (which signifies endless love and good luck). Creating these lucky symbols is a way to attract good fortune into your life.

Reflect and Set Resolutions

Chinese New Year is an opportunity for reflection and renewal. One way to celebrate this is by reflecting on the previous year and setting intentions or resolutions for the year ahead. You could write down your reflections or make a list of goals to achieve in the upcoming year. Remember to embrace the Year of the Ox with a positive mindset and an open heart.

In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time filled with traditions, excitement, and celebration. With these fantastic ideas in mind, you can make this year's celebration the best one yet!

"What To Do For Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is an important holiday in China and other East Asian countries. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. The festival lasts for 15 days and is filled with various traditional activities and customs. If you want to experience the spirit of Chinese New Year, here are some things you can do:

Clean Your House

Cleaning your house before the New Year is a common tradition in China. It is believed that sweeping away the old dirt and clutter brings good luck and fortune into the new year. Make sure to start cleaning at least a week before the holiday, as sweeping or dusting during the New Year period is seen as unlucky.

Hang Decorations

Red is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, so it's no surprise that it dominates Chinese New Year decorations. Red lanterns, decorations with auspicious sayings, and paper cutouts are popular choices to hang around the house. Pasting couplets (a type of poetry) on doors and windows is also a way to bring good luck.

Prepare and Eat Special Foods

Food plays a big role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Eating dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and longevity noodles are traditions that symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and long life. It's also customary to have a large family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.

Exchange Lucky Money

During the New Year, married couples give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults. It's called hongbao in Mandarin, and represents good fortune and blessings for the recipient. Make sure to hand over the envelope with both hands as a sign of respect.

Watch Lion and Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are a common sight during Chinese New Year. These performances involve colorful costumed dancers who move to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. The dance is meant to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community.

Set Off Fireworks

Fireworks are believed to have been invented in China, so it's no surprise that they play a big part in Chinese New Year celebrations. During this time, it's common to hear fireworks going off throughout the day and night. Be sure to follow safety precautions if you plan on setting off fireworks yourself.

Visit Friends and Family

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, and many people travel long distances to be with their loved ones. Visiting friends and family during this time is a great way to catch up and enjoy the festive atmosphere together.

Participate in Cultural Activities

Many communities hold cultural events during Chinese New Year, such as craft fairs, martial arts demonstrations, and calligraphy workshops. Participating in these activities can deepen your understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

Wear Red

Red is an auspicious color, so wearing red clothes or accessories during Chinese New Year is considered lucky. It's also a fun way to get into the spirit of the festival!

Watch CCTV's New Year's Gala

The New Year's Gala, which airs on China Central Television (CCTV), is a staple of Chinese New Year celebrations. It's a variety show featuring musical performances, skits, and other acts that showcase Chinese culture. Millions of people tune in every year to watch the festivities.

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition. By participating in these activities, you can immerse yourself in the culture and create lasting memories.

Chinese New Year: Tradition vs Modern Celebrations

Introduction

Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the most significant traditional Chinese festival celebrated all over the world. It is a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts, and indulge in delicious foods. However, with shifting cultural norms and developing technologies, modern celebrations of this holiday differ from its traditional roots. This article will explore the differences between Chinese New Year traditions and modern celebrations.

History and Significance of Chinese New Year

The history of Chinese New Year can be traced back thousands of years. Its significance lies in its association with the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. The holiday signifies the end of the winter season and the beginning of a new year, bringing with it renewed hopes, opportunities, and a fresh start.Modern Celebrations:In modern times, Chinese New Year has evolved into a week-long celebration filled with fireworks, parades, and other cultural performances. With the rise of social media platforms, these modern celebrations have become noteworthy events around the world.Traditions:Traditional celebrations involve cleaning homes and streets to sweep away any misfortune from the previous year and make room for good luck and fortune. The preparation of symbolic foods and the exchange of red envelopes with money is also an integral part of this holiday.

Food and Drinks

Modern Celebrations:In modern celebrations, food and drink play a significant role in the festivities. With the popularity of social media, modern Chinese New Year cuisine has expanded beyond traditional dishes, featuring trendy food fusions and Instagram-worthy dishes.Traditions:On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather around the table for a reunion dinner, where they enjoy classic dishes such as dumplings, fish, and Nian Gao (sticky rice cake). These dishes are believed to symbolize prosperity, wealth, and good luck.

Activities and Entertainment

Modern Celebrations:In modern times, Chinese New Year celebrations involve a range of activities and entertainment that appeal to both younger and older generations. These include pyrotechnic displays, parades, dragon and lion dances, and lantern festivals.Traditions: Traditional celebrations center around family reunions. Activities include lighting fireworks, exchanging gifts and red envelopes, and playing mahjong. Family members also take time to pay respects to their ancestors, visit temples, and pray for prosperity in the new year.

Fashion and Decorations

Modern Celebrations:Fashion and decor have become important parts of modern Chinese New Year celebrations. From trendy outfits to elaborate social media decorations, fashion and decor embody the festival's festive spirit.Traditions:In traditional celebrations, families decorate their homes with red banners and couplets featuring auspicious phrases. The Chinese character Fu (福) is also prominently displayed on doors or windows. Red represents joy and happiness while warding off evil spirits.

Technology and Social Media

Modern Celebrations:Technology, social media, and e-commerce platforms have revolutionized how people celebrate Chinese New Year. From mobile apps to web-based platforms, digital technology has made it easier for people to connect with friends and family, shop for gifts, and share their experiences.Traditions:While technology and social media play significant roles in modern festivities, traditional celebrations involve disconnecting from the world and spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying their company, and cherishing memories.

Environment and Sustainability

Modern Celebrations:In the 21st century, environmental sustainability has become an essential aspect of modern Chinese New Year celebrations. Many organizers have incorporated eco-friendly materials and sustainable technology into their events, such as using LED lights instead of traditional bulbs.Traditions:In traditional celebrations, people emphasize the importance of harmony with nature. For example, the use of traditional earthenware plates, chopsticks, and wooden or bamboo cutlery promotes eco-friendliness. Moreover, gifts such as oranges, tea, and potted plants have become popular alternatives to traditional gift items that could harm nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year has evolved from its traditional roots into a modern and diverse celebration. While modern celebrations offer more entertainment options and technological conveniences, traditional values, such as family reunions and the importance of harmony with nature, remain at the core of this holiday. It is up to us to appreciate and honor both aspects of Chinese New Year and enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling celebration.

What To Do For Chinese New Year: A Guide To Celebrating

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. It is celebrated for 15 days, usually falling between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar. This colorful and vibrant festival is a time for family reunions, delicious food, fireworks, and traditions that date back centuries. If you're planning on celebrating Chinese New Year this year, here are some must-do activities to include in your festivities.

Clean Your Home

One of the most important traditions leading up to Chinese New Year is cleaning your home. It's believed that cleaning sweeps away bad luck and makes way for good fortune in the new year. Make sure to clean thoroughly, from top to bottom, and don't forget to throw out any old or broken items. Also, avoid sweeping or cleaning on New Year's Day itself, as it's believed the good luck may be swept away with the dust.

Decorate With Red

Red is the traditional color of Chinese New Year, as it symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Hang up red lanterns, put up red banners with traditional sayings, and even wear red clothing if possible. You can also decorate your home with paper cutouts of the zodiac animal for the current year.

Have a Reunion Dinner

New Year's Eve is a time for families to gather together for a big feast, known as the reunion dinner. This meal typically includes many traditional dishes, such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. It's important to make sure there's enough food for everyone, as it's believed that having leftover food signifies abundance and wealth in the new year.

Give Red Envelopes

Giving red envelopes filled with money is a common tradition during Chinese New Year. Parents and elders will give these envelopes to children, as well as unmarried adults. Make sure to put crisp, new bills inside and avoid giving amounts that include the number 4, as it's considered unlucky.

Set Off Fireworks

Fireworks are a huge part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They're believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the upcoming year. Many cities in China have fireworks displays on New Year's Eve, but if you can't make it to one, it's still fun to light some sparklers or set off your own fireworks at home.

Watch the Dragon Dance

The dragon dance is a traditional performance during Chinese New Year. It involves a long dragon made out of fabric and bamboo, which is operated by several people. The dragon dances to the beat of drums and cymbals, and it's believed to bring good luck and fortune.

Play Traditional Games

Playing traditional games is another way to celebrate Chinese New Year. One popular game is mahjong, a tile-based game that requires strategy and skill. Another game is called guessing lantern riddles, where participants guess the meaning of phrases written on lanterns.

Attend a Parade

Many cities around the world hold Chinese New Year parades, complete with colorful floats and performers dressed in traditional costumes. These parades typically take place on the weekend closest to New Year's Day and are a great way to experience the festivities if you're unable to travel to China.

Visit a Temple

Visiting a temple during Chinese New Year is another traditional activity. Many people will pray for good fortune, light incense, and make offerings. Some temples even have lion dance performances or other festivities to enjoy.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with family, eat delicious food, and participate in traditions that have been passed down for generations. Whether you're in China or abroad, there are plenty of ways to join in on the festivities. From cleaning your home to setting off fireworks, make sure to include these must-do activities in your celebrations this year. Happy New Year!

What To Do For Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is not only the start of a new year based on the traditional Chinese calendar, but it is also a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. It symbolizes new beginnings, good fortune, and gratitude. The Chinese New Year is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is considered one of the most important holidays in the Chinese culture. Hence, if you want to join in the celebration, here’s what you need to do for Chinese New Year.

First things first, cleaning your house is a must! In Chinese tradition, cleaning signifies an exorcism of bad luck and the ushering in of good fortune. You must sweep away all the bad luck from the previous year and make way for the new year's positivity. There are certain things you should avoid while cleaning your house though, like not sweeping towards the main door. This is because you might accidentally sweep away all the good fortune that comes with the New Year!

The next thing you should do is decorate your house with red lanterns. Red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Chinese culture. According to legend, there was a demon named Nian who would come out once a year to harm people. It was said that Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red. So, the Chinese would hang red lanterns to scare off Nian and keep him away from their homes.

Another way to decorate your house for Chinese New Year is to use spring couplets. These are pairs of poems that are usually written on red paper and pasted on both sides of the door. Spring couplets are meant to bring good luck and fortune to your home. There are many places in China where you can buy pre-made couplets, or you can choose to write your own.

No celebration is complete without food and Chinese New Year is no exception. Food plays a significant part in Chinese culture, and during the New Year, many families have a reunion dinner on New Year's eve. This is a time for families to come together, share food, and catch up with each other. The food served during this time is usually symbolic and has a deeper meaning, such as dumplings, which represent wealth and prosperity.

In addition to the reunion dinner, there are many other traditional foods you can enjoy during Chinese New Year. Sweet rice cakes, fish, and spring rolls are some of the popular foods that are consumed during the festival. It’s also customary to give out red envelopes to children. These envelopes contain money and are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the receiver.

Another traditional activity during Chinese New Year is dragon and lion dance performances. This is believed to scare away evil spirits and bring blessings and good fortune to the community. Many cities and towns have parades featuring these dances, and they are quite a sight to behold!

During Chinese New Year, it's important to wear the right colors. Red is, of course, the most important color as it represents good luck and fortune. Wearing new clothes is also a custom during this time, as it symbolizes a new beginning and fresh start. However, it's important to avoid black or white during the festival since they are associated with mourning and funerals.

If you're unable to visit China for Chinese New Year, don't worry, you can still celebrate it wherever you are. Many cities around the world hold Chinese New Year parades, festivals, and storytime events at libraries, so keep an eye out for events in your area.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with family, eat delicious food, and have fun. So, make sure to clean your house, decorate with red lanterns and spring couplets, have a reunion dinner, enjoy traditional foods, watch dragon and lion dance performances, wear the right colors, and celebrate wherever you are!

If you haven’t celebrated Chinese New Year before, make this year special by joining in on some of the festivities.

What To Do For Chinese New Year: People Also Ask

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and celebrated by millions of people around the world. It falls on different dates each year, between January 21 and February 20, depending on the lunar calendar.

What are the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is rich in customs, traditions, and rituals that symbolize good luck, prosperity, happiness, and longevity. Some of the most prominent customs and traditions include:

• Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune
• Decorating the house with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious ornaments
• Families coming together for reunion dinners on New Year's Eve
• Giving red envelopes filled with money to kids and unmarried adults to bring good fortune and luck
• Lighting firecrackers and fireworks to scare off evil spirits and welcome the New Year
• Wearing new clothes to represent a new beginning and fresh start

How do people celebrate Chinese New Year around the world?

Chinese New Year is celebrated across the globe, with different regions incorporating their own unique customs and traditions. In Southeast Asia, New Year's Day is marked by parades, dragon dances, and lion dances, while in the West, Chinatowns tend to host street parties, food festivals, and cultural performances. Some of the most popular cities around the world for Chinese New Year celebrations include Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, San Francisco, and Sydney.

What are some traditional Chinese New Year foods?

Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year, with various dishes symbolizing different aspects of prosperity, good luck, and happiness. Some of the most popular traditional foods eaten during New Year celebrations include:

1. Dumplings, which symbolize wealth and fortune
2. Tangyuan, glutinous rice balls in sweet soup, which represent family togetherness and harmony
3. Nian Gao or sticky rice cake, which symbolizes progress, promotion, and raising oneself higher
4. Fish, which stands for abundance and wealth
5. Spring rolls, which are shaped like gold bars and signify wealth and prosperity

What other things aside from food and decorations can bring good luck during Chinese New Year?

Aside from food and decorations, there are other things that people believe can bring good luck during Chinese New Year. Some of these include:

• Wearing red clothes and accessories, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck
• Burning incense and offerings at temples to seek blessings and protection from deities
• Refraining from using sharp objects or cleaning any knives to avoid cutting off luck
• Avoiding crying on New Year's Day, as it is believed to bring bad luck and sadness throughout the year
• Greeting loved ones with auspicious phrases like Gong Xi Fa Cai (wishing you great wealth) and Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year)