1 Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families. The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, eating of the symbolic foods and display of the festive decorations - all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring. In China the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon-- which has a shorter cycle than the sun - Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. Celebrations can actually last up to a month.
Why is Chinese New Year never on the same day each year?
Here are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year.
Cleaning Houses and New Clothes
Prior to the first day of the New Year it is customary for families to thoroughly clean their houses. Doing this is said to clear out any bad luck from the previous year and to make the house ready to accept good luck for the coming year. All cleaning must be finished before the New Year's Day so there is no chance of accidentally throwing out the good fortune of the New Year. Wearing black is not allowed due to its association with death, however, wearing red is encouraged as the colour is associated with warding off bad spirits.
For the Teacher: While- reading activity given in the box may be conducted to help students interact with the text actively. More while- reading questions may also be generated for better comprehension of the Chinese New Year.
Decorating the House
Another popular custom is to hang up signs and posters on doors and (3) windows with the Chinese word fu written on them, which means luck and happiness. Buying flowers for the home is also commonplace since they symbolize the coming of spring and a new beginning.