How Oriental People Usher In New Year

By John Chan

You may find it difficult to calculate Chinese New Year but if you observe the traditional activities related to New Year carefully you will get to know when it is celebrated.

The Chinese New Year is a period when the locals bring back to life the ancient traditions that have been practiced for centuries in China. Although there is no fixed date for the Chinese New Year the activities sure do make it clear that the New Year is here. The festive spirits are on high during this time of the year and the whole of China is engaged in a hub of activity.

It is difficult to miss the Chinese New Year in spite of the fact that they have no exact date for their New Year. Complete China becomes busy in bringing back the age old customs which are associated to the New Year. It is a national festival and the people are in high spirits. So it will not be difficult for anyone to know when Chinese New Year is.

The activity begins with the home, to be more precise, home cleaning is the first official New Year activity for all Chinese home owners. This cleaning includes a top to bottom makeover. Out with the old and in with the new. Families purchase new clothes for the celebration days and pay off any pending debts.

Home is where the New Year activities start. People make a thorough cleaning of their houses and throw away the unwanted 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 get a new look with new 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.

throughout the Chinese New Year you will come across a lot of doorways with spring couplets hanging on them. These paper made curls and squares are engraved upon with particular meanings. Keeping with the auspicious spirit the couplets have blessings engraved for the coming year or showering of good fortune or a good spring time etc.

There are some symbols which have a direct link with the New Year festivities. For instance hanging paper lanterns is a must. Also as a part of the ancient custom you must display the animal of that year in different areas of the house. Doing flower arrangements are common this time as it is believed that flowers like narcissus and quince branches bring in good health and abundance. - 33385

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