春節有什么風俗 傳統英文 春節的傳統風俗及其意義英文

濟南的春節風俗是什么?濟南的春節傳統活動,最美、最有特色的風俗和省城春節期間除了有民俗風情旅游節、趵突泉迎春燈會和明湖廟會等傳統“好戲”外,還將開展民俗文化游、冰雪游、科普游等活動,并進一步整合泉水旅游線路,開展觀泉賞泉游和泉城古街游,引導各景區開展民俗文化、休閑生態、登山健身等戶外旅游活動等,但這主要的服務對象是游客 。
澳大利亞的風俗和傳統有哪些?個人空間——澳大利亞喜歡人與人之間保持得體的個人空間距離 。如在沒有必要的情況下,距離某人不足一米的話,會讓其感到不舒服 。
著裝——澳大利亞人的著裝風格往往非常隨意和休閑 。如果是需要身著正裝的場合,一般都會有人向您告知 。
排隊——人們按次序等候時都會排隊,如等待出租車和巴士、買票,或購物付款時 。
英文版春節介紹(帶漢意)春節,傳統名稱為新年、大年、新歲,但口頭上又稱度歲、慶新歲、過年 。古時春節曾專指節氣中的立春,也被視為一年的開始,后來改為農歷正月初一開始為新年 。
The Spring Festival, traditional name for the New Year, annual, sexually compromising, but also called on age, igawa sexually compromising, degree of spring. In the Spring Festival was originally throttle was also considered as one year later, the start to the first day of the lunar year started for the New Year.英語New Year celebrations is a grand event of China. New Year festivitieslasts for one month in China. Chinese New Year is also called Springfestival. It begins from the middle of the last month of the year andends up in the first month of the new year. These last day celebrationsin China is called Lantern Festival 。
History of Chinese New Year
追溯歷史:名叫“年”的怪獸
ChineseNew Year has a very interesting and unique history. According to theChinese legends, there was a giant beast Nian who used to swallowhumans in a single bite. Relief from the horrifying beast came onlywhen people realized that Nian was scared of red color and loud noises.They started bursting crackersand used red color to scare the beast. Since then, this day was namedas GuNian meaning "Pass over the Nian". Chinese considered the day an auspicious one as it brought new life for them and celebrated it as a New Year 。
Chinese New Year Dates
農歷新年,年年不同
Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year. Chinese calendar is a combination of solar and lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls on second new moon after the winter solstice(冬至). Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named afteranimal. Chinese believe that every person resembles an animal and thisreflects their traits. Year 2006 was the Year of the Dog. People born on this date are said to be very loyal and trustworthy 。
Chinese New Year Celebrations
新年找樂,日日不同
Lot of excitement can be seen in the last 15 days of New Year celebrations. Every day has a special importance to it. Chinese ritualize and celebrate each day in a customary manner. Given below are the line wise celebrations of the New Year in China:
年初一:祭拜天地
Day1: People began their day by offering prayers and welcome the gods ofheaven and earth. Most of the people stay away from meat to ensurehealthy living 。
年初二:狗狗過生日
Day 2:Successively, prayers are offer to their ancestors and other gods.Chinese are strict care-taker of dogs and feed them well. This is dayis considered to be the birthday of all dogs 。
初三初四:走親訪友,媳婦回娘家
Day3 and 4: These are very important days for the families to keep uptheir relations. It calls for every son-in-law to pay respect to theirparents-in-law 。
年初五:“破五”祭財神
Day5: According to the traditions, nobody visits friends and relativeshouses as it would bring bad omen. They stay back home to worship theGod of wealth. The day is called Po Woo 。
年初六:百無禁忌,出門活動筋骨
Day6: On this day, people freely meet their near and dear ones and evenvisit nearby temples to pray for their well being and high spirits 。
年初七:吃面條,祝長壽
Day 7: This is Chinese farmers' day. They display their backbreaking
produce. They also prepare a drink from seven different types ofvegetables. On this day, everybody eats noodles which is a symbol oflong life and fish representing success 。
年初八:凌晨拜天公
Day8: It's an other day to be celebrated with the family and friends. Theyalso offer midnight prayers to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven 。
年初九:玉皇大帝登場
Day 9: Prayers are offered to Jade Emperor 。
初十、十一、十二、十三:大吃大喝,最后記得回歸清淡
Days 10 to 13: From 10 to 12, people celebrate the days by having sumptuous dinner with the loved ones and the 13th day is left for a very light dinner to cleanse the system 。
年十四:準備鬧元宵
Day 14: People start preparing for the celebration of Lantern Festival to be held on next day 。
年十五:吃元宵看燈火
Day 15: Since it is the first night to see full moon, people hang out colorful lanterns, eat glutinous rice balls and enjoy the day with their families 。According to the briefing, according to legend there is a Chinese ancient times called the "years" of the monster, the first long tentacles, unusually ferocious. "Year" for many years hiding the sea, only to climb up every New Year's Eve shore, devouring livestock harm human life. Therefore, every New Year's Eve that day, the village young people Walled villages fled to the mountains, to escape the "year" animal damage.
據介紹,相傳中國古時候有一種叫“年”的怪獸,頭長觸角,兇猛異常 。“年”長年深居海底,每到除夕才爬上岸,吞食牲畜傷害人命 。因此,每到除夕這天,村村寨寨的人們扶老攜幼逃往深山,以躲避“年”獸的傷害 。
This Year's Eve, Peach Blossom Village, young people are the mountain refuge, from a village outside begging the elderly, saw hiscrutches, arm ride capsule bag, silver to be graceful, head if Lang stars. Some villagers sealed windows locked, and some to pack up and get some Thunbergia sheep, everywhere people shouting, scene of a panic rush. At this time, who determined to take care of the elderly people begging. Village head only an old lady to the elderly more food, and urged him to speed up the mountain to escape the "Year" beast, the old man smiled stroking beard: mother-in-law if I stay at home one night, I have the "year" removed the animal. Head scared the old lady look at, to see him mental healthy, bearing out of the ordinary. She is still continuing to persuade, begging people laugh instead of the phrase. Mother-in-law no option but to leave home and go up the mountain refuge.
這年除夕,桃花村的人們正扶老攜幼上山避難,從村外來了個乞討的老人,只見他手拄拐杖,臂搭袋囊,銀須飄逸,目若朗星 。鄉親們有的封窗鎖門,有的收拾行裝,有的牽牛趕羊,到處人喊馬嘶,一片匆忙恐慌景象 。這時,誰還有心關照這位乞討的老人 。只有村東頭一位老婆婆給了老人些食物,并勸他快上山躲避“年” 獸,那老人捋髯笑道:婆婆若讓我在家呆一夜,我一定把“年”獸攆走 。老婆婆驚目細看,見他鶴發童顏、精神矍鑠,氣宇不凡 ??伤匀焕^續勸說,乞討老人笑而不語 。婆婆無奈,只好撇下家,上山避難去了 。
The middle of the night, "years" to break into the village of animals. It found that the village atmosphere, unlike in previous years: the first lady Village home, the door paste big red, brightly lit candles inside the house. "Year" all animalsa bang. "Year" towards mother-in-law home glower moment, then head over the pastforward. Almost at the entrance to the hospital from a sudden "bang flap" sound of bombing, "year" every tremble, and then move forward together a dare. In fact, "year" fear red flames and炸響. At this time, opening the door to let mother-in-law's house, wearing only a hospital Dahongpao elderly laughter. "Year" scaring the daylights out, embarrassed fled the spurt.
半夜時分,“年”獸闖進村 。它發現村里氣氛與往年不同:村東頭老婆婆家,門貼大紅紙,屋內燭火通明 ?!澳辍鲍F渾身一抖,怪叫了一聲 。“年”朝婆婆家怒視片刻,隨即狂叫著撲過去 。將近門口時,院內突然傳來“砰砰啪啪”的炸響聲,“年”渾身戰栗,再不敢往前湊了 。原來,“年”最怕紅色、火光和炸響 。這時,婆婆的家門大開,只見院內一位身披紅袍的老人在哈哈大笑 。“年”大驚失色,狼狽逃躥了 。
The next day is the first day, people who sought refuge back safe and sound very surprised to see the village. At this time, the old lady came before, and hastened to the villagers described the promise of the elderly begging. Together villagers over to the old lady, and mother-in-law saw the door close to the red paper, yard pile of bamboo is still unburned "flap"炸響inside several red candles also issued a Yu ... ... joyvillagers to celebrate the auspicious arrival of their new clothes to wear for a new hat, say hello to friends and relatives at home Daoxi. This matter quickly spread around the village, people are aware of the expulsion of "years" beast approach.
第二天是正月初一,避難回來的人們見村里安然無恙十分驚奇 。這時,老婆婆才恍然大悟,趕忙向鄉親們述說了乞討老人的許諾 。鄉親們一齊擁向老婆婆家,只見婆婆家門上貼著紅紙,院里一堆未燃盡的竹子仍在“啪啪”炸響,屋內幾根紅臘燭還發著余光……欣喜若狂的鄉親們為慶賀吉祥的來臨,紛紛換新衣戴新帽,到親友家道喜問好 。這件事很快在周圍村里傳開了,人們都知道了驅趕“年”獸的辦法 。
Since then the annual New Year's Eve, families paste red couplets, set off firecrackers; household candles Tongming, Shou-more-year-old question. Early in the morning early to go pro-string Daoxi Friends say hello. This custom of the more mass the more widely and became the most solemn of Chinese folk traditional festivals.
從此每年除夕,家家貼紅對聯、燃放爆竹;戶戶燭火通明、守更待歲 。初一一大早,還要走親串友道喜問好 。這風俗越傳越廣,成了中國民間最隆重的傳統節日The oldest and most important festival in China is the Spring Festival, more commonly known in the West as Chinese New Year. Like all Chinese festivals, the date of the new year is determined by the lunar/solar calendar rather than the Western (Gregorian) calendar, so the date of the holiday varies from late January to mid February. The Spring festival celebrates the earth coming back to life, and the start of ploughing and sowing. In the past, feudal rulers of dynasties placed great importance on this occasion, and ceremonies to usher in the season were performed. 在中國最古老最重要的節日就是春節了,在西方被成為中國新年 。跟其他的中國傳統節日一樣,春節也是源于中國傳統的農歷也就是太陽歷,而不是西方的陽歷,因此這個節日的日期會在一月底和2月初浮動變化 。春節慶祝的是土地的生命復蘇,和一年耕作的開始 。在過去一些朝代,封建統治者非常重視這這個場合,歡迎春天這個季節的儀式將會上演 。The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees.
Strictly speaking, the Spring Festival starts every year in the early days of the 12th lunar month and will last till the mid 1st lunar month of the next year. Of them, the most important days are Spring Festival Eve and the first three days. The Chinese government now stipulates people have seven days off for the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Many customs accompany the Spring Festival. Some are still followed today, but others have weakened.
On the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, many families make laba porridge, a delicious kind of porridge made with glutinous rice, millet, seeds of Job's tears, jujube berries, lotus seeds, beans, longan and gingko.
The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month is called Preliminary Eve. At this time, people offer sacrifice to the kitchen god. Now however, most families make delicious food to enjoy themselves.
After the Preliminary Eve, people begin preparing for the coming New Year. This is called "Seeing the New Year in".
【春節有什么風俗 傳統英文 春節的傳統風俗及其意義英文】Store owners are busy then as everybody goes out to purchase necessities for the New Year. Materials not only include edible oil, rice, flour, chicken, duck, fish and meat, but also fruit, candies and kinds of nuts. What's more, various decorations, new clothes and shoes for the children as well as gifts for the elderly, friends and relatives, are all on the list of purchasing.
Before the New Year comes, the people completely clean the indoors and outdoors of their homes as well as their clothes, bedclothes and all their utensils.
Then people begin decorating their clean rooms featuring an atmosphere of rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels will be pastedwith Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies from house owners' wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Also, pictures of the god of doors and wealth will be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.
The Chinese character "fu" (meaning blessing or happiness) is a must. The character put on paper can be pasted normally or upside down, for in Chinese the "reversed fu" is homophonic with "fu comes", both being pronounced as "fudaole." What's more, two big red lanterns can be raised on both sides of the front door. Red paper-cuttings can be seen on window glass and brightly colored New Year paintings with auspicious meanings may be put on the wall.
People attach great importance to Spring Festival Eve. At that time, all family members eat dinner together. The meal is more luxurious than usual. Dishes such as chicken, fish and bean curd cannot be excluded, for in Chinese, their pronunciations, respectively "ji", "yu" and "doufu," mean auspiciousness, abundance and richness. After the dinner, the whole family will sit together, chatting and watching TV. In recent years, the Spring Festival party broadcast on China Central Television Station (CCTV) is essential entertainment for the Chinese both at home and abroad. According to custom, each family will stay up to see the New Year in.
Waking up on New Year, everybody dresses up. First they extend greetings to their parents. Then each child will get money as a New Year gift, wrapped up in red paper. People in northern China will eat jiaozi, or dumplings, for breakfast, as they think "jiaozi" in sound means "bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new". Also, the shape of the dumpling is like gold ingot from ancient China. So people eat them and wish for money and treasure.
Southern Chinese eat niangao (New Year cake made of glutinous rice flour) on this occasion, because as a homophone, niangao means "higher and higher, one year after another." The first five days after the Spring Festival are a good time for relatives, friends, and classmates as well as colleagues to exchange greetings, gifts and chat leisurely.
Burning fireworks was once the most typical custom on the Spring Festival. People thought the spluttering sound could help drive away evil spirits. However, such an activity was completely or partially forbidden in big cities once the government took security, noise and pollution factors into consideration. As a replacement, some buy tapes with firecracker sounds to listen to, some break little balloons to get the sound too, while others buy firecracker handicrafts to hang in the living room.
The lively atmosphere not only fills every household, but permeates to streets and lanes. A series of activities such as lion dancing, dragon lantern dancing, lantern festivals and temple fairs will be held for days. The Spring Festival then comes to an end when the Lantern Festival is finished.
China has 56 ethnic groups. Minorities celebrate their Spring Festival almost the same day as the Han people, and they have different customs.
英文版春節介紹(帶漢意)春節,傳統名稱為新年、大年、新歲,但口頭上又稱度歲、慶新歲、過年 。古時春節曾專指節氣中的立春,也被視為一年的開始,后來改為農歷正月初一開始為新年 。
The Spring Festival, traditional name for the New Year, annual, sexually compromising, but also called on age, igawa sexually compromising, degree of spring. In the Spring Festival was originally throttle was also considered as one year later, the start to the first day of the lunar year started for the New Year.英語New Year celebrations is a grand event of China. New Year festivitieslasts for one month in China. Chinese New Year is also called Springfestival. It begins from the middle of the last month of the year andends up in the first month of the new year. These last day celebrationsin China is called Lantern Festival 。
History of Chinese New Year
追溯歷史:名叫“年”的怪獸
ChineseNew Year has a very interesting and unique history. According to theChinese legends, there was a giant beast Nian who used to swallowhumans in a single bite. Relief from the horrifying beast came onlywhen people realized that Nian was scared of red color and loud noises.They started bursting crackersand used red color to scare the beast. Since then, this day was namedas GuNian meaning "Pass over the Nian". Chinese considered the day an auspicious one as it brought new life for them and celebrated it as a New Year 。
Chinese New Year Dates
農歷新年,年年不同
Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year. Chinese calendar is a combination of solar and lunar calendar. Chinese New Year falls on second new moon after the winter solstice(冬至). Chinese calendar has a 12 year cycle and each year is named afteranimal. Chinese believe that every person resembles an animal and thisreflects their traits. Year 2006 was the Year of the Dog. People born on this date are said to be very loyal and trustworthy 。
Chinese New Year Celebrations
新年找樂,日日不同
Lot of excitement can be seen in the last 15 days of New Year celebrations. Every day has a special importance to it. Chinese ritualize and celebrate each day in a customary manner. Given below are the line wise celebrations of the New Year in China:
年初一:祭拜天地
Day1: People began their day by offering prayers and welcome the gods ofheaven and earth. Most of the people stay away from meat to ensurehealthy living 。
年初二:狗狗過生日
Day 2:Successively, prayers are offer to their ancestors and other gods.Chinese are strict care-taker of dogs and feed them well. This is dayis considered to be the birthday of all dogs 。
初三初四:走親訪友,媳婦回娘家
Day3 and 4: These are very important days for the families to keep uptheir relations. It calls for every son-in-law to pay respect to theirparents-in-law 。
年初五:“破五”祭財神
Day5: According to the traditions, nobody visits friends and relativeshouses as it would bring bad omen. They stay back home to worship theGod of wealth. The day is called Po Woo 。
年初六:百無禁忌,出門活動筋骨
Day6: On this day, people freely meet their near and dear ones and evenvisit nearby temples to pray for their well being and high spirits 。
年初七:吃面條,祝長壽
Day 7: This is Chinese farmers' day. They display their backbreaking
produce. They also prepare a drink from seven different types ofvegetables. On this day, everybody eats noodles which is a symbol oflong life and fish representing success 。
年初八:凌晨拜天公
Day8: It's an other day to be celebrated with the family and friends. Theyalso offer midnight prayers to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven 。
年初九:玉皇大帝登場
Day 9: Prayers are offered to Jade Emperor 。
初十、十一、十二、十三:大吃大喝,最后記得回歸清淡
Days 10 to 13: From 10 to 12, people celebrate the days by having sumptuous dinner with the loved ones and the 13th day is left for a very light dinner to cleanse the system 。
年十四:準備鬧元宵
Day 14: People start preparing for the celebration of Lantern Festival to be held on next day 。
年十五:吃元宵看燈火
Day 15: Since it is the first night to see full moon, people hang out colorful lanterns, eat glutinous rice balls and enjoy the day with their families 。According to the briefing, according to legend there is a Chinese ancient times called the "years" of the monster, the first long tentacles, unusually ferocious. "Year" for many years hiding the sea, only to climb up every New Year's Eve shore, devouring livestock harm human life. Therefore, every New Year's Eve that day, the village young people Walled villages fled to the mountains, to escape the "year" animal damage.
據介紹,相傳中國古時候有一種叫“年”的怪獸,頭長觸角,兇猛異常 。“年”長年深居海底,每到除夕才爬上岸,吞食牲畜傷害人命 。因此,每到除夕這天,村村寨寨的人們扶老攜幼逃往深山,以躲避“年”獸的傷害 。
This Year's Eve, Peach Blossom Village, young people are the mountain refuge, from a village outside begging the elderly, saw hiscrutches, arm ride capsule bag, silver to be graceful, head if Lang stars. Some villagers sealed windows locked, and some to pack up and get some Thunbergia sheep, everywhere people shouting, scene of a panic rush. At this time, who determined to take care of the elderly people begging. Village head only an old lady to the elderly more food, and urged him to speed up the mountain to escape the "Year" beast, the old man smiled stroking beard: mother-in-law if I stay at home one night, I have the "year" removed the animal. Head scared the old lady look at, to see him mental healthy, bearing out of the ordinary. She is still continuing to persuade, begging people laugh instead of the phrase. Mother-in-law no option but to leave home and go up the mountain refuge.
這年除夕,桃花村的人們正扶老攜幼上山避難,從村外來了個乞討的老人,只見他手拄拐杖,臂搭袋囊,銀須飄逸,目若朗星 。鄉親們有的封窗鎖門,有的收拾行裝,有的牽牛趕羊,到處人喊馬嘶,一片匆忙恐慌景象 。這時,誰還有心關照這位乞討的老人 。只有村東頭一位老婆婆給了老人些食物,并勸他快上山躲避“年” 獸,那老人捋髯笑道:婆婆若讓我在家呆一夜,我一定把“年”獸攆走 。老婆婆驚目細看,見他鶴發童顏、精神矍鑠,氣宇不凡 ??伤匀焕^續勸說,乞討老人笑而不語 。婆婆無奈,只好撇下家,上山避難去了 。
The middle of the night, "years" to break into the village of animals. It found that the village atmosphere, unlike in previous years: the first lady Village home, the door paste big red, brightly lit candles inside the house. "Year" all animalsa bang. "Year" towards mother-in-law home glower moment, then head over the pastforward. Almost at the entrance to the hospital from a sudden "bang flap" sound of bombing, "year" every tremble, and then move forward together a dare. In fact, "year" fear red flames and炸響. At this time, opening the door to let mother-in-law's house, wearing only a hospital Dahongpao elderly laughter. "Year" scaring the daylights out, embarrassed fled the spurt.
半夜時分,“年”獸闖進村 。它發現村里氣氛與往年不同:村東頭老婆婆家,門貼大紅紙,屋內燭火通明 。“年”獸渾身一抖,怪叫了一聲 ?!澳辍背牌偶遗暺?,隨即狂叫著撲過去 。將近門口時,院內突然傳來“砰砰啪啪”的炸響聲,“年”渾身戰栗,再不敢往前湊了 。原來,“年”最怕紅色、火光和炸響 。這時,婆婆的家門大開,只見院內一位身披紅袍的老人在哈哈大笑 ?!澳辍贝篌@失色,狼狽逃躥了 。
The next day is the first day, people who sought refuge back safe and sound very surprised to see the village. At this time, the old lady came before, and hastened to the villagers described the promise of the elderly begging. Together villagers over to the old lady, and mother-in-law saw the door close to the red paper, yard pile of bamboo is still unburned "flap"炸響inside several red candles also issued a Yu ... ... joyvillagers to celebrate the auspicious arrival of their new clothes to wear for a new hat, say hello to friends and relatives at home Daoxi. This matter quickly spread around the village, people are aware of the expulsion of "years" beast approach.
第二天是正月初一,避難回來的人們見村里安然無恙十分驚奇 。這時,老婆婆才恍然大悟,趕忙向鄉親們述說了乞討老人的許諾 。鄉親們一齊擁向老婆婆家,只見婆婆家門上貼著紅紙,院里一堆未燃盡的竹子仍在“啪啪”炸響,屋內幾根紅臘燭還發著余光……欣喜若狂的鄉親們為慶賀吉祥的來臨,紛紛換新衣戴新帽,到親友家道喜問好 。這件事很快在周圍村里傳開了,人們都知道了驅趕“年”獸的辦法 。
Since then the annual New Year's Eve, families paste red couplets, set off firecrackers; household candles Tongming, Shou-more-year-old question. Early in the morning early to go pro-string Daoxi Friends say hello. This custom of the more mass the more widely and became the most solemn of Chinese folk traditional festivals.
從此每年除夕,家家貼紅對聯、燃放爆竹;戶戶燭火通明、守更待歲 。初一一大早,還要走親串友道喜問好 。這風俗越傳越廣,成了中國民間最隆重的傳統節日The oldest and most important festival in China is the Spring Festival, more commonly known in the West as Chinese New Year. Like all Chinese festivals, the date of the new year is determined by the lunar/solar calendar rather than the Western (Gregorian) calendar, so the date of the holiday varies from late January to mid February. The Spring festival celebrates the earth coming back to life, and the start of ploughing and sowing. In the past, feudal rulers of dynasties placed great importance on this occasion, and ceremonies to usher in the season were performed. 在中國最古老最重要的節日就是春節了,在西方被成為中國新年 。跟其他的中國傳統節日一樣,春節也是源于中國傳統的農歷也就是太陽歷,而不是西方的陽歷,因此這個節日的日期會在一月底和2月初浮動變化 。春節慶祝的是土地的生命復蘇,和一年耕作的開始 。在過去一些朝代,封建統治者非常重視這這個場合,歡迎春天這個季節的儀式將會上演 。The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people and is when all family members get together, just like Christmas in the West. All people living away from home go back, becoming the busiest time for transportation systems of about half a month from the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees.
Strictly speaking, the Spring Festival starts every year in the early days of the 12th lunar month and will last till the mid 1st lunar month of the next year. Of them, the most important days are Spring Festival Eve and the first three days. The Chinese government now stipulates people have seven days off for the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Many customs accompany the Spring Festival. Some are still followed today, but others have weakened.
On the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, many families make laba porridge, a delicious kind of porridge made with glutinous rice, millet, seeds of Job's tears, jujube berries, lotus seeds, beans, longan and gingko.
The 23rd day of the 12th lunar month is called Preliminary Eve. At this time, people offer sacrifice to the kitchen god. Now however, most families make delicious food to enjoy themselves.
After the Preliminary Eve, people begin preparing for the coming New Year. This is called "Seeing the New Year in".
Store owners are busy then as everybody goes out to purchase necessities for the New Year. Materials not only include edible oil, rice, flour, chicken, duck, fish and meat, but also fruit, candies and kinds of nuts. What's more, various decorations, new clothes and shoes for the children as well as gifts for the elderly, friends and relatives, are all on the list of purchasing.
Before the New Year comes, the people completely clean the indoors and outdoors of their homes as well as their clothes, bedclothes and all their utensils.
Then people begin decorating their clean rooms featuring an atmosphere of rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels will be pastedwith Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies from house owners' wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Also, pictures of the god of doors and wealth will be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.
The Chinese character "fu" (meaning blessing or happiness) is a must. The character put on paper can be pasted normally or upside down, for in Chinese the "reversed fu" is homophonic with "fu comes", both being pronounced as "fudaole." What's more, two big red lanterns can be raised on both sides of the front door. Red paper-cuttings can be seen on window glass and brightly colored New Year paintings with auspicious meanings may be put on the wall.
People attach great importance to Spring Festival Eve. At that time, all family members eat dinner together. The meal is more luxurious than usual. Dishes such as chicken, fish and bean curd cannot be excluded, for in Chinese, their pronunciations, respectively "ji", "yu" and "doufu," mean auspiciousness, abundance and richness. After the dinner, the whole family will sit together, chatting and watching TV. In recent years, the Spring Festival party broadcast on China Central Television Station (CCTV) is essential entertainment for the Chinese both at home and abroad. According to custom, each family will stay up to see the New Year in.
Waking up on New Year, everybody dresses up. First they extend greetings to their parents. Then each child will get money as a New Year gift, wrapped up in red paper. People in northern China will eat jiaozi, or dumplings, for breakfast, as they think "jiaozi" in sound means "bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new". Also, the shape of the dumpling is like gold ingot from ancient China. So people eat them and wish for money and treasure.
Southern Chinese eat niangao (New Year cake made of glutinous rice flour) on this occasion, because as a homophone, niangao means "higher and higher, one year after another." The first five days after the Spring Festival are a good time for relatives, friends, and classmates as well as colleagues to exchange greetings, gifts and chat leisurely.
Burning fireworks was once the most typical custom on the Spring Festival. People thought the spluttering sound could help drive away evil spirits. However, such an activity was completely or partially forbidden in big cities once the government took security, noise and pollution factors into consideration. As a replacement, some buy tapes with firecracker sounds to listen to, some break little balloons to get the sound too, while others buy firecracker handicrafts to hang in the living room.
The lively atmosphere not only fills every household, but permeates to streets and lanes. A series of activities such as lion dancing, dragon lantern dancing, lantern festivals and temple fairs will be held for days. The Spring Festival then comes to an end when the Lantern Festival is finished.
China has 56 ethnic groups. Minorities celebrate their Spring Festival almost the same day as the Han people, and they have different customs.