What Are the Customs of Chinese New Year?

中国春节 (zhōng guó chūn jié), or the Chinese New Year, is the most significant traditional festival in China. Known as 春节 (chūn jié), meaning “Spring Festival,” it marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions rooted in Chinese culture. Spanning 15 days, the festival is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune. Understanding these customs not only offers insight into Chinese culture but also enriches your Chinese language learning journey.

In this article, we will explore the most important traditions of Chinese New Year, along with their cultural significance. Chinese phrases and examples are included to enhance your language skills. If you are inspired to deepen your understanding of Chinese language and culture, consider joining LC Chinese School for flexible, high-quality language courses. Learn more here.


The Origin of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year has been celebrated for over 4,000 years. It is rooted in the legend of 年 (Nián), a mythical beast that would attack villages every New Year’s Eve. To scare away 年 (Nián), villagers used red decorations, loud noises, and firecrackers, practices that eventually became integral to the festival.

The festival marks the start of the lunar calendar and symbolizes new beginnings. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and express hopes for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.


Customs of Chinese New Year

1. 春节前的大扫除 (chūn jié qián de dà sǎo chú): Pre-Festival Cleaning

Before the New Year begins, families thoroughly clean their homes. This custom, known as 大扫除 (dà sǎo chú), symbolizes sweeping away bad luck from the previous year and making space for good fortune.

Example:
过春节前,我们都会大扫除,把家里打扫得干干净净。
Pinyin: Guò chūn jié qián, wǒmen dōu huì dà sǎo chú, bǎ jiālǐ dǎ sǎo dé gān gān jìng jìng.
Translation: Before Chinese New Year, we always do a thorough cleaning to make the house spotless.


2. 贴春联 (tiē chūn lián): Hanging Spring Couplets

Red paper couplets with auspicious phrases are hung on doors during Chinese New Year. These couplets, called 春联 (chūn lián), often express good wishes such as prosperity, happiness, and longevity.

Example:
我们在门上贴了春联,祝福新的一年好运连连。
Pinyin: Wǒmen zài mén shàng tiē le chūn lián, zhù fú xīn de yī nián hǎo yùn lián lián.
Translation: We hung spring couplets on the door to wish for continuous good luck in the new year.


3. 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn): Reunion Dinner

The 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn), or New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, is the most important meal of the year. Family members gather to enjoy dishes symbolizing good fortune, such as fish (鱼, yú), dumplings (饺子, jiǎo zi), and glutinous rice cakes (年糕, nián gāo).

Example:
年夜饭一定要有鱼,因为鱼象征“年年有余”。
Pinyin: Nián yè fàn yī dìng yào yǒu yú, yīn wèi yú xiàng zhēng “nián nián yǒu yú.”
Translation: The reunion dinner must include fish because it symbolizes “abundance year after year.”


4. 守岁 (shǒu suì): Staying Up Late

On New Year’s Eve, families stay up late, a custom known as 守岁 (shǒu suì). It is believed that staying awake can extend the lives of one’s parents and bring longevity to the family.

Example:
孩子们喜欢守岁,因为可以熬夜看烟花。
Pinyin: Háizi men xǐ huān shǒu suì, yīn wèi kě yǐ áo yè kàn yān huā.
Translation: Children love staying up late because they can watch fireworks.


5. 发红包 (fā hóng bāo): Giving Red Envelopes

Red envelopes, or 红包 (hóng bāo), are filled with money and given to children, unmarried adults, and employees as a gesture of good luck and blessings. The amount of money is usually an even number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals.

Example:
长辈给孩子发红包,希望他们健康成长。
Pinyin: Zhǎng bèi gěi hái zi fā hóng bāo, xī wàng tā men jiàn kāng chéng zhǎng.
Translation: Elders give red envelopes to children, wishing them good health and growth.


6. 看春晚 (kàn chūn wǎn): Watching the Spring Festival Gala

The 春节联欢晚会 (chūn jié lián huān wǎn huì), or Spring Festival Gala, is a highly anticipated TV program broadcasted on New Year’s Eve. Families watch performances ranging from comedy sketches to traditional dances.

Example:
每年全家人都会一起看春晚,气氛特别热闹。
Pinyin: Měi nián quán jiā rén dōu huì yī qǐ kàn chūn wǎn, qì fèn tè bié rè nào.
Translation: Every year, the whole family watches the Spring Festival Gala together, creating a lively atmosphere.


7. 放鞭炮和烟花 (fàng biān pào hé yān huā): Setting Off Firecrackers and Fireworks

Firecrackers (鞭炮, biān pào) and fireworks (烟花, yān huā) are lit to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. The loud sounds are believed to scare away bad luck.

Example:
孩子们最喜欢放鞭炮,觉得特别有趣。
Pinyin: Háizi men zuì xǐ huān fàng biān pào, jué dé tè bié yǒu qù.
Translation: Children love setting off firecrackers because they find it very fun.


8. 走亲访友 (zǒu qīn fǎng yǒu): Visiting Relatives and Friends

During the New Year, it is customary to visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. This tradition, known as 走亲访友 (zǒu qīn fǎng yǒu), strengthens relationships and promotes goodwill.

Example:
春节期间,我们一家人会去走亲访友。
Pinyin: Chūn jié qī jiān, wǒmen yī jiā rén huì qù zǒu qīn fǎng yǒu.
Translation: During Chinese New Year, our family visits relatives and friends.


9. 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié): The Lantern Festival

The 15th and final day of Chinese New Year is 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié), or the Lantern Festival. People celebrate by eating glutinous rice balls (汤圆, tāng yuán) and lighting lanterns.

Example:
元宵节吃汤圆,象征家庭团圆。
Pinyin: Yuán xiāo jié chī tāng yuán, xiàng zhēng jiā tíng tuán yuán.
Translation: Eating glutinous rice balls during the Lantern Festival symbolizes family reunion.


Practice and Learn More with LC Chinese School

Learning the language behind Chinese New Year customs can deepen your understanding of this rich cultural tradition. For personalized learning experiences, join LC Chinese School, where you can study at your own pace and according to your schedule. Sign up today.


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Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a time of joy, reunion, and hope for the future. From hanging red couplets to enjoying a hearty reunion dinner, every custom carries a deep cultural significance. By learning about these traditions, you can not only appreciate the richness of Chinese culture but also improve your Chinese language skills.

Celebrate Chinese New Year by immersing yourself in its customs and language. Join LC Chinese School to master Chinese and explore its fascinating culture. Register now.

祝你春节快乐,万事如意!(zhù nǐ chūn jié kuài lè, wàn shì rú yì)
Wishing you a happy Chinese New Year and all the best in everything!

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