How to Prepare for the Spring Festival Like a Local

Spring Festival, often known as Chinese New Year, is a significant annual celebration in numerous cultures worldwide. While it primarily originated from China, the celebration is now revered by different communities worldwide, marking the start of a new lunar year. Here's how you can immerse yourself into the tradition and celebrate the Spring Festival like a local.

Clean Your Home

The festival signifies a fresh start; hence, it begins with a thorough cleaning of homes. This is believed to drive away any bad luck and make way for incoming good fortune. Every corner of the home, including difficult-to-reach areas, should be sparkling clean. However, cleaning during the festivities is discouraged since it is believed that you might sweep away the good luck brought by the new year.

Decorate Your Surroundings

The color red is a significant part of the Spring Festival, as it is believed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. Red lanterns, posters, and calligraphy are common decorations. Additionally, couplets, written on vertical strips of red paper in black or gold ink, are often put on doors, conveying immersive festive greetings and good wishes. Flowers also play an important role as they symbolize rebirth and new growth.

Prepare Traditional Dishes

Culinary delights are a part of any celebration, and the Spring Festival is no exception. Certain foods are eaten during the festival because of their symbolic meanings. Dumplings, for instance, symbolize wealth because their shape is similar to ancient Chinese gold ingots. Long noodles symbolize a long life, while whole fish manifests surplus and prosperity.

Give or Receive Traditional 'Red Envelopes'

In Chinese tradition, elders or married couples usually give 'red envelopes' or 'hongbao,' containing money, to children or unmarried adults. This gesture symbolizes the transfer of fortune from the elderly to the young. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Participate in Festive Activities

Various activities are held during the festival including dragon or lion dances, handcrafting lanterns, and launching fireworks. These customs not only foster a sense of community but add a vibrant spirit to the celebrations. It's a perfect time to learn traditional Chinese crafts, games, or dances.

Value Family Time

The ethos of the Spring Festival is about togetherness. It is a time when families come together to eat, celebrate, and welcome the new year. In this digital age, disconnect from your electronic gadgets and spend quality time with your family to truly experience the spirit of the festival.

Pay Respects to Ancestors and Deities

A crucial part of the ceremony involves paying respects to ancestors and deities. Offerings of food and paper icons are common practice. By partaking in these rituals, you uphold the values of gratitude and respect inherent in the festival.

Beyond a mere celebration, the Spring Festival is a vibrant cultural immersion that brings together communities and families. As you prepare to celebrate the Spring Festival like a local, it’s important to appreciate the rich traditions and values it's built upon. Happy celebrations!