The Most Important Holiday in China

2006-02-17

Bartłomiej Magierowski

If I were to compare the Chinese New Year to something, I would probably say that it is a combination of our Christmas and Easter. It is simply the most important holiday in China, based on the lunar calendar. This year it fell on January 29.

For this holiday, people from all cities and towns return to their hometowns. The break from work usually lasts from seven to even twenty days, and this also applies to factories, although some of them stop production for only one or two days.

The Year of the Dog is approaching (there are twelve animals in total, and the signs repeat every 12 years). The word nian – „year” comes from the name of a legendary spirit that ate people. This spirit was afraid only of fire, fireworks, and the color red, which is why in China all holidays are celebrated with fireworks displays, and the color red is very popular, especially during the New Year.

Various traditions are associated with this period. For example, one should not clean the house on New Year's Day, because this means throwing away money and sweeping away good fortune. One should also not leave a newly purchased home during that year, as it is believed to bring bad luck. Because of this, one of my friends was unable to return to her family home. Another tradition, or perhaps rather a superstition, says that rice cooked on New Year's Eve (January 28) should be kept until the following day. This means that there will never be a shortage of food in that household. In some provinces, importance is also attached to ensuring that an unexpected guest stays for dinner and welcomes the New Year together with the family members. It is very similar to the Polish tradition of an extra place setting at the Christmas Eve table.

Are there gifts? Not exactly gifts, but money presents. Most often, older people give them to younger ones; parents give children red decorated envelopes containing money. It also happens that a working grandson who earns a good salary in a large metropolis visits his grandparents in the countryside and gives them money. In successful companies, management also gives gifts to employees. This is by no means a bribe, but a gift that expresses wishes of happiness, good fortune, and further success for those closest to us.

In China – just like carol singers in Poland – men or young people dressed in dragon costumes go from house to house. This colorful sight is truly impressive. And the dragon in China is simply a symbol representing everything that is best.

On the evening of New Year's Eve, special dishes are also prepared, such as dumplings, specially smoked pork or beef, fish (very important because it symbolizes prosperity), tofu (meaning that we will act fairly), and green vegetables (a sign that the family will remain united). Shops also offer special dishes made from sweet rice flour in the shape of fish or gold ingots (they look a little like hats and are a symbol of money).

The most important thing, however, is to spend this time with loved ones and get plenty of rest. And what does the Year of the Dog mean for the whole world? I have no idea, but it is my year because I was born twenty-four years ago.