Generally referred to as “Chūn Jié” (春節), meaning “spring festival” in Mandarin Chinese, Lunar New Year is the most festive and lavish gala among Chinese traditional holidays.
While most assume that Lunar New Year commences on the big feast of New Year’s Eve, the earliest activities for Lunar New Year actually begins on the 23rd or 24th day of December on Lunar calendar, and the celebration would usually continue until the 15th of January.
Following is a list of activities and celebrations held over the Lunar New Year:
December 23rd or 24th – On this day, people would make offerings to the god of kitchen, or “Zào Shén” (灶神) in Mandarin Chinese, before he returns to heaven for an annual report to the Jade Emperor. This ceremony is known as “Jì Zào” (祭灶). Some may refer to this day as “Xiǎo Nián” (小年), meaning “pre new year” in Mandarin Chinese. In addition to “Jì Zào”, people would also pay tributes to their ancestors, which is a ceremony called “Jì Zǔ” (祭祖).
December 24th to December 31st – House cleaning period, or “Dà Sǎo Chú” (大掃除) in Mandarin Chinese. Since it is considered bad luck by the Chinese to cleanup in the beginning of a year, people generally start their house cleaning after “Xiǎo Nián” so they can be ready to welcome a new year.
December 31st – The most enjoyable night in the Lunar New Year celebrations, which is known as “Chú Xì” (除夕). On this night, families would gather to enjoy a big feast called “Nián Yè Fàn” (年夜飯). Elders would distribute red envelopes known as “Hóng Bāo” (紅包) to youngsters as a wish of good luck. Most importantly, they would stay up until past mid-night, welcoming the arrival of a new year together. This tradition is called “Shǒu Suì” (守歲).
January 1st – “Nián Chū Yī” (年初一), meaning the first day of a new year. On this day, people would dress up to greet their elders, families and friends, wishing them a happy new year. The traditional dragon and lion’s dance would usually be performed on this day. Many would also hold the ceremony of “Jì Zǔ” (祭祖), making offerings to their ancestors.
January 2nd – “Nián Chū Èr” (年初二), the second day of a new year, is also known as the day of “Guēi Níng” (歸寧). This is the day for married daughters to return homes of their parents’. In the Chinese traditions, newly wedded couples would usually make the trip together.
January 3rd – “Nián Chū Sān” (年初三) is believed to be the day that mice usher in their brides. In the old days, people would go to bed early on this day, turning off all lights so the mice can hold their weddings.
January 4th – “Nián Chū Sì” (年初四), also known as the day of “Jiē Shén” (接神), is more of a calming and quiet day. This is the day when people welcome back the deities who traveled to heaven for an annual report to the Jade Emperor. Offerings are usually made as greetings to these deities.
January 5th – “Nián Chū Wǔ” (年初五) is referred to as the day of “Kāi Shì” (開市), meaning “opening markets” in Mandarin Chinese. On this day, people would go back to work, and business would be reopened. Firecrackers would be set off as a mean to boost good luck for business. From this day onwards, people would return to their everyday lives.
January 9th – This is believed to be the birthday of the Jade Emperor, or “Yù Huáng Dà Dì” (玉皇大帝). The Chinese generally refer to this day as “Tiān Gōng Shēng” (天公生). Ceremonies would be held and offerings would be made to celebrate the birthday of this monarch of heaven.
January 15th – The day of the lantern festival, also known as “Yuán Xiāo Jié” (元宵節) or “Shàng Yuán Jié” (上元節), usually marks the end of the Luna New Year celebration. On this day, people would hang lanterns and eat rice balls. Some refer to this day as “Xiǎo Gùo Nián” (小過年), meaning minor new year in Mandarin Chinese.