Last December, while strolling through the vibrant streets of Nanjing, I found myself surrounded by joyful young people enjoying Christmas night in both Chinese and international restaurants and bars. The atmosphere was electrifying, with laughter and emotions at every turn. 🎄✨
I remembered what these dates were like when I arrived in China decades ago, in my twenties. At that time, Christmas wasn’t on most people’s minds. Even so, people were kind, inviting us into their homes so we wouldn’t feel lonely, sharing meals and warm moments. 🏠❤️
We foreigners knew even less about the Spring Festival than the Chinese did about Christmas. Today, with just a computer, we can learn about this millennia-old celebration that lies at the heart of Chinese culture. 💻🌟
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is China’s oldest and most important celebration, marking the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar. It represents the wish for a new beginning and is a time for family reunions and honoring ancestors. 👨👩👧👦🙏
This 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake 🐍, the Spring Festival will be celebrated from January 28 to February 4. Streets will be filled with colorful decorations, fireworks will light up the sky, and families will gather to share banquets and traditions dating back more than 3,500 years, since the Shang dynasty. 🎆🥟
Two essential aspects of this celebration are bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new year, and family reunions. It’s a time of renewal, leaving behind the past and embracing new horizons. 🌅✨
If you ever have the chance to experience the Spring Festival in China, don’t hesitate! Immerse yourself in its traditions, share with the people, and live an experience that will connect you to a rich and ancient culture. 🇨🇳❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
