Recently, on a crisp December evening, I found myself strolling through the bustling streets of Nanjing. The city was alive with energy as young people filled the streets, reveling in the festive atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, my friends and I—painters, singers, dancers, and journalists—gathered at an international restaurant to celebrate.
As we walked amidst the joyful crowds, I couldn't help but reflect on how much China has changed since I first arrived over five decades ago. Back then, in my twenties, I was invited by a Chinese publishing house to work with them. Christmas wasn't widely observed, and while our Chinese colleagues were polite and considerate, inviting us to their homes so we wouldn't feel lonely, the holiday wasn't a part of the local culture.
Similarly, we foreigners knew little about the Spring Festival—the most significant holiday in the Chinese mainland. It was a time of year that largely went unnoticed by us, much like Christmas did for many Chinese at the time. Now, with just a few clicks on a computer, information about these cultural celebrations is readily available.
Today, the Spring Festival is not only celebrated throughout the Chinese mainland but also in Chinese communities around the world. It's China's oldest and most important festival, marking the new year on the Chinese calendar and symbolizing the people's desire for renewal and new beginnings. Comparable in significance to Christmas in Western countries, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions and cultural festivities.
This year, the Spring Festival in 2025 will be observed from January 28 to February 4. The week-long holiday will be filled with lively gatherings, traditional customs, and heartfelt family reunions. The festival dates back over 3,500 years to the Shang Dynasty, rooted in traditions of honoring ancestors and deities.
Two central themes define the Spring Festival: bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, and the importance of family reunions. As the Chinese mainland continues to evolve, the Spring Festival remains a steadfast tradition, bringing together generations and highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the nation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
