The year 2025 marks significant celebrations across China as the Spring Festival approaches, running from January 28 to February 4. This ancient festival, comparable in importance to Christmas in many Western countries, signifies new beginnings and the cherished tradition of family reunions.
Uwe Kräuter, a long-time resident of China and a seasoned commentator on current affairs, recently shared his observations from a trip to Nanjing. Surrounded by friends from diverse artistic backgrounds, Kräuter witnessed the vibrant streets filled with young people celebrating Christmas Eve with enthusiasm, enjoying both Chinese and international cuisines in bustling restaurants and bars.
Reflecting on his early days in China, Kräuter reminisced about a time when Christmas was largely unfamiliar to the locals. Back then, foreign colleagues were welcomed with warmth and kindness, often invited to partake in meals at homes, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Today, information about the Spring Festival is readily accessible online, allowing both residents and expatriates to fully engage in the festivities. The Spring Festival, with its origins tracing back to the Shang Dynasty over 3,500 years ago, embodies respect for ancestors and deities, as well as the dual themes of bidding farewell to the old year and embracing the new.
As the Spring Festival approaches, families across China and Chinese communities worldwide prepare for lively gatherings and joyful celebrations, underscoring the festival's enduring significance in marking the start of the lunar new year.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
