Recently in December, I traveled from Beijing to the vibrant city of Nanjing, a place I hold dear with many friends who are artists—painters, singers, dancers, and journalists. On Christmas Eve, we strolled through the bustling streets, filled with young people brimming with excitement, heading to various restaurants and bars, both Chinese and international, all enveloped in a lively atmosphere. We dined at an international restaurant, and the festive spirit was palpable.
That evening, memories flooded back of when I first arrived in China decades ago, in my twenties, invited by a Chinese publishing house. Back then, Christmas wasn't widely recognized among the locals. They were polite and considerate, ensuring we foreign colleagues didn't feel lonely, often inviting us to their homes for meals. Conversely, we knew little about the Spring Festival and its significance.
Now, with information at our fingertips, understanding the Spring Festival has become easier. The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is China's oldest and most important festival, akin to the significance of Christmas in the West. It marks the new year on the Chinese calendar and symbolizes people's desire for a new life and new beginnings. Celebrated annually in China and Chinese communities worldwide, it represents a time of family reunions and honoring traditions.
The festival dates vary each year, typically starting around late January or early February and lasting until mid-February. In 2025, the Spring Festival holiday falls from January 28 to February 4, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake. This period will be characterized by joyful gatherings and close family reunions.
Dating back approximately 3,500 years to the early Shang Dynasty, the Spring Festival honors ancestors and deities. Two central themes define the festivities: bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, and the importance of family reunion. The traditions and customs observed during this time reflect the deep cultural heritage of China.
Experiencing the Spring Festival as a long-term resident has given me a profound appreciation for its significance. The contrast between my early days in China and now highlights the blending of cultural experiences. Just as Christmas has become more recognized in China, the understanding and appreciation of the Spring Festival have grown among foreigners like myself. It's a time of joy, renewal, and connection—a celebration that transcends borders and unites people in shared traditions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
