In December, I traveled from Beijing, where I live, to the city of Nanjing, a place I hold dear and where I have many friends—mostly artists, including painters, singers, dancers, and journalists. On Christmas Eve, we strolled through the vibrant streets and dined at an international restaurant. The city was alive with young people, excited and joyous, flocking to restaurants and bars—both Chinese and international—in a lively atmosphere.
That evening, memories flooded back of when I first arrived on the Chinese mainland decades ago, in my twenties, invited by a publishing house to work with them. At that time, Christmas was not on the minds of the people. They were polite and considerate, ensuring we, as foreign colleagues, didn't feel lonely by inviting us to dinners or lunches, often in their homes.
We foreigners knew even less about the Spring Festival and its significance than the local people knew about Christmas. We enjoyed the holidays and traveled around, but what was the Spring Festival truly about? Now, with just a click, we can access all the information we need.
The Spring Festival is an annual event in China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It's the oldest and most important festival in China, marking the new year on the Chinese calendar and representing people's desire for a fresh start, perhaps in new surroundings. Equivalent in significance to Christmas in Western countries, the Spring Festival is the most relevant holiday in China.
The festival dates back to the early Shang Dynasty around 3,500 years ago, honoring traditions of respect for ancestors and deities. Two features are considered important: seeing off the old year and welcoming the new, and family reunions.
The festival takes place on different dates each year but typically starts around late January or early February and lasts until mid-February. This year, 2025, the Spring Festival holiday falls from January 28 to February 4. During this period, the atmosphere will be characterized by lively celebrations and close family gatherings.
Reflecting on the changes over the decades, it's heartwarming to see how traditions have evolved and how cultural exchanges have enriched the lives of both locals and foreigners. The blending of festivals like Christmas and the Spring Festival symbolizes the growing interconnectedness of our world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
