Chinese new year extended

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a 15-day celebration in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. The celebration typically begins on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th day. Here's an extended guide to the Chinese New Year celebration:

Day 1: New Year's Eve (January 21st or 22nd)

• Families gather together for a reunion dinner, which typically includes traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake).
• People often wear new clothes and give red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• Fireworks and firecrackers are commonly used to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Day 2-3: New Year's Day (January 22nd-23rd)

• People visit temples and offer prayers to gods and ancestors.
• Traditional activities such as lion and dragon dances, acrobatic performances, and martial arts demonstrations are held.
• Families continue to visit each other, exchange gifts, and share meals.

Day 4-5: Second Day of the New Year (January 24th-25th)

• The second day of the New Year is considered a day for visiting elderly relatives and paying respects to ancestors.
• People often visit grave sites and offer food, incense, and other offerings to their ancestors.
• Traditional games such as mahjong, chess, and card games are played with family and friends.

Day 6-7: Third Day of the New Year (January 26th-27th)

• The third day is considered a day for visiting friends and colleagues.
• People often hold banquets and parties to celebrate the New Year.
• Traditional activities such as calligraphy, painting, and playing musical instruments are enjoyed.

Day 8-10: Lantern Festival (January 28th-30th)

• The Lantern Festival marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
• People release lanterns into the sky and hold festivals to mark the occasion.
• Traditional foods such as tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and niangao are eaten during this period.

Day 11-15: Return to Normal Life (January 31st-February 4th)

• As the celebrations come to an end, people gradually return to their normal daily routines.
• The 15th day of the New Year is considered a day for cleaning and tidying up the home to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune in the coming year.

Overall, the Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, traditional activities, and cultural celebrations. It's a significant holiday in Chinese culture and is often referred to as the most important festival of the year.