How many days is chinese new year celebrated
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is typically celebrated for 15 days in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. The celebration period is based on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar and is marked by a series of festivals, rituals, and activities.
The 15-day celebration period is divided into several key days, including:
- New Year's Eve (January 31st or February 1st): Families gather together for a reunion dinner, often featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings and fish.
- New Year's Day (February 1st or 2nd): The first day of the new year is marked by visits to family and friends, as well as the giving and receiving of red envelopes filled with money.
- Second Day of the New Year (February 2nd or 3rd): This day is often marked by visits to temples and ancestral graves, as well as the giving of offerings to the gods.
- Lantern Festival (February 15th or 16th): The final day of the celebration period is marked by the lighting of lanterns, often in the shape of animals or other festive designs.
During the 15-day celebration period, many Chinese people also engage in other activities, such as:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck
- Wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start
- Eating traditional foods, such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake)
- Giving and receiving red envelopes filled with money
- Watching traditional lion and dragon dances
- Participating in parades and street festivals
Overall, Chinese New Year is a significant cultural holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivity in China and around the world.