The
Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is not only a time for family reunions and feasting, but also a time for cultural traditions, superstitions, and cold yet interesting facts. Here are some fun English cold knowledge about the Spring Festival. 1. The Zodiac Animals One of the well-known customs of the Spring Festival is the zodiac animals. Each year, one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac calendar would represent the year. Interestingly enough, the animals have their own ranking hierarchy. The Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig are ranked in that order. 2. Red Decorations Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, which is why it is widely used in many traditions during the Spring Festival. Red banners, lanterns, and posters are hung up everywhere to welcome good luck and ward off evil spirits. This is also why red envelopes filled with money, called hongbao, are given as gifts during this time. 3. The Monster Nian One of the legends of the Spring Festival is the story of the monster Nian. According to legend, the monster would come out of hiding during the Spring Festival and terrorize villages. However, it was frightened of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. Today, fireworks and firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and bad luck, as well as to celebrate the new year. 4. CNY Is Not a Public Holiday in the United States Although the Spring Festival is an important tradition in China, it is not a public holiday in other countries. For example, CNY is not a national holiday in the United States, unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving or Halloween. However, many Chinese Americans do take the day off or celebrate the holiday with their families. 5. The Largest Annual Migration in the World During the Spring Festival, people travel great distances to return home to their families. This has become the largest annual migration in the world, with millions of people traveling across the country to spend time with their loved ones. This migration is so massive that it is not unusual to see transportation services shut down due to being overcrowded. 6. Celebrated Around the World Finally, while the Spring Festival is most commonly associated with China, it is celebrated throughout the world. Many countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, also celebrate the holiday with their own traditions and customs. In conclusion, the Spring Festival is more than just a time for family gatherings and good food. It is a time for cultural traditions, superstitions, and cold yet fascinating facts. From the zodiac animals to the monster Nian, red decorations to the largest annual migration in the world, there is always something new and exciting to learn and appreciate about the Spring Festival.
