In China, there are so many different festivals celebrating all different types of events such as the moons cycles, religions and the death of ancestors. No matter how unusual the festival is, it is still worth celebrating in China.
One of the most commonly heard of festivals, and also one of the most important festivals is the Chinese New Year. It is the first moon of the New Year and is between late January and late February. The Chinese New Year is 4000 years old. A few weeks before the holiday, houses are cleaned and are decorated with bright flowers and paintings. Hong Kong comes alive as it is covered with decorations. The New Year is all about spreading good intentions and settling depts. On the actual day, people wear new clothes and shoes to symbolize the New Year; time is spent with friends and families, worshipping their ancestors and their gods.
The next day, is all about spending quality time with friends and family. The third day of their New Years is “Kai Nien” or “Squabble Day.” It is named this as if you argue on this day; the year that follows will supposedly be filled with arguments. The fourth day is devoted to the kitchen god, welcoming him back after his tiring trip back from heaven. People honour the God of Wealth hoping he will bring good fortune for the coming months. On the seventh, it is celebrated as All Person’s Day where they celebrate each and every person. On the fifteenth day (the last day of the holiday) is the Lantern festival. The lanterns symbolize happiness, fortune and health; lanterns are hanged up around houses and on streets. Throughout the New Year celebration, there are “lion” dances performed all over Hong Kong and Kowloon. It is normally performed with two people inside a paper mache lion, dancing around in time of the drum beat expressing different emotions.
In China, there is a festival for remembrance of their ancestors entitled Ching Ming. Thousands of Chinese go and visit graves of loved ones, as well as cleaning them and young children go with their parents. Great respect is paid to ancestors and people are taught to pray for the family spirits. Willows are regarded as a symbol of light and on Ching Ming, willow twigs are hung on doorways to send away evil spirits. It is believed if you do not, you will be a yellow dog in your next life.
On the eight day of the fourth moon, the Cheung Chau festival begins. It is one of the more dangerous festivals. It is four days of religious rites. Chinese operas are performed and the burning paper clothing as gifts are supposed to make “ghosts” happy. Hong Kong turns into a party like zone. Huge structures have been built and covered to the top with bread buns. In the past, young children would climb up the towers trying to grab the buns. It is believed that the more you grab, the more good luck you would received. During this time, people dress as legendary figures and ride on floats. Children have a big role in this event, as they are perched above the crowd in costumes, looking like they are suspended in air.
As you can tell, I have only listed a few festivals here but China celebrates many others. There religions and beliefs keep traditions and festivals strong and have kept the same for generations.
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Encyclopaedia Title: World Book
Publisher: World Book Inc.
Year of Publication: 2006
Place of publication: United States of America
