在春节的英语怎么写(How to write Spring Festival in English during Chinese New Year)

1. Introduction

Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It falls on different dates each year, depending on the lunar calendar and usually occurs between mid-January to mid-February. This festival is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world, and it is a time for family reunions, feasting, exchanging gifts, and sharing happiness.

2. Preparations

Days before the Spring Festival, people start to clean their homes and decorate them with red lanterns, couplets, and other traditional decorations. The color red is considered to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. People also buy new clothes, shoes, and gifts for their loved ones. They stock up on food and prepare dishes for the reunion dinner which is the most important meal during the festival.

3. New Year's Eve Dinner

The reunion dinner, or “Nian Ye Fan” is a time for families to come together and bond. It is often held on New Year's Eve. The table is decorated with auspicious foods, including dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and more. The dishes have symbolic meanings, such as fish, which represents surplus and prosperity. During dinner, family members enjoy the meal and exchange blessings for each other's health and happiness. It is also customary to give the elders in the family red envelopes filled with money as a sign of respect and good luck.

4. Red Envelopes

Red envelopes, or “Hong Bao” are a traditional gift during the Spring Festival. They are usually filled with money and given to children, unmarried adults or anyone who is not married. Giving red envelopes is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to both the giver and the receiver. In recent years, red envelopes have become virtual, and people send them through social media platforms like WeChat and Alipay.

5. Fireworks

Fireworks are an essential part of the Spring Festival. Shortly after midnight on New Year's Eve, fireworks will light up the night sky, and the sound will reverberate through the streets. The loud bangs are meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. In recent years, many cities in China have put a restriction on fireworks for environmental and safety reasons.

6. Visit Relatives and Friends

During the first few days of the Spring Festival, people often visit their relatives and friends. It is customary to bring gifts, such as pastries, fruits, and sweets. Paying a visit to someone's home is a show of respect and a way of maintaining long-lasting relationships. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to stay home and limit travel.

7. Temple Fairs

During the Spring Festival, many cities in China hold temple fairs, where people can do all kinds of traditional activities, such as lion dances, dragon dances, and Guqin (traditional Chinese musical instrument) performances. There are also food stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. Temple fairs are not only a place to celebrate the Spring Festival but also represent the epitome of traditional Chinese culture.

8. Lantern Festival

The Spring Festival lasts for 15 days, and on the 15th day, or "Yuan Xiao Jie," the Lantern Festival is celebrated. People carry lanterns of different shapes and sizes, and some even write riddles on them for others to solve. This festival also marks the end of the Spring Festival holiday season.

9. Conclusion

The Spring Festival is the most significant traditional holiday in China. It is a time for family reunions, joy, and reflection. The festival brings Chinese people together and is a celebration of their rich culture and traditions. Though the COVID-19 pandemic may bring some changes to the way we celebrate, the spirit of the Spring Festival will never change.

10. References

1. Chinese New Year. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/china/chinese-new-year-day

2. Liu, Y. (2011). Chinese Festivals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

3. Spring Festival Traditions and Customs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/