Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
This February 12, the Lunar New Year begins, today everything is color, joy and festivity for millions of people around the world, but today, China colors the sky with fireworks that reverberate in hundreds of villages in the country of the dragon.
In major cities, lighting and firecrackers are among the most important customs of the Chinese New Year celebration, but because of the danger and noise disturbance they cause, the government has banned the practice in many large cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
However, fireworks and rockets that explode in the air are still allowed in most parts of the country.
This Chinese New Year is an ideal time to wear new clothes. On the first day of the New Year, Chinese people put on new clothes and say "gongxi" [??] which literally means "respectful joy", which could be translated as "best wishes", wishing each other good luck and happiness.
The Dragon and Lion Dances
Lion dances and Dragon dances can also be seen on New Year's Day. These dances used to be very popular in China, but are rare nowadays.
However, in Chinese neighborhoods of various latitudes is very expected to see these dances that are performed by dozens of young people who rehearse for days the choreography, as they must carry on their bodies giant puppets in the form of dragon or lion, to the rhythm of drums that call for good fortune.
Currently and due to the pandemic by COVID-19, many of these traditions can be followed on websites, as schools that safeguard these dances, will present shows in various parts of the world.
Public New Year's celebrations
New Year celebrations held in parks and temples in China are common. An example of this are the temple fairs in Beijing, where traditional activities are held throughout the day and until the last day of the celebration, when the Lantern Festival is held.
Lunar New Year Feast
The celebration is not complete without a table full of delicious dishes that call for abundance, prosperity and health. Wantanes, noodles, fish, spring rolls and fruit are just some of the delicacies that will dress the table of millions celebrating this day.
Offerings and sacrifices to the ancestors
Making offerings and sacrifices to ancestors is a popular custom in China since ancient times, its forms vary from one area to another: from the sweeping of tombs, to ancestor worship in ancient halls or temples.
Many people - especially in rural areas - offer sacrifices to their ancestors in the main living room of the house, where they place an altar in memory of the ancestor, and then family members kneel and bow in front of the chapel mounted on the wall, the whole family participating in the tradition.
The Chinese consider this act a sign of respect and piety, as well as a deep belief that the ancestors will protect their own descendants and that they will be prosperous for them.
This time, to celebrate the close of the New Year, we will be celebrating big in Redwood City. Saturday, February 20th at 5pm at the following link: peninsula360press.com/lunarnewyear2021
