Chinese New Year [Image]. (n.d.). Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-New-Year#/media/1/112668/227884

Many people refer to America as “the great melting pot”, because of all the various places and cultures we all came from. Although we do all “melt” in to one American people, it is important to celebrate diverse cultures still, specifically ones our ancestors may have been a part of. One cultural event in February that we can learn about and show our respect and celebration for is the Chinese New Year.  

The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, is an annual 15-day festival celebrated around the world that begins with the new moon which occurs between January 21 and February 20. The festivities of the celebration last until the following full moon. It is called the Lunar New Year because the holiday days coincide with the cycle of the moon. Unlike in American society, people in China are given off seven consecutive days from work. 

You may be wondering, if it is so important, where does it come from? Well, the origins of the Chinese New Year arise from a legend from thousands of years ago about a monster named Nian, meaning “Year.” At the beginning of every year, Nian would come and attack the villagers. However, the people knew the monster was afraid of bright lights, loud noises, and the color red. So, they used those things to chase Nian away. Even though the people in China are no longer afraid of getting attacked by a monster they still celebrate the coming of the New Year with festivities that resemble the ways they would supposedly have chased off Nian. Ways that the people of China and people all around the world celebrate include but are not limited to: feasts with family, a lantern festival, fireworks and firecrackers, a dragon dance, and so many more unique events throughout the holiday.  

Although these celebrations of the New Year happen at a different time than ours, we can relate it to our own festivities to try to understand the importance. Learning the background behind customs and traditions can help us to be better global citizens and show respect to other cultures.