Chinese New Year

1. By: Charly Rhinehart

2. The Chinese New Year
• The Chinese New Year is the most important social and
economic holiday in China. Originally tied to the lunar-solar
Chinese calendar, the holiday was a time to honor household
and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. This traditional fest
has been celebrated for more than four thousand years. It
came about from ancient celebrations to mark the end of the
long winter season and the beginning of spring. It celebrates
the earth coming back to life and the beginning of the
growing cycle.

3. • Long, narrow red strips of paper or
diamond-shaped paper printed with
black or gold Chinese characters
which are hung in the doorways
• Plants and flowers are a very important element in New
Year decorations in China. As it is the Chinese people are
known to have a special love with nature.

4. Entertainment
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt5JYdMFP08
The Hong Kong Flower Show exhibits a rich
profusion of potted plants, beautiful floral
arrangements and gorgeous landscape displays
by local, Mainland Chinese and international
participants.

5. • The best part of the Chinese New Year is perhaps the candy tray as far as
the kids are concerned.
• Known as the tray of togetherness.
Food Meaning
Candied melon growth and good health
Red melon seed dyed red to symbolize joy,happiness
Lychee nut strong family relationships
Cumquat prosperity (gold)
Coconut togetherness
Peanuts long life
Longnan many good sons
Lotus seed many children
Tangerines symbol of maintaining a long relationship
and happiness

6. • New Year's Eve dinner
– Fish and Dumplings are an important part.
• Right after the 12:00PM of the New Year's Eve, fireworks will be launched
to celebrate the coming of the New Year as well as driven away the evil.
• Red packet is a red envelope with money in it. Given by to young children
in the New Year days. It was believed that the money in the red packet will
suppress the evil from the children, keep the children healthy, and long
living.

7. Throughout the World
 All through the world they celebrate about the same:
– Street festivals featuring arts, entertainment and children’s activities.
– Chinese New Year markets showcasing arts, crafts and food stalls.
– Dancing, music and people wearing colorful costumes to welcome the
Chinese New Year.
– Vibrant displays of Chinese lanterns, firecrackers and fireworks.

8. • http://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-new-year.html
• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/china/chinese-new-year-decorations/1627
• http://chineseculture.about.com/od/chinesefestivals/a/Chinese-New-Year-
Chinese-New-Years-Decorations.htm
• http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/events-festivals/exhibitions-and-
consumer-fairs/hong-kong-flower-show.jsp
• http://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-traditions.php