The Top Traditions Of Chinese New Year
Jan 22, 2021
Most of the top traditions of Chinese New Year observed during the 15-day holiday serve one purpose: to usher in as much good fortune and prosperity as possible.
Lion and Dragon Dances
Yes, the two are different! The lion dance, performed by two acrobats inside a single costume, is the more common of the two dance traditions seen at celebrations. The ferocious, four-legged creature is widely—and incorrectly—referred to as a “dragon" by Westerners who aren't familiar.
Red Everything!
Red is considered an auspicious, lucky color in Chinese culture no matter the occasion, but particularly so during Lunar New Year. Love of the color dates back to a centuries-old belief that evil spirits don’t like red. Nian, the mythological beast who comes out to wreck villages and feed—sometimes on children—hates noise and the color red.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Firecrackers add to the cacophony of chaos on the first day of Chinese New Year. Other than just fun, the noise was meant to scare away malicious spirits, particularly the Nian.
