February 16th marks the beginning of the most important Chinese holiday: the Chinese New Year. Also, known as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is rich in history and is an important part of Chinese tradition. The celebration of family and hope for a prosperous new year has spread all around the world, with millions joining in on the festivities and traditions each year.
History of the Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, an ancient, complex calendar which holds religious, dynastic, and social significance. The calendar is ruled by the changing phases of the moon, with the new year beginning with the new moon that occurs between the end of January and the end of February. Because the new moon occurs on a different date each year, the Chinese New Year date changes yearly, this year’s celebration begins February 16th. Each year, one of the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac is designated the namesake of the year. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, the 11th animal in the Chinese Zodiac.
Traditionally, the Chinese New Year was celebrated by performing a deep cleaning of the home to please the gods and to rid the home of any bad luck that may have accumulated throughout the past year. Food and printed scrolls were offered to the gods and ancestors, firecrackers were set off to scare evil spirits, and children received money from elders. All of these traditions were thought to bring good luck to the family.
Celebration of the Chinese New Year
Contemporary celebrations of the Chinese New Year in China include huge festivals and parades to bring in the year, with businesses typically closing for the first few days so that everyone has time to enjoy the activities and spend time with their families. Ancient traditions are still preserved, as citizens dress in traditional wear, set off fireworks, and adults give red envelopes that contain money to children. The celebration lasts approximately two weeks, ending with The Festival of Lanterns when the full moon arrives. In China and around the world, people feast on delicious food and attend parades that are widely televised and contain spectacles that amaze crowds and provide an amazing start to the year for people of all ages.
The Chinese New Year is a wonderful celebration of family and culture that has reached people all over the world. Major cities in the United States, like San Francisco and New York City, conduct festivities centered around the Chinese New Year that bring out thousands of people for days of feasting and fun
For over 30 years Innovative Entertainment has provided entertainment and talent services for events across the United States centered around the celebrations of the Chinese New Year. We book some of the most sought after performers and diverse talent. Our clients include corporate in-house planners, conference producers, gala and fundraiser producers, production companies, destination management companies, performance venues, and more. For information and entertainment ideas about local talent to major headliner acts connect with us here.
