Annually, America rings in a new year in a variety of ways from the famous ball drop in New York to sitting with family in the safety and warmth of your own home. But America obviously isn’t the only place that rings in the New Year. Look overseas to countries like China, for example! The Chinese people will celebrate their new year on January 31st. Why do they celebrate then? For the Chinese culture, it’s known as Chinese New Year, also known as the "Spring Festival". They celebrate this holiday to signify the ending of the Chinese calendar which is in tune with the lunar new year, following the the phases of the moon. So when we ring in the New Year in America, China will ring in their New Year at the end of January. But what exactly takes place for their festival? Unlike the US where we celebrate for just one day, they celebrate for a little more than 2 weeks. This begins on the ‘New Moon’ and ends when there is a full moon. During that time, many of the days are in tribute to their gods, giving thanks to them. Though it’s the last day, the Lantern Festival takes place at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. So like our New Years Celebration, the Chinese New Year is just as diverse and traditional as ours. With many international students at CCHS, it is enjoyable to learn more about other traditions!
- Andrew Thomas
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