Culture is the essence of every country. The beliefs, rituals, traditions, and attire, as well as its cuisine bind the society together. China is renowned for its exuberant culture and mesmerizing festivals celebrated throughout the year. Chinese festivals are filled with red envelopes, ethnic dances, fireworks, and a deep-rooted sense of history that augments the health and wealth of the country.
10 Chinese Festivals that Your Children Need to Know About
While significant Chinese holidays are celebrated with grandeur across the Chinese diaspora- even in countries like the United States- the meanings behind these holidays are seldom understood. Here is an overview of the most important Chinese holidays and events.
Lunar New Year (Spring Festival)
Approximately 20% of the world’s population celebrates Lunar New Year, which is also known as Chinese New Year among the Chinese diaspora. The Lunar New Year is a 15-day festival, occurring annually on the sighting of the new moon. In China, the Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, and has a history of more than 4,000 years. A New Year's Eve dinner is a significant activity in a Chinese household. The family sits and plays games together while they wait for midnight. The first day of Lunar New Year is celebrated around January to February each year. The date changes each year according to the sighting of the moon. In 2023, Lunar New Year will be celebrated from January 22nd to February 5th.
Thousands of fireworks are observed in the sky on this first day of the lunar month. Nowadays, people are eager to watch the Spring Festival Gala on the television, which features singing, dancing, and other performances.
Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival) is celebrated on the 15th day of the Spring Festival. It is a festival of luminescence and beauty, with lanterns of different shapes and colors floating in the sky. A unique, sweet Chinese delicacy called Tangyuan is devoured on this day. Multiple Asian countries celebrate the Lantern festival in unique manners.
Qingming Festival
Popularly known as the Tomb Sweeping Day or Pure Brightness Festival, the Qingming Festival is a salient occasion where people prepare to offer sacrifices and honor their ancestors. People sweep the tomb of their loved ones. This festival is celebrated on April 5th and goes on for three days, with people cherishing the greenery of the spring.
May Day
May 1st is observed as Labor Day in China and 80 other countries. It is one of the most historically important holidays in China. On this day, people indulge in entertainment such as cinema and programs held in the parks.
Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival or the Duanwu Festival falls on the 5th day of the fifth lunar month. In 2023, it will be held on June 22nd. It is a significant attraction, where people gather to watch the majestic dragon boat races. A dish named Zongzi, glutinous rice wrapped in reed leaves, is mainly eaten during this Chinese festival. The history of this festival dates back 2,000 years ago and is celebrated in honor of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.
Ghosts Festival
The Hungry Ghosts Festival is a renowned festival in Chinese history, observed on the 15th day of the seventh Lunar month. As per Daoism, a folk religion in China, the deceased must be honored with special ceremonies and burning items. The restless spirits of the ancestors are believed to roam during this period, and this festival is expected to pay posthumous respect.
Mid-Autumn Festival
One of China’s top three major festivals is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a symbol of harvest and togetherness. This festival springs from the worship of the moon and is similar to Thanksgiving Day. On the 15th day of the eighth Lunar month, families reunite and enjoy the spectacle of the full moon that signifies harmony and good fortune. Children love this festival for its vibrance and positivity and, of course, delicious mooncakes.
National Day Of China
The National Day of China is one of the Chinese festivals and a holiday in China. It celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Mainland China marks this day with parades and fireworks organized by the government.
Chongyang Festival (Double Ninth Festival)
Another festival in China is the Chongyang Festival, celebrated in October with Chrysanthemum wine and Chongyang cakes. People travel to different locations or climb mountains to admire the chrysanthemums from the best spot. Additionally, this festival is noted as a chance to teach children ways in which they can respect their elders. The children learn that life deserves respect in all manners.
Winter Solstice (Dongzhi Festival)
Proceeding towards the end of the year and the beginning of a new one arrives the Winter Solstice or Dongzhi Festival. This Chinese festival falls around December 22nd. The ancient Chinese civilization was able to identify the Winter Solstice through ancient equipment over 2,500 years ago. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, perfect for a night of festivities, family, and food, especially dumplings. It sets the tone for festival days filled with longer daylight hours and grandeur.
Festivals are all about love and light. With children involved at every step, the festivities become even more precious. All of the above-mentioned Chinese festivals teach a salient lesson about life that is nurturing and developmental for children.
If you are on the journey of helping your child learn Mandarin Chinese, cultivating the cultural concepts will make the process easier, fun, and insightful. Beginning Mandarin Chinese education with a personalized activity or tradition can act as a motivation for your child.
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