For the multitude of Chinese people across the globe — and that’s including their billion-strong cousins in the economic powerhouse that is the Middle Kingdom (that’s China to the uninitiated) — today will mark yet another auspicious day, as they welcome the year 4709, or more popularly known as the Year of the Rabbit, in the Chinese calendar. Also known as “The Spring Festival” despite its winter occurrence, the New Year festivities begin on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar, and end 15 days later which will culminate with the “Lantern Festival”.
The longest and the most important of holidays in the calendar, it is, in essence, a time for family reunions, thanksgiving, as well as renewal and reconciliation. It is also that time of the year when old debts are settled and, for the sake of a fresh start, grudges are all but forgotten… at least for the time being.
While not nearly as universal and as widely celebrated as the western-influenced New Year’s Day celebration, at nearly 5,000 years old it is one of the longest and perhaps only surviving ancient festivity that is still continuously celebrated. And while much of the festivals of the ancient world were all but lost in history along with its people and culture, the festival that had its origins at a time when Europeans in their loincloths were still painting themselves blue, continues to this day, proof of the resilience and endurance of the Chinese culture.
every year our entire division goes to a dimsum lunch to celebrate. That same day we had dinner with the family at a nice restaurant. Boy I was really full that day. Hope you had a great Chinese new year celebration 🙂
same in my house. I have to fly from KL to Sabah because dad insisted I joining the family feast more to food (eating around the clock), play jimrami (and gave up all ur red packet that you got in the morning of CNY), and family cousin and cousin.
Having a chinese blood myself I realized I have too many occasion to be celebrete, christmas, CNY etc..
not that me complaining just that…hmm…too much holiday?
Have a great day rudy.
BW> Glad to know you’ve had a great CNY celebration, bro.
Sheela> One cannot have too many occasions to celebrate. We all need to celebrate life, right? Nice to hear from you again, Sheela.