Festival Heritage Hub

The Spring Festival, known globally as Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, it marks the beginning of a new year and lasts for fifteen days. Families reunite, often traveling long distances, to celebrate together.

A key tradition during the Spring Festival is the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to children and elders, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Fireworks and firecrackers play a crucial role in warding off evil spirits and ushering in the new year with a bang. Homes are decorated in vibrant red and gold, with couplets, lanterns, and paper cuttings enhancing the festive atmosphere.

The Spring Festival signifies a time for renewal, family unity, and honoring ancestors. In modern times, people continue to celebrate with feasts, television galas, digital red envelopes, and public events, bridging age-old traditions with contemporary celebrations.