Discover 10 New Year Traditions with Illustrator's Perspective
Illustration by Vikki Zhang
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional celebrations in Chinese culture. It marks the start of a new year according to the lunar calendar, bringing families together and symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and happiness. Here are ten key traditions you should know about this vibrant festival:
1. Hanging Spring Couplets and the Fu Character
Before the New Year, families decorate their doors with red spring couplets bearing auspicious messages for the year ahead. The character “福” (Fu), meaning “blessing” or “good fortune,” is often hung upside down, symbolizing that fortune has “arrived.”
Illustration by Zili
2. The Reunion Dinner
On New Year’s Eve, families gather for the most important meal of the year. Dishes like fish (symbolizing abundance) and dumplings (representing wealth) are must-haves, reflecting wishes for prosperity and unity.
Illustration by Toyoya Li
3. Staying Up Late (Shou Sui)
Families stay up late on New Year’s Eve to welcome the arrival of the New Year. This practice, called *Shou Sui*, represents a farewell to the old year and a wish for longevity and health.
Illustration by Vikki Zhang
4. New Year’s Greetings and Red Envelopes
On the first day of the New Year, people visit relatives and friends to offer New Year’s greetings such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (wishing you wealth and prosperity). Elders give children red envelopes (*hongbao*) filled with money as a blessing for safety and good luck.
Illustration by Dongqiu
5. Lion and Dragon Dances
Lion and dragon dances are common sights during the Lunar New Year festivities. These performances are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune, filling the streets with energy and excitement.
Illustration by Dongqiu
6. Setting Off Firecrackers and Fireworks
The tradition of lighting firecrackers and fireworks is rooted in the myth of Nian, a monster scared away by loud noises and bright lights. Today, it’s a joyful way to celebrate, though fireworks are restricted in some areas.
Illustration by Zili
7. The Spring Festival Gala
Since 1983, watching the CCTV Spring Festival Gala has become a staple activity for families on New Year’s Eve. This television show features music, comedy, dance, and cultural performances, uniting millions of viewers.
Illustration by Vikki Zhang
8. Wearing New Clothes
Wearing new clothes, often in red, symbolizes a fresh start and good fortune for the coming year. Red is considered an especially auspicious color that wards off bad luck.
Illustration by Vikki Zhang
9. Cleaning and Decorating
Before the New Year, homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck. Afterward, cleaning is avoided during the festival to prevent “sweeping away” the good fortune. Houses are adorned with lanterns, paper cuttings, and other festive decorations.
Illustration by Kaye Cao
10. Eating Lucky Foods
Certain dishes are associated with good luck during the Lunar New Year. For instance, long noodles represent longevity, while glutinous rice cakes (*nian gao*) signify rising success year after year.
Illustration by Kaye Cao
These traditions, steeped in symbolism and history, make the Chinese Lunar New Year a time of joy, renewal, and cultural celebration. Whether it’s sharing a meal with loved ones, admiring vibrant lion dances, or embracing the color red, these customs bring people closer together and set the tone for a prosperous year ahead.
Illustration by Zili