The Chinese Culture Company
In 2019, the Lantern Festival (Yuánxiāo jié 元宵节）falls on February 19th, the fifteenth and final day of Spring Festival. Although it’s not a public holiday, it is still widely celebrated, especially in southern China and amongst the diaspora. What’s this holiday all about and how can you celebrate it?
Read on to find out!
Continue reading “The history and traditions of the Lantern Festival”
In China, the new year is calculated according to the lunar calendar (农历; Nónglì). Although the Gregorian calendar is standard, the lunar calendar dictates the dates of traditional Chinese holidays and helps people choose auspicious days for important life changes such as weddings, funerals, moving house or starting a business.
But there is a lot more to Chinese astrology than just the animals! Read on to find out what kind of energy the Pig will be bringing this year, and what you should definitely be aware of this year!
It’s that time of year again: time to wish your colleagues and Chinese friends Happy New Year and to wonder what on earth they’re singing in that song you hear on repeat at the supermarket! Let us help you with our guide to the essential vocabulary for Spring Festival!
Continue reading “Spring Festival 101 – useful words & phrases for CNY!”
Spring Festival is much more than New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! Starting from New Year’s Day, the entire festival actually lasts 15 days! Read on to find out more information about some of the most important days of the festival and the history and traditions to be aware of, as well as exactly which date they fall on in 2019!
Continue reading “What are the most important days of Spring Festival?”
If there is one thing we all know (and definitely appreciate!) it’s how quiet Beijing generally becomes during the Spring Festival. Of course, quiet can also mean it’s a little more difficult to find fun and interesting things for the whole family to enjoy.
But difficult certainly doesn’t mean impossible, especially in Beijing! One fun way to celebrate the new Year of the Pig is to attend a temple fair, which have been traditional throughout China for hundreds of years.