How The Chinese New Year Began

Did you ever heard about the story of Nian? Nian was a very horrible monster that came out and ate people during the Chinese New Year’s Eve. This monster was afraid of red color and loud noise, so at that time people was going to use red paper to decorated the house, wear red clothes and fires the fireworks. This is the origin of Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for Chinese people. At that period of time, people stay with their family and celebrate the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year means a lot of Chinese people, and people celebrate in many traditional ways.

Chinese New Year has very special meanings for Chinese people. First, it represents the new starts of the year. The new start means a good beginning for the rest of the year, and brings people’s luck. The most important thing about Chinese New Year is that this is the holiday for people stay together with family. In Chinese tradition, reunion is much more important than others.

The celebration begins at Chinese New Year’s Eve, and this is the most important day during the Chinese New Year holiday. According to the story of Nian, people at New Year’s Eve begin to decorate with red lantern, paper cutting pasted on panes, and people at least wear one red clothes. Because of this is New Year, people always remove some old furniture and replace it by new ones. The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important dinner for the Chinese. Normally, this is the family reunion dinner, especially for those with family members away from home. During the dinner, normally fish and dumplings will be served, because these two dishes represent the luck and wealth. After the dinner, families always stay up late until the next day is coming and fire the fireworks at the midnight. These are all the activities that during the New Year’s Eve. People not only celebrate on the New Year’s Eve, but also celebrate at the rest of the days.

There are many other important activities during the festival. By visiting relatives and friends during the day, children always receive “Red Packets” which are given by the elder people and with money in it. These days are the happiest days for little kids. People can go to the traditional market which including many delicious foods and many different shows, such as the Lion and Dragon Dances, traditional rituals. During the festival, people do not need to worry about their works, and children do not need to write any homework.

Chinese New Year is my favorite festival, because I can stay with my parents, and get the “Red Packets”. Although I cannot have Chinese New Year holiday now, I know that my parents will always stay with me, and miss me. Chinese New Year is the best holiday for Chinese, and it means a lot for people. This is the traditional holiday lasts for decades. Although these days are the coldest days in a year, there are the warmest days for every Chinese. I believe that people from different country have their own festival that is as important as Chinese New Year for them.