Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Chinese New Year Festival
Be sure to stock up on Chinese New Year decorations and supplies because before you know it it will be the Chinese New Year. Did you know the Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year, and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
Both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated in China as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving, and traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the Gods of the household and the family ancestors. The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect, because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family. So don't forget your Chinese New Year decorations to enhance your latern celebration on the 15th day!!
Both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated in China as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving, and traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the Gods of the household and the family ancestors. The sacrifice to the ancestors, the most vital of all the rituals, united the living members with those who had passed away. Departed relatives are remembered with great respect, because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family. So don't forget your Chinese New Year decorations to enhance your latern celebration on the 15th day!!
