Why is Chinese New Year also called the Spring Festival?

Until this day, China had only ever had one New Year’s Day to celebrate – the lunar New Year. Before 1913, ‘Spring Festival’ was the first solar term known as Lichun, which could fall before or after the New Year and marked the end of winter, but now it became the new name for the New Year’s celebration itself.

Why did the name of Chinese New Year Change?

Because the traditional Chinese calendar is mostly based on the changes in the moon, the Chinese New Year is also known in English as the “Lunar New Year” or “Chinese Lunar New Year”. This name comes from “Luna”, an old Latin name for the moon. Another old name for the holiday was Lìchūn, meaning “Early Spring”.

How has the Chinese New Year celebration changed over time?

The date of Chinese New Year changes each year because it’s based on the lunar calendar. While the western Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun, the date of Chinese New Year is determined according to the moon’s orbit around the Earth.

When did Spring Festival start in China?

The Spring Festival is supposed to have been initiated in the Shang Dynasty (Chinese: 商朝; Pinyin: Shāng cháo) and the custom of ancestor worship was included in the festivities. During the Western Zhou Dynasty (Chinese: 西周, Pinyin: Xī zhōu), it was custom to begin agriculture on New Year celebration.

Is the Chinese New Year the same as the Spring Festival?

‘Spring Festival’ refers to the same festival more commonly known in English as the ‘Chinese New Year’. Spring Festival 2022 falls on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, beginning a year of the Tiger. In China, Spring Festival is the common name for Chinese Lunar New Year.

How did the Spring Festival originated?

The Spring Festival evolved from the annual worship ceremony in ancient times during which people honored the deities and ancestors, and prayed for good harvests in the coming new year. The date and appellation varied widely throughout the history of different feudal dynasties.

Why is Chinese New Year called Spring Festival?

In January 1914, the then president of the Republic of China officially named the 1st day of very year in Chinese traditional calendar as Spring Festival. Since then, Chinese New Year has been called Spring Festival by the government of the ROC and its successor PRC.

Why is the Chinese New Year called Farmers’ Day?

Before 1913, ‘Spring Festival’ was the first solar term known as Lichun, which could fall before or after the New Year and marked the end of winter, but now it became the new name for the New Year’s celebration itself. The old Spring Festival, now in need of a new name, eventually became Farmers’ Day in Republican China.

What happens during the Chinese New Year?

As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, up to two weeks, and the climax arrives around the Lunar New Year’s Eve. China during this period is dominated by iconic red lanterns, loud fireworks, massive banquets and parades, and the festival even triggers exuberant celebrations across the globe.

Is it possible to travel to China during the spring festival?

The Spring Festival may be one of the most exciting times of the year to interact with Chinese people, and experience the local culture. However, it is also the busiest time of the year on China’s transportation network, and there may be some difficulties for traveling at this time. Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.