The Lunar new year is also known as the spring festival. The festival celebrates the return of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. This festival has been celebrated for many centuries and gains significance because of several traditions and myths.
Some customs and traditions followed by the celebrating families are: a family dinner, and cleaning the house to rid of ill-fortune and to make way for better days. The house is decorated with red color paper strips and popular quotes are written for good fortune and happiness. Red envelopes filled with money are given out from older to younger, leaders to followers, and bosses to employees. A popular custom in Hong Kong is horse racing, where the most number of viewers gather on the third day of the festival.
There is a happy and welcoming atmosphere, filled with warmth and optimism. Interestingly, the date for Chinese New Year changes each year. It always falls between January 21 and February 20, determined by the Chinese lunar calendar. This festival is celebrated by many neighboring countries of China, including Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau. On an average, three days of public holidays are given.
After 15 days, a lantern festival ends the lunar new year, welcoming the spring with a fresh and open mind. By being able to celebrate the lunar new year, a whole new level of cultural diversity is brought out.
