Chinese New Year

The Spring Festival is one of the most special cultural features in China. The Observances traditionally take place from the evening preceding the first day of the lunar calendar year to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year.  

As a country of vast territory, the customs of Spring Festival varies from different places in China. We make different dishes types for New Year’s eve family dinner，and celebrate this festival by local special events. The common parts are that we both get together with our families, having fun with our hometown friends and relatives, wishing good fortunes to each other. And for kids specially, they will get red envelopes with money in from their parents or other elders, which conduct the wish for health and happiness to the children.

My hometown is in southern Fujian province southeast of China, which locates right close to the ocean. The traditional native residents make a living by fishing, ancient people always pray safety and health to the deities. For this reason, we have some special celebration events for our special deity honored as WangGong.  On the 9th day of new year, the strong youths would work together to carry a sculpture of WangGong, cruising in the town. During the event, each family prepares rich food for WangGong, and lights fireworks as a proof of the WangGong’s arrival to their home. The whole town will be full of the atmosphere of celebration and happiness.

I have spent an unforgettable Spring Festival last year, enjoying celebrations like delicious New Year Eve dinner, jolly time of WangGong event, and bustling with noisy fireworks. Even more, on the 2nd day of new year, our whole family have taken a great family portrait of 30 family members, including my 80-year-old grandparents and their great grandsons. Chinese people value family so much, especially during these days of reunion. It’s not easy for all the family members spanning four generations to get together, so the photo is really meaningful for us. Since I have brought my camera, I took pictures of the young and old, and I truly felt the connection and warmth between us. I believe these family portraits are the best gifts for our grandparents, they will always be proud to have such descendants.

I have spent an unforgettable Spring Festival last year, enjoying celebrations like delicious New Year Eve dinner, jolly time of WangGong event, and bustling with noisy fireworks. Even more, on the 2nd day of new year, our whole family have taken a great family portrait of 30 family members, including my 80-year-old grandparents and their great grandsons. Chinese people value family so much, especially during these days of reunion. It’s not easy for all the family members spanning four generations to get together, so the photo is really meaningful for us. Since I have brought my camera, I took pictures of the young and old, and I truly felt the connection and warmth between us. I believe these family portraits are the best gifts for our grandparents, they will always be proud to have such descendants.