Chinese Holidays

Light The Firework: A Chinese Holidays And Festival Experience

The Chinese people, like any other society in the world, have their own culture and by extension, unique Chinese holidays.

Chinese holidays can be categorized into two kinds – the traditional and the legal holidays. Traditional Chinese holidays are observed by virtue of culture while legal Chinese holidays are mandated by law. The most famous and most important of these holidays is the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most auspicious event in the Chinese calendar and often marked with great feasts, fireworks and family gatherings. Because of the festival’s great importance, no money is spared on food, fireworks, and everybody gather in the family home.

Other Chinese holidays succeed the Chinese New Year. Many of the festivals are often rooted in legend or folklore and ancestor worship. Examples include Duanwu Festival (also known as Dragon Boat Festival) in relation to the White Snake Lady legend, the Qi Xi festival or the Magpie Festival. This particular festival features star-cross lovers between a goddess and a farmer. The mid-autumn or Moon Festival has the moon cake at its heart and the legend of Chang E.

The rest of the year, the other Chinese holidays include veneration of ancestors and the decreased include the Ghost Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double-Ninth festival, the Water Lantern Festival and lastly, the Winter Solstice Festival or Mid-Winter Festival. Offerings, worship and paying respects are often observed in these festivals. The festivals are a form of reinforcement on the Chinese people about the idea of a family. This also strengthens the other virtues like obedience and family values.

The last Chinese holiday to be observed or celebrated before the Chinese New Year is the Laba Festival. The festival celebrates the day when Buddha achieved enlightenment.

All Chinese holidays reflect the Chinese perception and character towards society, state, religion, beliefs and culture.

Aside from the traditional Chinese holidays, there are also the legal Chinese holidays that are observed publicly. These holidays include the observance of Western version of the Chinese New Year, the Labour Day in May 1, and the National Day on October 1. Other Chinese holidays also include and acknowledge of members of society and social groups. Examples include the International Women’s Day (March 8), Youth Day is for the general population between the ages of 14 to 28 (May 4) while Children’s Day (celebrated on June 1) is allotted for all persons under the age of 14. Army Day is a delegated occasion for all military personnel in active service (August 1). These holidays were all considered to be celebrated for half a day. Children’s Day is an exception, as it is celebrated for one whole day.

Even minorities, ethnic groups and other Chinese territories have their own observance of holidays. However, they are smaller in scale and in comparison in what is observed by the whole nation. Minorities and ethnic groups include the Tibetans and Muslims residing in the country. Aside from traditional Chinese holidays, the people of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau celebrate separate holidays from Mainland China. For instance, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong also observe certain Western holidays like the Christian Lent (Good Friday and Holy Saturday) and the Christmas Day and Eve. All Soul’s Day is also observed on the traditional date of November 1. The added holidays are a result of foreign rule in the said territories before they reverted to Chinese control. How

Travelling to during the Chinese holidays and partaking in one of the festivals is an enjoyable experience and will a delight to the eyes. The festivals offer a unique picture of Chinese celebrations - red and gold lanterns, a lot of fireworks as well as the colors of the unique dishes and delicacies that the Chinese prepare for such occasions.

The merry atmosphere and the folklore-themed festivals also contribute to the tourism of the nation. The rich cultural background of Chinese holidays and festivals create a mysticisms and magnetism for foreigners as well as others who are unfamiliar with Chinese culture and society. Observance of these festivities is a testament to the heritage and history of the Chinese people.

Chinese festivals are a great magnet for tourism. It shows that the character of the Chinese people and culture at its highest and brightest. The festivities attract a lot of people – both local and foreign alike – into the spirit of celebration and remembrance of what is essentially important to a nation and a people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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