Chinese New Year
New Year is the most widely celebrated of all Chinese festivals, involving a great variety of colourful and traditional observances, many dating from the Song (Sung) Dynasty (960 - 1279).
Preparations for the festivities begin several weeks before the New Year. On the 20th day of the twelfth moon, about 10 days before the New Year, householders and merchants take their first step in their celebrations by cleaning out their premises.
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A few days later, on the 26th day, the festive air is heightened with the commencement of flower fairs, at which, numerous items are sold, including calligraphy, paintings, toys, earthenware, chinaware and, of course; flowers. The fairs continue each night until New Year's eve, with the most popular purchases being peach blossoms. early times, it was believed that the wood of the peach could frighten off evil spirits. Other methods of warding off unwelcome spirits were to ignite fire-crackers and hang banners bearing mystical signs. Nowadays, the flowers are bought for their beauty, crackers are exploded as a sign of Joy and red posters, instead of banners, carry poems or messages of celebration.
On New Year's Eve, all the family members gather beside the fireplace or in the living area of their homes to "see the old year out and the New Year in". No one goes to sleep on New Year's Eve, and little children are discouraged from dozing off, in the belief that it will shorten their lives if they are not awake for New Year's Day. After the New Year has arrived, the head of the family presents all the children and juniors with "red packets" which are called "lai see" so they will have good fortune for another 12 months.
During the period, special festive treats are served, invariably including bowls of peanuts, melon seeds and preserved fruits, each having a certain significance in meaning good fortune, prosperity, long life or happiness.
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