Spring Festival By : Olivia, Vanessa, Dewi

History  One legend tells us that it was a time to worship Taiyi, the God of Heaven in ancient times. The belief was that the God of Heaven controlled the density of the human world. He had sixteen dragons at his beck and call and he decided when to inflict drought, storms, famine or pestilence upon human beings. Beginning with Qinshihuang, the first emperor of China, who named China, all the emperors ordered, splendid ceremonies each year. The emperor would ask Taiyi to bring favorable weather and good health to him and his people.

When? (dates)  The Spring Festival falls on the 1 st lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar.

Traditions and Symbols  Fu - Blessing, Good Fortune, Good Luck Fu is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese New Year. It is often posted upside down on the front door of a house or an apartment. The upside down fu means good luck came since the character for upsite down in Chinese sounds the same as the character for came.  Lu - Prosperity It used to mean official's salary in feudal China. Fengshui is believed to be the Chinese way to health, wealth and happiness. If you are interested in Fengshui, you may check out the book 'The Feng Shui Kit.  Shou - Longevity Shou also means life, age or birthday.  Xi-Happiness Double happiness is usually posted everywhere on Chinese weddings.

Continuing Symbols….  Cai - wealth, money Chinese often say money can make a ghost turn a millstone. It is to say money really can do a lot of things.  He - harmonious 'People harmony' is an important part of Chinese culture. When you have harmonious relations with others, things will be a lot easier for you.  Ai - love, affection Don't need to say any more about this one. Just want to point out ai is often used with 'mianzi' together. Aimianzi means 'be concerned about one's face-saving.‘  Mei - beautiful, pretty The United States of American is called Mei Guo in the short form. Guo means country so Meiguo is a good name.  Ji - lucky, auspicious, propitious Hope all is well.  De - virtue, moral De means virtue, moral, heart, mind, and kindness, etc. It is also used in the name for Germany, i.e., De Guo.

Activities and Actions 1. Cleaning and decoration 2. Eating jiao zi 3. Watching gala shows on TV 4. Exchanging gifts 5. Watching fireworks 6. Greetings 7. Friends gathering 8. Drinking 9. Gambling 10. Dragon lantern dance 11. Lion dance 12. Land boat dance 13. Yangge dance

Why? (purpose)  Spring Festival, widely known as Chinese New Year in the west, is the most important traditional festival and a public holiday in China.

Foods and Drinks FoodsDrinks  Wine  Jiao zi  Laba porridge  Fish  Tan Yuan  Noodles  Meat  Spring roll  Glutinous rice  New year cake  Dough flowers  Moon cake

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