China boasts a rich and ancient civilization, with diverse Chinese traditional festivals that have been celebrated for centuries. Each festival is deeply rooted in history and culture, carrying its own unique significance and meaning. These Chinese traditional festivals and customs not only showcase China’s rich historical legacy but also represent the enduring spirit of its cultural heritage.
Chinese Traditional Festivals and Customs:
Chinese New Year’s Eve (Chúxī, 除夕) – The last day of the year (29th or 30th of the 12th lunar month)
Chinese New Year’s Eve, or Chúxī, marks the final night of the lunar year. It signifies bidding farewell to the past year and ushering in a new beginning.
- Red Decorations (Nián Hóng, 年红) is a beloved tradition involves decorating homes with red items like Spring Festival couplets, paper cuttings, and the character “福” (Fortune). These symbols are believed to bring joy, wealth, and good fortune in the coming year.
- Reunion Dinner (Niányè Fàn, 年夜饭) is one of the most important events on Chinese New Year’s Eve. The most cherished family gathering of the year, where loved ones enjoy a lavish meal together. It symbolizes unity, happiness, and the importance of family bonds.
- To Stay Up Late (Shǒusuì, 守岁) means that on this night, families keep their lights on to keep every room brightly lit throughout the night, with the whole family gathered together, watching over the ‘year fire’ to ensure it doesn’t go out, as they wait for the moment to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
- After the New Year’s Eve dinner, elders give children red envelopes filled with money, which are Lucky Money (Yāsuì Qián, 压岁钱). This practice is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings for a safe and prosperous year.
Chinese New Year/Spring Festival (Chūnjié, 春节) – 1st day of the 1st lunar month
Chinese New Year is not only a celebration of the new year but also a time for family reunions and well-wishing. With over 4,000 years of history, it carries deep cultural significance and a wealth of traditional customs.
- Before the festival, families clean their homes thoroughly, called “House Cleaning(Sǎo Chén, 扫尘)”. This “sweeping away bad luck” is done to clear the way for the good fortune that the new year will bring.
- A loud and exciting tradition, setting off fireworks and firecrackers(Fàng Biānpào, 放鞭炮) is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring in a year of happiness and prosperity.
- New Year Greetings(Bàinián, 拜年) is a traditional custom in Chinese culture, where people exchange greetings to wish each other a happy new year and express best wishes for the future.
Lantern Festival (Yuánxiāo Jié, 元宵节) – 15th day of the 1st lunar month
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is known for its full moon after the new year.
- Streets come alive with colorful lanterns. The custom of appreciating lanterns not only adds a joyful atmosphere to the celebrations but also symbolizes dispelling darkness and wishing for a bright and prosperous future.
- Riddle on Lanterns(Cāidēngmí, 猜灯谜) is a fun tradition where people solve riddles written on lanterns. These riddles cover a variety of topics, offering entertainment of the festival.
- Sweet Rice Balls(Yuánxiāo/Tāngyuán, 元宵/汤圆) is a glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savory fillings. Eating Tanyuan symbolizes happiness and expresses a wish for unity and prosperity.
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day, 清明节) – April 4th or 5th
Qingming Festival is one of China’s important traditional festivals, a time to honor ancestors and remember the deceased, as well as an opportunity to enjoy nature and go on outings.
- Tomb-Sweeping(Sàomù, 扫墓) is the most important custom during Qingming. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the tombstones, make offerings, and honor their memory.
- Qingming is also a good time for going for a walk in the country in spring(Tàqīng, 踏青) and enjoy nature’s renewal appreciate the beauty of spring.
- In some areas, people still observe the Cold Food Festival by refraining from using fire and eating special cold foods like green rice cakes, a tradition to honor the loyal official Jie Zitui.
Dragon Boat Festival (Duānwǔ Jié, 端午节) – 5th day of the 5th lunar month
The Dragon Boat Festival has ancient origins and is rich in historical and cultural significance. It is one of China’s important traditional festivals.
- Dragon boat racing(Sàilóngzhōu, 赛龙舟) is one of the most iconic activities of the Dragon Boat Festival. The origin of the race dates back to ancient China, when people from the state of Chu rowed boats along the river in search of the body of the poet Qu Yuan. Over time, it evolved into a celebration of Qu Yuan’s spirit. During the festival, dragon boat races are held across the country. The race is not only a sport but also symbolizes unity and courage.
- Zongzi(粽子) is a traditional food of the Dragon Boat Festival. It is made by wrapping sticky rice with various fillings, then wrapping it in bamboo or reed leaves before being boiled. The tradition of eating zongzi originated from the people of the state of Chu, who threw wrapped sticky rice into the river to honor the poet Qu Yuan. Today, eating zongzi has become an essential part of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival.
- During the Dragon Boat Festival, many families hang wormwood and calamus at their doorways to ward off evil and prevent illness. These plants have been used as traditional herbs since ancient times, known for their insect-repellent and disease-preventing properties. People hang them at the entrance, hoping their families are safe and healthy.
Ghost Festival (Zhōngyuán Jié, 中元节) – Honoring the Departed (15th day of the 7th lunar month):
Zhongyuan Festival is one of China’s major traditional holidays, a time when people honor their deceased parents and relatives.
- It is believed that on this day, ancestors return to visit their descendants, so families hold ceremonies in the evening to worship ancestors as a sign of respect and gratitude. This practice is rooted in the cultural tradition of honoring one’s ancestors.
- During Zhongyuan Festival, there are several taboos, including: avoiding staying up late, speaking of ghosts, traveling at night, swimming, eating offerings, taking photos at night, stepping on sacrificial papers, whistling, leaving hair untied, and hanging wind chimes by the bed.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhōngqiū Jié, 中秋节) – 15th day of the 8th lunar month
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s traditional holidays and is also known as the Reunion Festival, as the moon is brightest and roundest on this day, symbolizing family unity.
- Moon Gazing(Shǎngyuè, 赏月) is one of the most important customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Families gather to admire the full moon together. This tradition is not only an aesthetic enjoyment but also a way to express longing and well-wishes.
- Mooncakes(Yuèbǐng, 月饼) are the traditional food of the festival, symbolizing unity and happiness. There are many varieties of mooncakes with fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, mixed nuts, and salted egg yolk, differing between northern and southern regions.
- The moon worship and moon offering rituals originated from ancient customs, expressing reverence for the moon and hopes for a good harvest.
New Year’s Day – January 1st:
New Year’s Day is an important holiday in modern society, marking a time of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one. As the first day of the year, it signifies the start of a new chapter.
- On New Year’s Eve, many places hold celebrations such as countdowns and fireworks to usher in the new year.
Interested in Chinese traditions? Explore our more China Cultural Tours and delve into the country’s rich history and heritage.