Date
Monday
Feb
10

February 10

Chinese Spring Festival

Embrace the vibrant festivities of Chinese Spring Festival - a time of reunion, renewal and the welcoming of a prosperous new year!

Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Mauritius

Introduction

Get ready to welcome the new lunar year with joy and prosperity on the Chinese Spring Festival held on February 10! Bursting with colorful traditions and grand celebrations, the Festival dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) and highlights the richness of the Chinese culture. Representing values of family, unity, and hope for a bountiful year ahead, the Festival is not only a national holiday in China but is now celebrated globally. With its thrilling dragon and lion dances, beautiful red lanterns filling the streets, and the delightful treat of Yusheng (a raw fish salad), it offers a significant glimpse into Chinese heritage. So join in the spirit of new beginnings, and embrace the awe-inspiring festivities of the Chinese Spring Festival!

Chinese Spring Festival Timeline

1600-1046 BC
Festival's Origin
The Chinese Spring Festival's origin traces back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) as a ceremonial day to pray to gods for a good planting and harvest season.
AD 202
Lion Dance Introduction
The Lion Dance, a traditional dance in Chinese culture, was introduced during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) adding a spirited touch to the festivities.
618-907
Tang Dynasty Celebrations
Under the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the Spring Festival became the most important of all holidays, with grand celebrations featuring music, dance, and food.
1644-1912
Qing Dynasty Practices
During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), customs like cleaning houses, decorating with red lanterns, and setting off firecrackers became integral to the Festival.
1980s
Broadcast of CCTV New Year's Gala
Starting in the 1980s, the CCTV New Year's Gala, a variety entertainment show broadcast on New Year's Eve, became a staple for Chinese families during the Festival.
2000s
Global Celebrations
As Chinese communities grew globally in the 21st century, the Spring Festival started to be observed worldwide, showcasing an exhilarating display of Chinese culture.

How to Celebrate Chinese Spring Festival

1

Create your own Chinese lanterns

A key highlight of the Spring Festival is the gorgeous red lanterns that light up the streets. You can join in on the fun by making your own lanterns at home! Look up some online tutorials and get your family or friends involved. Hang them up around your house or garden to set a festive atmosphere.

2

Prepare Yusheng at home

Yusheng is a traditional salad dish usually shared during the festival. It's a colorful and refreshing mixture of raw fish and various vegetables. It's not just delicious, marking part of the festival's rituals, it also signifies abundance and prosperity. Learn how to prepare this at home, and let everyone toss the ingredients together as a celebratory gesture!

3

Host a dragon or lion dance performance

While traditionally performed by professional troupes, there's no reason you can't put on a show at home! Get some family members or friends together to stage the dance. You can look up instructions and routines online. It will certainly be a memorable way to celebrate the festival!

4

Conduct a traditional tea ceremony

Tea ceremonies are an integral part of Chinese culture, symbolizing peace, purity, and tranquility. Hosting a tea ceremony at home during the festival is a wonderful way to respect the tradition and share a serene moment with loved ones. Be sure to learn about the right etiquette and types of tea to use for the ceremony.

5

Create a virtual Spring Festival celebration

In the time of social distancing, celebrating virtually is a great option. Host an online gathering where you and your loved ones can share in the festivities together. You can coordinate a time for everyone to dine together, share stories, or even play traditional Chinese games. This way, you can maintain the spirit of 'reunion' that's central to the holiday while keeping everyone safe.

Why We Love Chinese Spring Festival

A

Symbol of Renewal and Prosperity

Chinese Spring Festival represents renewal and the hope for a prosperous New Year. This gives a fresh start and positive outlook that attracts people to love and celebrate the festival annually.

B

Embracing the Richness of Chinese Culture

Through celebrating Chinese Spring Festival, we are given a glimpse into Chinese heritage, with thrilling dragon dances and lion dances, beautiful red lanterns, and delightful treats. This connection with an ancient culture adds a new depth to our understanding of world cultures.

C

Creating and Participating in Traditions

The festival encourages participation - from making one's own lanterns, preparing Yusheng at home, to hosting a lion or dragon dance performance. These activities provide exciting ways for families and communities to come together to celebrate life, love, and prosperity.