In the Wei and Jin dynasties (220–420 AD), apart from worshiping gods and ancestors, people began to entertain themselves. Certain celebration activities became popular, such as burning bamboo to make a loud cracking sound. The date of the festival, the first day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar, was fixed in the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Chinese New Year Date Was Fixed in the Han Dynasty It had become a custom to offer sacrifices to ancestors or gods, and to worship nature in order to bless harvests at the turn of the year. The term Nian first appeared in the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). Chinese Calendar “Year” Established in the Zhou Dynasty Some people believe that Chinese New Year originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and ancestors at the beginning or the end of each year. Its exact beginning date is not recorded. Chinese New Year’s Origin in the Shang DynastyĬhinese New Year has a history of about 3,500 years. Crackling bamboo (later replaced by firecrackers) was lit to scare Nian away.
#Lunar new year calendar windows#
So, people put red lanterns and red scrolls on their windows and doors to stop Nian from coming inside. It’s said that a wise old man figured out that Nian was scared of loud noises (firecrackers) and the color red. To prevent Nian from attacking people and causing destruction, people put food at their doors for Nian. He ate livestock, crops, and even people on the eve of a new year. One of the most popular legends is about the mythical beast Nian (Year). Legend of the Origin of Chinese New YearĬhinese New Year is steeped with stories and myths. The Spring Festival marks a new year on the lunar calendar and represents the desire for a new life. Because it starts from the Beginning of Spring (the first of the twenty-four terms in coordination with the changes of Nature), it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Why is it called the Spring Festival?Įven though it is winter, the Chinese New Year is popularly known as the Spring Festival in China. The dates usually range sometime between January 21 and February 20. Each year the New Year in China falls on a different date than on the Gregorian calendar. The holiday falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21. The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year has evolved over a long period of time and its customs have undergone a long developmental process. The history of the Chinese New Year festival can be traced back to about 3,500 years ago.
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival. It is also the most important celebration for families and includes a week of official public holiday.
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