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The Chinese New Year is an event that is celebrated internationally. This 15-day event is marked with elaborate gala and festivity. Since Red is an auspicious color, Red packets with sweets are distributed to everyone alike. The Chinese New Year is marked with extensive display of fireworks, feasting and dancing. One can see the famous Lion Dances and Dragon Dances on the occasion of New Year.
The first week of Chinese New Year is very important and is dedicated to all family members and friends. Traditionally, an elaborate feast is prepared in each household to pay respect and tribute to ancestors and those who passed away. All traditional food items are cooked like chicken, fish, noodles and rice. The noodles should be uncut as they symbolize a long life. Anything white such as curd is not included as the color white is unlucky and symbolizes death. Rice is taken with chicken and other foods and also in the form of sweet pudding.
A traditional vegetarian item called "Jai" is prepared in all households, which has significant value. It is a combination of various fibrous roots like lotus seeds, gingko biloba nuts, bamboo shoots, etc, which signify wealth and abundance.
The Chinese New Year begins with visits to friends and loved ones and greeting them with good luck. All members of the household take part in the celebration with great enthusiasm and fervor. The event is ended with the Lantern Festival, which falls on the last day of the festival. Long time back, the Buddhists popularized it. The kids enjoy this day in particular. They move around with friends and family carrying colorful and brightly lit lanterns and are ever excited about this day. All said and done, Chinese New Year is an occasion to thank family and friends and most importantly God for being generous to them and pray that they and others have a great year ahead.
