Spring Festival: The transition from the beginning of spring to the Spring Festival
The Spring Festival, now known as the most important traditional festival in China, has a rich and interesting history behind it.
Many people may not know that the name Spring Festival did not come into existence at the beginning, it has undergone a long evolution process from "Lichun" to "Spring Festival".
In ancient times, the Spring Festival was actually called "Lichun". On this day, various ceremonies are held to celebrate the arrival of spring and pray for good weather and abundant crops in the new year.
As one of the 24 solar terms, the beginning of spring was originally closely associated with farming culture.
However, with the advancement of history, Lichun gradually lost its official name as the Spring Festival and became a simple solar term.
So, how did the name "Spring Festival" come about?
This also starts with the historical changes in recent times.
In 1912, after the establishment of China, in order to be in line with international standards, January 1 of the Western calendar was designated as "New Year's Day".
In this way, the traditional Lunar New Year does not have a unified name.
Until 1914, in order to restore the official status of the Spring Festival, Yuan Shikai ** named the first month of the lunar calendar "Spring Festival", and has been used to this day.
Although the name has changed, the way the Spring Festival is celebrated and the cultural connotation has not changed.
The Spring Festival is a folk festival that integrates removing the old and welcoming the new, worshiping gods and ancestors, praying for blessings and warding off evil spirits, family and friend reunions, celebrations, entertainment and food.
At this special time, no matter where they are, people put down their work and return to their hometowns to reunite with their families.
The customs of the Spring Festival are rich and colorful, such as pasting couplets, setting off firecrackers, eating Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, giving red envelopes, etc., each of which carries people's good wishes for the new year.
Sticking couplets implies praying for peace and good luck; Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year; The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is a symbol of family reunion, implying family harmony and happy reunion; The red envelope is a blessing from the elders to the younger generations, wishing them to be safe, healthy and successful in their studies in the new year.
It is worth mentioning that the Spring Festival is not only a festival for Chinese, it has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
About one-fifth of the world's population celebrates the Spring Festival in different ways, and nearly 20 countries, including Vietnam, South Korea and Malaysia, have made the Spring Festival a national holiday.
In 2023, the Spring Festival will be designated as a statutory holiday by the United Nations, which is enough to show the important position of the Spring Festival in world culture.
Although the celebration of the Spring Festival varies according to different regions and nationalities, the cultural connotation and spiritual value it carries are the same.
The Chinese New Year is a bridge between the past and the future, which allows us to stop in our busy lives, look back on the past year, and look forward to the beautiful vision of the future.
Nowadays, the Spring Festival has become a festival celebrated by the whole people, it is not only a simple festival, but also a cultural symbol and an emotional sustenance.
At this special moment, let's feel the unique emotions that belong to the Chinese!
Let the joy and joy of the Spring Festival accompany us to welcome the arrival of the new year!