James Neequaye Kotey

 EXPERIENCE THE SPRING FESTIVAL OF THE CHINESE. Experience the New Year festival of the Chinese people which is also known as the spring festival and the Chinese call it chunjie. It is called spring festival because it marks the end of winter and marks the beginning of spring. The Chinese New Year starts the first day of the month in the Chinese calendar. In China this signifies new beginnings and start of fresh year for them. The celebration lasts for 15 days which begins on the New Year eve. History about the Chinese New Year The history of the celebration spans over a long time ago. It is still not certain exactly when it started. At the time of sage-emperors Yao and Shun a small scale spring festival is said to have been celebrated. Before the tradition began, the initial date was between mid-winter to spring. It was Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who provided a consistent way to measure the period of the year. He was the one who established the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar as the beginning of the year for the Chinese. Wonderful facts about the Chinese New Year The Chinese is one the biggest celebration in China and across the world. The amazing facts that will make you look amazed with awe are these. Their Believe in the zodiac sign In the Chinese calendar, every New Year starts with an animal symbol or zodiac sign as it called here in China. Now, the fun fact is these zodiacs have special meanings to them. Every year comes with its new theme. Such a wonderful tradition to behold here is an experience I will never forget. In 2018, the theme was the year of the Dog. Interesting right, the people in China believe in their customs a lot. The Best fireworks you want to see The sight you behold seeing so many thousands of fireworks is just countless. Standing along the Victoria harbor in Hong Kong. I saw the fireworks which lasted for about 22minutes, the show was spectacular. This is what I call a new year indeed has begun. The feeling you get seeing the lights in the skies, am just speechless. I promise myself am not going to miss next year’s event. I am sure this time, which is 2019 will be the year of rat or pig. You be the guess of that. Nobody is allowed to bath or wash or even throw garbage I know you want to read more about this one, yes is true. During this time, no showering is permitted or throwing away garbage. This is all considered as throwing away the good luck of the New Year away. I certainly followed the rule; I did not want any bad luck. But not to worry there is a day set aside to clean and sweep evil and bad luck away. Renting a boyfriend or girlfriend for the New Year I notice this it was strange, I find out that during this time of the year. Singles, are about to return home to their families hire a boyfriend or girlfriend and take them home. Just to prove to their families they have settles down to avoid any embarrassment. If you are within a certain age bracket here and not married, you are taught to be nobody in the society. So I what basically gathered was, family and continuation of the family lineage is very important to them. The Exchange of red envelops This envelops contains money which given to or exchange bosses and employees and from elders to little children. This is believed to transfer fortune from little ones to the elders. To the Chinese, the color red means a lot , it means energy and hope and happiness for the year ahead . The Chinese New Year food The Chinese and their food is no joke, during this time they do not joke with their food at all. They eat all they can since is festive season; you have no idea what am talking about, till you see it for yourself. The family have a special dinner which they eat their special foods. Fish is served during dinner which is part of their custom. PLACES YOU SHOULD VISIT IN CHINA TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON These places are the most terrific places you can go anytime you are in china for spring festival. 1. Temple fairs –Beijing Fairs at the Temple host a lot activities entertainments such as martial arts , dragon dances , tea culture are also displayed and a variety of activies to make you enjoy the festive season . 2. Ditan Temple Is another spot for the biggest fair all kinds of items been sold here, you can get snacks, antiques and a wide range of performances going on constantly. The fun does not stop here at the Ditan Temple. Such wonderful place you should visit. Will recommend you to visit any day. 3. Guangzhou Such a wonderful city with beautiful sights that was built for tourist to fully explore what the city has to offer for the New Year festivities. Stores and shops are splendid. A place you do not need to say no for , you must see what is made of . The transport system, the railway, what more can a rich city boost of. 4. Hong Kong People, here mark the holidays with fun and their customs , every part of the Hong Kong area is mark by different celebrations and festivities. There is parade which happens on the New Year eve with lots of countries participating in the parade. Always remember to say New Year greeting when you visit, “xin nian kuai le”. This literally means happy New Year. The Chinese New Year is a great way for the Chinese around the globe to come together as one, which they all move to their family homes to see their families and spend time with the family. This festival tends to bring people together to show case the rich culture of the Chinese. This is what you call an experience.