The Spring Festival
With Chinese New Year’s day falling on February 10, the day marks the start of the Year of the Wood Dragon which will last until January 28, 2025.
Traditionally, New Year celebrations in China last for sixteen days, which kicks-off on Chinese New Year’s Eve (the day before Chinese New Year’s Day) and ends with the Lantern Festival, which falls on February 24, 2024 this year.
Following is a breakdown on the different days that’re part of the Spring Festival and the traditional activities that’re associated with them:
FEBRUARY 9 – NEW YEAR’S EVE
This day is widely regarded as an important holiday in China, one which entails having family reunions and a midnight feast to greet the coming of the New Year.
FEBRUARY 10 – NEW YEAR’S DAY
Traditionally, New Year’s Day is celebrated as a day to visit or greet one’s relatives, give gifts to friends and family and visit the graves of one’s ancestors.
FEBRUARY 11 – IN-LAW’S DAY
On this day, married women typically visit their parents with their husbands and their children.
FEBRUARY 12 – DAY OF THE RAT
This day is widely believed to be an ominous one, and households typically stay at home with their family and engage in activities like indoor games or just spend time together.
FEBRUARY 13 – DAY OF THE SHEEP
Believed to be an auspicious day, many go to temples and offer prayers on this day, apart from visiting fortune tellers to have their fortunes told.
FEBRUARY 14 – DAY OF THE OX
This day is widely regarded as the birthday of the “God of Wealth”, and many typically stay at home or don’t stay out too long, just in case the God of Wealth visits their home. This is also the day when businesses typically open.
FEBRUARY 15 – DAY OF THE HORSE
This day is believed to be the best day to get rid of old and unwanted items, and is largely considered to be a good day to resume regular work.
FEBRUARY 16 – DAY OF MANKIND
This day is believed to be the day when people were created, and many typically observe it by spending time outdoors.
FEBRUARY 17 – DAY OF GRAIN
It is believed that good weather on this day is an indicator of good crops for the rest of the year, and it is mostly observed as a day when mini family reunions are held.
FEBRUARY 18 – PROVIDENCE HEALTH DAY
The day is celebrated as the birthday of the Jade Emperor, and offerings and the lighting of incense at temples are typically done during this day.
FEBRUARY 19 – STONE FESTIVAL
This day is believed to be the birthday of the God of Stone, and its observances are similar to those that’re done during the day before.
FEBRUARY 20 – SON-IN-LAW DAY
On this day, fathers traditionally treat their sons-in-law to something special like having a special dinner with them, or just spend the day doing things that’re of interest to them.
FEBRUARY 21 – LANTERN DAY PREPARATIONS
This day is typically set on doing preparations for Lantern Day, which entails the making of lanterns and preparing the food that will be savored on the day itself.
FEBRUARY 24 – LANTERN FESTIVAL
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival, and it is the day when lanterns are lit and hung outside homes. Dragon dances are also done during this day, and different activities that’re aligned with bringing in good luck and fortune are observed during this day.