The documented history of China has more than five thousand years, so a huge number of national holidays and traditions in China is not surprising. The Chinese are very value their cultural heritage, observe the customs, traditions and honor never missed a solemn occasion. While worldwide accepted officially celebrate the New Year on January 1, the Chinese Lunar New Year (Ying Li Shing Nian), which usually falls in late January - early February, and the tradition is widely celebrated in China.

New Year - one of the most popular and important holiday in China. Most Chinese people celebrate it from the first to the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Throughout this time to talk about the good and pious deeds.

Celebrating the New Year begins on New Year's Eve (Tuan Nian) with a rich gala dinner when the festive table the whole family. It is also a must, as well as the presence of all members of the family, is the joint preparation of the most popular Chinese dishes - dumplings (Jiaozuo). According to the traditional view, dumplings - is not just a tasty dish, but also a symbol of best wishes to all the families, among which the most desired - the birth of sons. That evening, on the eve of the New Year the children are allowed to stay up, have fun with adults and celebrate the New Year. This tradition is called Shou Swei, which literally means "seeing the passing year." According to ancient beliefs, the common wires extend the life of the parents.

On the festive table, except for chicken dishes Chicken dishes: tender and diversity , Duck, pork and fish, served with pastries and confectionery, which are traditionally prepared for the New Year. These sweets have long called Nian Gao, or "Christmas cake". The obligatory dish pies considered Patties. Hospitable dish   with sweet rice.

All meals and fruits that are served for the festive table, have a certain symbolic significance, traditionally assign to them. On the table must prevail red What color goes red: beware Symbolizing the fullness of life and happiness. Of course, this is not the only color that is used in the decoration of the table and taken into account in the festive menu. Mandarin is not as important as Christmas cake.

When the Chinese recover to visit friends or relatives to congratulate them with the New Year, they are sure to bring a cake Nian Gao and traditions say Nian Nian Gao Sun, which means "we wish your family success and prosperity of each new year." It is also customary to bring two mandarin. They are called Gum, which in Cantonese sounds almost like "gold", so it is believed that the mandarins bring good luck and prosperity.

Pomegranate, which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as "Chinese apple", symbolizes fertility and abundance (because there are so many grains). The root of the lotus symbolizes longevity and strong family ties - even after it is cut, the two separated parts connected by a plurality of fiber strands. Peanuts growing underground and has an extensive root system, it is also considered a symbol of longevity. Seeds of watermelon, which are usually dried and have tea, as if saying: "Let your desires and words will be harmonious and pleasant." All these products are widely used in the New Year menu.

The first day of the New Year begins with the launch of fireworks and firecrackers and burning incense. Fireworks should ward off evil spirits and attract the family spirit of peace and happiness. At the end of the day the family welcomes the deities return home after their visit to the spirit world, where they "give an account" of the past year and then paid tribute to the memory of their ancestors.

On this festive day, without exception, men and women, children and the elderly, a new dress, bought specially for the occasion, clothes and visit relatives and friends to wish them a Happy New Year. This usually people take each other's hands and say: Gung Shi Fa Tsai, which means: "Congratulations! I wish wealth and prosperity! "Or Do Fu Do Shou, meaning" May your life is full of happiness and joy! "And Ru Dung Hai, Shou Bi Nan San, which means" let your happiness be as large as the East Sea, and life - so long as the South Mountain. " For several days in a row all the holiday fun will reign. People will pay visits to each other and exchange gifts.

Throughout the whole day gala dragon dances to the sound of gongs and cymbals, which are accompanied by drumming and sudden rupture of fireworks. This kind of foreplay that precedes the beginning of the year of good health, happiness and prosperity.

Although the tradition of celebrating the New Year slightly different in different regions of China, they remain an integral part of a fun pastime and the most favorite Chinese holiday.

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