Every civilization possesses its unique traditions, myths, and views of the cosmos. The older a civilization is, the more profound its cultural legacy becomes. Time-honored legends and ancient customs have always captivated the curiosity of thoughtful individuals.
As we know, Eastern cultures are particularly rich in heritage. Thankfully, the people of the Middle and Far East have diligently preserved and passed down their cultural legacy to the present day.
We would like to introduce you to Chinese New Year, the most revered holiday in East Asia, known as Chun Jie or the Spring Festival. Since ancient times, Chinese New Year has been the most significant and longest holiday in China and several other East Asian countries. The start of the celebrations is determined by the lunar calendar, coinciding with the first new moon of the year. This is why the Spring Festival is also referred to as the Lunar New Year. According to the Chinese calendar, the first day of the Spring Festival marks the beginning of the new year.
In China, each year is associated with a unique character from the zodiac, and there are 12 characters in the zodiacal cycle. Each one carries its significance and influences the nature of the year ahead. In 2025, the Chinese New Year will begin on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Snake.
The Snake is a symbol of wisdom, grace, and mystery, deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Known for its calm and composed demeanor, the Snake embodies introspection and intuition. Snakes are thoughtful, strategic, and patient, often taking time to carefully plan and analyze before taking action. They exude a sense of elegance and charm, but beneath this exterior lies a sharp, perceptive mind.
Chinese mythology views the Snake as a symbol of transformation and rebirth, representing a period of growth and personal development. Snakes are considered clever and resourceful, frequently finding creative solutions to complex problems. While they may appear reserved, they possess a deep sense of loyalty and are capable of great compassion for those they care about. The Year of the Snake is a time for reflection, self-discovery, and embracing new opportunities with calculated precision and wisdom.
In accordance with ancient tradition, the Chinese celebrate the Spring Festival for 15 days, during which numerous exciting events take place. The origins of this holiday trace back to prehistoric times, and while its exact beginnings remain a mystery, several legends have emerged that help explain the significance of the Spring Festival. We are excited to share some of these fascinating stories with you shortly.
One of the most famous legends surrounding Chinese New Year tells the story of a terrifying monster named Nian, who would emerge from the sea on New Year’s Eve. This fearsome creature devoured everything in its path, and the ancient Chinese were deeply afraid of it. On the night of the New Year, families would lock themselves inside their homes, praying and waiting for dawn, as it was the only way to survive.
In the morning, people would venture outside to assess the damage caused by Nian and check on their neighbors. This cycle of destruction continued until the Chinese discovered that Nian was afraid of red, loud noises, and bright lights. According to the legend, one year Nian destroyed an entire village, but one family survived because they wore red clothing.
This discovery led to the tradition of wearing red during the New Year and setting off fireworks and firecrackers on the first day of the festival. These customs have been passed down through generations and are still widely practiced today, spreading to many other countries as well.
For more about Chinese New Year customs and traditions, you can read our detailed article here.
The second legend suggests that, on New Year’s Eve, evil spirits banished from around the world scour the earth searching for a new home. However, the bright flashes and loud explosions of fireworks scare these spirits away, protecting homes from unwanted visitors. Interestingly, in ancient times, bamboo sticks were used in place of modern firecrackers. When thrown into the fire, they created a crackling sound, somewhat similar to the noise made by fireworks.
These two legends might be different versions of the same events or characters. Perhaps Nian symbolizes the evil spirits, or vice versa. Regardless, it’s clear that the ancient Chinese had a solid reason to celebrate the Spring Festival, and they continue to do so to this day. A 15-day celebration seems a fitting tribute to their victory over dark forces.
As the sages say, the strength of a nation lies in its traditions and customs. Perhaps modern nations could benefit from embracing this positive aspect of their heritage.
We wish you a prosperous year ahead, and may every day feel like a celebration!
Thank you for choosing to be with us. We truly appreciate your trust and support.
Warm regards,
The Parcel Up Team