Why is Chinese New Year so important? by Ye Jing
Hey everyone!
As we gear up for Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival (春节 Chūn Jié), I thought it would be fun to share a little about why this holiday is so meaningful, what the Year of the Snake symbolizes, and how I plan to celebrate this year. Let’s dive in!
Why is Chinese New Year so important?
For me, Chinese New Year is more than just another holiday. It’s a time for family, food, and fresh starts. It’s the most important festival in China, and it’s all about saying goodbye to the past year and welcoming new opportunities, prosperity, and happiness.
What I love most are the traditions. There’s cleaning the house (to sweep away bad luck), decorating with red lanterns and couplets, and, of course, the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. It’s like an unspoken rule that no matter where you are, you come home for this meal. There’s something so comforting about sitting around the table with loved ones, sharing dishes that have been passed down for generations.
The lion dance is another iconic tradition, with performers moving to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. The lion symbolizes strength, protection, and fortune, and its performance is believed to drive away evil spirits while summoning wealth and harmony.
The Year of the Snake: What Does It Mean?
Now, let’s talk about the zodiac. If you didn’t know, the Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. 2025 is the Year of the Snake (蛇 Shé), and I’ve got to say, it’s a fascinating one. In mythology, the snake is a powerful figure; Nüwa (女娲), the creator goddess, is depicted with a snake’s body, embodying creation and strength.
In Chinese culture, the Snake symbolizes wisdom, elegance, and intuition. People born in Snake years are often thought to be deep thinkers and problem solvers, with a knack for intelligence and creativity. On the flip side, Snakes can also be a bit aloof or mysterious, so there’s a balance there.
I was born in the Snake year, which makes this year extra special for me. It’s also tradition to wear red during your zodiac year (本命年 běnmìngnián) to ward off bad luck, so this year you’ll catch me rocking some red clothes and accessories!
How I’ll Celebrate This Year
Back when I lived in Guangzhou, I loved how festive the city got during Chinese New Year. The flower markets were my favourite part—they’re like a burst of springtime magic in the middle of winter. I’d always pick up some lilies (my go-to for decorating the living room), maybe some gladiolus for an extra dose of good vibes.
This year, though, I’m in England, so the celebrations will look a little different. Instead of having a traditional family reunion dinner, I’m planning a big party with my friends. We’ll share some classic Chinese New Year dishes, exchange blessings, and maybe even try our hand at making dumplings together. It’s a new way to celebrate, but I think it’ll be just as meaningful and fun.
Wrapping It Up
Chinese New Year is such a special time to reflect, connect, and celebrate. Whether you’re a Snake, a Dragon, or a Rabbit (it’s okay, we’re all friends here), this holiday has something for everyone.
I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating or if you’ve ever experienced Chinese New Year traditions before. Drop a comment below and share your story!
Wishing you all a fantastic Year of the Snake. May it bring you wisdom, elegance, and plenty of good food with loved ones
