Developed from remote antiquity, the splendid and colorful living context of that time is vividly presented in these unique and interesting customs of circulated festivals. Most traditional Chinese festivals took shape during Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) and major festivals greatly celebrated today were fixed by the time of Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.). Chinese traditional festivals are celebrated according to the Chinese lunar calendar or Chinese agriculture calendar (农历:nóng lì); Therefore, dates of each festival are varied in western calendar every year. But all festivals make no difference to be celebrated for good wishes for happiness, health, luck, wealth and most important, family reunion.
Important Festivals for Chinese
About eight traditional festivals are celebrated nationwide in China, namely, Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Tomb-sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Qiqiao Festival, Ghost Festival, Mid-autumn Day and Double Ninth Festival. Some other festivals are also celebrated but varied in different areas such as Laba Rice Porridge Festival, Double Sixth Festival, and Winter Solstice Festival. In addition, unique festivals are celebrated among different ethnic groups, e.g. Torch Festival among Yi people, Lusheng Festival among Miao people, Water-sprinkling Festival among Dai people and the like. The following table is a brief overview on general information of the eight major festivals in China.
|
Festival |
Date (lunar/western calendar) |
Activities |
|
Spring Festival |
From the last day of lunar December to the fifteenth day of the lunar year/ late January or early February |
Set off fireworks, paste spring couplets and new year paintings, shousui (stay up late), worship to gods, have a family reunion dinner, have dumplings, pay New Year visits, watch dragon dances and lion dances, watch the Spring Festival Gala. |
|
Lantern Festival |
The 15th day of the lunar year/ around February |
Burn incenses, enjoy festive lanterns, guess lantern riddles, and go to temple affairs. |
|
Qingming Festival (Tomb-sweeping Day) |
The 106th day after Winter Solstice (around Dec.21-23)/ around April 4 and April 5. |
Worship to ancestors, go outing, do spring ploughing and sowing, wear and plant willow shoots, ride on the swing, fly kites. |
|
Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival) |
May 5th / late May or early June |
Hang calamus and Folium Artemisiae argyi on doors, race dragon boat, have rice dumplings (zongzi) and eggs. |
|
Qiqiao Festival/Double Seventh Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) |
July 7th / around August |
Do needle works, make Qiqiao lights and food, watch Cowherd and Weaving maid meet in the courtyard. |
|
Ghost Festival |
July 15th / late August or early September |
Worship to ancestors, set lanterns on the river, have dumplings and fruits. |
|
Mid-Autumn Festival |
August 15th / late September or early October |
Have family reunion, appreciate the full moon, have moon cakes and fruits. |
|
Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival) |
Sep. 9th / around October |
Climb high places, wear medicinal cornels, have family reunion, eat Chongyang cakes, visit elder citizens. |
