What Are The Traditions and History of Chinese New Year?
This traditional Chinese holiday typically falls between late January and mid-February. The reason for the time of the holiday (being different each year), is that it begins with the new moon and ending with the Lantern Festival on the full moon.
Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac; Each animal believed to influence the year’s energy, personality traits, and themes.
The History Of Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year traditions date back more than 3,000 years. Actually, the celebration was historically closely-tied to agriculture, which relates it to marking the end of winter and the start of spring; It’s a time when farmers prepared for planting and hoped for a successful harvest. Over time, rituals evolved to include honoring ancestors, warding off bad luck, and inviting prosperity into the home.
One of the most well-known legends involves a mythical beast, ‘Nian’. It’s said that this beast appears at the start of each new year to frighten villagers.
** According to folklore, people discovered that loud noises, bright lights, and the color RED could scare it away; This contributed to the rise of firecrackers, lanterns, and red decorations that remain central to the celebration today.
Meaningful Traditions:
FAMILY sits at the very heart of Chinese New Year. The holiday typically begins with a reunion dinner, where multiple generations gather to share a meal symbolizing "unity and abundance". Homes are thoroughly cleaned beforehand, as to sweep away bad luck; BUT, brooms are put away once the new year begins to avoid “sweeping out” all of the good fortune.
Red envelopes, known as hongbao, are traditionally given to children and younger family members. These are filled with money; They symbolize luck, protection, and well-wishes for the year ahead. Decorations featuring promising phrases, paper cuttings, and lanterns are displayed to attract happiness and prosperity.
Food also plays an important role i Cinese culture, exspeically this time of year. Dishes are chosen for their symbolic meanings: Dumplings are for wealt; Long noodles are meant for longevity; Fish is for abundance: and Sweet treats are for a hopeful, harmonious year ahead.
Reflection and Renewal:
Beyond the festivities, Chinese New Year is deeply, deeply reflective. It is a time to honor ancestors; to express gratitude; and To set intentions for the future. Many people use the holiday as an opportunity to let go of what no longer serves them and to move forward with optimism, balance, and purpose.
As communities around the world celebrate Chinese New Year, the holiday continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the universal desire for a fresh start. Whether marked with grand parades or quiet moments at home, its spirit of renewal resonates far beyond the calendar.
JOIN US TO PLAY (beginner, American) MAJONG!!!
Sip, Paint & Learn American Mahjong. Seats are limited! SIGN UP ASAP!!!
Start your night with creativity, then settle in for a fun and social game experience! Guests will begin with a 30-minute mini painting featuring this beautiful cherry blossom design - perfect for relaxing, sipping, and getting into the creative flow.
Once paintings are complete, we'll transition into a beginner-friendly Mahjong lesson with a professional instructor, Colleen Loftus from Mariposa Mahjong. She will walk you through the basics of the game, including tiles, rules, how to play, and take-home materials. After learning, you'll jump right into a guided game to practice and play in a supportive, easygoing environment.
NOTE: the Feb 18 class is SOLD OUT but we are offering ANOTHER CLASS ON MARCH 10th!
We will be painting ' Mandarin Sunset' (*shown, above)
While enjoying a wonderful sunset, a calm breeze blows through a cherry blossom tree, scattering petals all over. Capture this beautiful moment with us.
Be sure to SIGN UP ASAP:
https://www..../event/891335
MAKE SOME DECOR FOR YOUR HOME:
Join us on Feb 5th for 'Moonlit Cherry Blossoms River'
Or on Feb 13th to paint 'Van Gogh's Cherry Blossoms'!
** You'll fall in love all over again while painting this heart shaped cherry blossom tree with your honey. This unique diptych is inspired by the iconic cherry blossom color studies of Van Gogh.
This event is OFF-SITE. This event takes place at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Aurora, not at Pinot's Palette in Naperville.
Bonus: You can paint this with your bffs, as Feb 13 is 'Galentine's Day'!
Share Come Paint with Us! | (Beginner) Mahjong and a Painting!