On December 4, 2024, the Spring Festival was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List ofIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming another iconic symbol of Chinese culture on the global stage.
This year marks the first Chinese New Year since the successful inclusion of the Spring Festival on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This historic milestone not only highlights the unique charm of Chinese traditions, further strengthening the cultural identity and pride of Chinese people worldwide, but also significantly enhances the international influence of Chinese culture, showcasing its global significance and contemporary value.
As the beginning of the new year, the first day of the Chinese New Year symbolizes not only bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the latest but also carries the significance of reunion and good wishes. On this day, people wake up early, put on new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange New Year greetings, sending blessings and good wishes for the year ahead. During the greetings, younger people traditionally wish their elders good health and long life, while elders give out "lucky money" (压岁钱) to the younger ones. The word "岁" (year) sounds like "祟" (evil spirit), so it is believed that lucky money can ward off evil spirits, ensuring that the younger ones will have a safe and peaceful year ahead.
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, people open their doors and set off firecrackers. After the explosion, the ground is covered in red paper, shimmering like clouds of gold, a scene known as "满堂红" (full house of red). Setting off firecrackers during the Spring Festival is rich in cultural significance in Chinese tradition. It symbolizes the expulsion of evil spirits and the arrival of the new year, representing joy and prosperity. It reflects people's hopes and aspirations for a better life. The sound of firecrackers not only embodies this traditional custom but also represents people's wishes for peace and good fortune in the coming year. Amid the crackling, one can almost hear the echoes of the past and feel the call of the future. The smell of firecrackers has also become an important representation of the "flavor" of the New Year.
