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Residents
enjoy a leisurely moment in a square adorned with festive Chinese New
Year decorations in Longgang District, ahead of the Spring Festival
celebrations. Liu Xudong
Be
prepared to embrace a sea of red on the first day of the Chinese New
Year! The first day of the Chinese New Year is not only a time to
embrace new beginnings, but also a moment to celebrate unity and invite a
prosperous year ahead.
On
this special day, people slip into their new clothes, often with at
least a touch of red, ready to bainian (exchange New Year greetings),
give hongbao (red envelopes), and ignite the night with the sparkle of
fireworks.Wearing red: A tradition of vitality and protection
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Dressed in festive red, attendees add a splash of tradition to the lively flower fair in Futian on Jan. 22. Photos by Liu Xudong
The
first day of the Spring Festival is marked by a time-honored tradition:
people wear new outfits, often in red, to celebrate the new year. From
red dresses and jackets to scarves and shoes, the color red dominates
the scene. Whether in bustling cities or quiet villages, it’s common to
see someone with at least a touch of red on this day. But this isn’t
just about fashion — it’s about protection, prosperity, and good
fortune.In
ancient China, it was believed that the color red could ward off evil
spirits, and this belief is still alive and well today. The tradition of
wearing red on the first day of the Spring Festival is thought to bring
a year free of misfortune, one that is filled with happiness, wealth,
and success.Whether
young or old, people wear red as a way to connect with their heritage,
embrace the fresh start of the new year, and share in the collective
wish for happiness and prosperity.Bainian (拜年): A tradition of blessings and good wishes
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Xiong
Fei and her husband, Yang Zhaohai, visit her mother with their child in
Jiucheng Village, Wenshan City, Yunnan Province, during the Spring
Festival on Feb. 11, 2024. File photo
On
the first day of the Spring Festival, families take part in bainian, a
custom where people visit family and friends to offer New Year’s
greetings and blessings. This is also the time when everyone’s red
outfits shine the brightest.Bainian
isn’t just about wishing each other a “Happy New Year.” It’s a ritual
of renewal—renewing relationships, renewing hopes for a prosperous year,
and reconnecting with family and community.Historically,
bainian was seen as an opportunity to honor one's elders, seek
blessings, and show respect. Elders would offer their best wishes for
health, happiness, and fortune, while younger family members would
express their gratitude and respect. Over the years, bainian has
expanded beyond family, and people visit friends, neighbors, and even
colleagues to share good wishes.Hongbao (红包): Red envelopes full of luck and prosperity
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A red envelope is a blessing for wealth, success, and happiness. File photo
One
of the most cherished customs of the Spring Festival is the giving of
hongbao, or red envelopes, filled with money. The act of gifting a red
envelope goes beyond the financial gift — it’s a blessing for wealth,
success, and happiness.When
elders hand out hongbao to children and younger relatives, the red
envelopes represent prosperity. The color red itself carries the belief
that it will bring the recipient a prosperous and smooth year ahead.The
exchange of hongbao typically begins with the elders or married couples
giving red envelopes to younger family members, such as children,
nieces, nephews, and unmarried adults. The gift-giving is a way to pass
on good luck and ensure the recipient's well-being and success.While
hongbao are traditionally given during the Spring Festival period,
their reach extends beyond the family. In the modern context, hongbao
have also become a social gesture. It is common for colleagues, friends,
and even business partners to exchange hongbao, wishing each other
success, wealth, and happiness.The
amount inside the envelope is never too extravagant, as the focus is on
the gesture of sharing blessings rather than the sum of money itself.
However, odd numbers, particularly the number four, are avoided because
they sound like the word for death. In
recent years, digital hongbao have gained popularity, especially among
younger generations. Platforms like WeChat and Alipay allow people to
send virtual red envelopes filled with digital money or even lucky
coupons. These digital hongbao are just as symbolic as their physical
counterparts, continuing the tradition in a tech-savvy form.Fireworks: Lighting up the sky with red sparks
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Brilliant
fireworks light up the sky over Shantou City, as citizens gather to
marvel at the dazzling display in February 2024. Bao'an Daily
As
evening falls on the first day of the Spring Festival, fireworks light
up the night sky in a stunning display of color and sound in rural
areas. Red is the dominant color of many firecrackers and fireworks, a
reminder of its deep cultural connection to protection and renewal.This
tradition of setting off fireworks dates back to the myth of Nian, the
monster who would terrorize villages. According to legend, loud noises
and the color red could frighten away the beast and bring peace and
prosperity to the village. Today, fireworks are still seen as a way to
chase away evil spirits and usher in a fresh start for the year.The red thread that connects us
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Visitors browse vibrant Spring Festival ornaments and decorations at a bustling flower fair in Futian on Jan. 22. Liu Xudong
From
the outfits worn on the first day to the hongbao exchanged and the
fireworks that light up the sky, red ties the Spring Festival customs
together. It’s not just a color — it’s a symbol of harmony, protection,
and prosperity.On
the first day of the Spring Festival, when you see the color red,
remember that it carries with it the collective hopes of families, the
joy of reunion, and the belief that a prosperous year lies ahead.How
do you celebrate the Spring Festival in your family? What red
traditions do you look forward to most? You are welcome to share your
photos and stories with us via eyeshenzhen@126.com. Let’s celebrate the
Chinese New Year together!
欢迎联系编辑微信：onomatopoeia30 （请注明来意）You're welcome to add Shenzhen Daily editor's WeChat (onomatopoeia30) for suggestions and inquiries about cooperation and advertisements (please specify reason when sending a friend request)WeChat Editors / Cynthia, Fanfan, Yunfei![]()
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