Festivals Home » Chinese Books » About China » Festivals

Chinese New Year is a time for new beginnings giving thanks, and reunions with family and friends. It was first celebrated many centuries ago and is based on the lunar calendar rather than the gregorian calendar that Western countries use. Traditionally, the holiday is marked with a religious ceremony that honors Heaven and Earth, the gods of the households, and family ancestors. Chinese New Year begins at the second new moon after winter solstice, sometime between mid-January and mid-February. The holiday lasts for fifteen days, and each day is distinguished with a different activity, such as visiting relatives or eating special foods.