The Chinese calendar is divided into twelve-year cycles as each year of the cycle corresponds an animal. According to the Chinese this year is the 4074th and a pig, but it is beginning Feb. 18. It was the sign of the dog, and the last - to plug petela. The new year is one of the biggest holidays in China.
It is not celebrated on a specific date, as adopted in Europe. The date
is determined according to Chinese lunar calendar and is between
mid-December and mid-February. Chinese New Year is called Chun tsze,
welcoming spring, and the Spring Festival). In the past this was no
holiday molebstveni ceremonies for fertility: for plentiful harvest,
the birth of boys to continue kind of breeding livestock.
In the decoration of housing and clothing dominate the red - the color
of sun, joy. North of women and children bear the red underwear and
shoes. It is believed that evil spirits are afraid of red. So even
before the holiday on different objects fastened red paper strips, and
upon them with gold paint to write wishes. Over the door hang five long
ribbons, symbolic of the five species happiness: luck, honor,
happiness, wealth and longevity. Sometimes the straps are replaced with
the bat, cut from red paper. In the days before the holiday homes are
cleaned mainly, not hygienic, with a ritual purpose to amend anything
bad from home.
Preparation of food should be completed early, to not use a knife to
the feast - it is considered that the knife be severed luck.
The first day of Chinese New Year is called Yuan Dan (New Year's morning) and started in 23 hours of prednovogodishniya day, and ends with the rising of the sun. Then one has to be among family. Even closest friends have no right to sit at the table. The door of the house is sealed from inside with red paper strips after the family is reunited. During this time the street out evil spirits. To progonyat unclean forces fighting drums and vzrivyavat cracker (piratkite not an invention of the Bulgarian kids). To protect a person from the influence of evil forces, should not sleep all night. Between 3 and 5 o'clock the morning before the first cocks in court is throwing pine (in North China) or kiparisovi (south) spray, but the owner removed the seal from the door, which prevents unclean creatures outside. In the kitchen, until the outbreak is zalepva new image of the spirit of family atmosphere that has returned from my trip in Yuy Juan - Nefriteniya Emperor (he in heaven). Of women is forbidden to celebrate the spirit to myat hands to decide before his image. The head of the family pray and worship before pradedite. On the table after volley five hot dishes, five cups of wine, five cups of tea and ten sticks for eating five generations of ancestors, family worship of the oldest, children are given money in red envelopes and sit at the table. What will be put on the table praznichnata depends primarily on the region, but compulsory for all areas are lotus seed and ginkgo and black seaweed. In no case are presented soy cheese tofu because of its white color - the color of death and grief. On the table is put pelmeni, which previously was the family rule. Presents and rice and round fruits - apples, oranges and mandarins, which symbolize love, family. Kiflichkite of glutinous rice surprise (with pieces of fruit, nuts) are also traditionally served. House secretly put coin (have ever put a piece of silver, gold or gemstone) one of them and one of whom falls coin will kasmetliyata year (not you remind our cake on Christmas Eve?). Pasta symbolize long and happy life, one of whom is the longest fall accordingly will have a long and successful life. Chinese drink a little. Men sometimes drink concentrates (something like brandy), as zamezvat large quantities of food. In most cases prefer beer. Women drink red wine diluted with carbonated soft, add some lemon. Most ladies drink tea, juices and carbonated drinks. Coffee in China is not very widespread. On the table sit two to five hours at the end of dinner to sing many different songs. In the days are celebrated, various rituals are performed, there is no room for improvisations. The label requires mandatory compliance with the Protocol. First day of the feast begins with a religious ceremony in honor of Heaven, Earth and the gods of the family hearth. On the second day to honor ancestors. For deceased prepare food, put them special utensils, spillage is alcohol (get something like our zadushnitsa). Pochinalita relatives to speak with love and respect. On the third and fourth day visit mother-in-law and mother-in-law. The fifth is to honor the god of wealth. All you sit at home, no one does not go anywhere to keep the money released during the year. On the day begins novogodishnoto common folly - all merry from morning until evening. On the seventh day, during which believes that human beings are born, drink wine made from seven vegetables. Eat Chinese vermicelli (for longevity) and raw fish (career). On the eighth day is mandatory family dinner. Ninth day is dedicated to Nefriteniya Emperor, the ruler of heaven. On the tenth day edinaystiya and invite friends and relatives and lift heavy tables. Thirteenth day is a day of treatment - eat a little rice with green mustard. Rest for the body. On the fourteenth day preparing for the festival of light. On the fifteenth day festival of light begins, there is a night parade with flaming lanterns. Begin revelry, dancing, fireworks. The best gift for your favorite people on the Chinese New Year are prorasnali bulbs of tulips and narcissus, spring bamboo, strawberries and roses in sadinki with water. Excluded flowers are not present, it is considered that this is not good.
