Chinese New Year Celebrations: Traditions and Unique Twists Across the Nation
On the second day of the Chinese New Year, the Chinese news outlet, the People's Daily, posted a series of tweets on Weibo celebrating the festivities and traditions observed across China. The hashtag #ShowYourFamilyNewYearFlavor# gained traction as users posted pictures and videos of their unique New Year's celebrations.
12 February 2024
The People's Daily posted a video featuring the popular television host, Ma Yanli, who greeted the nation during CCTV's Chinese New Year Gala. Ma has been a beloved presenter for her energetic sports anchor persona. "On New Year's Day, Ma Yanli accompanied the entire nation in welcoming the rooster year, and wished for a vigorous and lively start to the new sports season for all sisters," the caption read.
In a separate post, the People's Daily shared a video of firefighters and traffic police in Guangxi who celebrated a unique reunion dinner. The caption read, "Red red fire everywhere, reuniting differently!" The footage showed the first responders partaking in their own reunion dinner, with a double serving of the New Year spirit.
Another post featured stunning visuals of the lantern festival, as people across China hung red lanterns to welcome the new year. The caption asked, "Have you hung up your lanterns at home?"
The news outlet also shared a post about the dragon dance performance organized at the Harbor City shopping mall in Tianjin. The dragon dance is a traditional Chinese performance that symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
The People's Daily also posted a video of a family reunion dinner in Chongqing, showcasing the diverse and creative dishes that were served. The feast included a variety of meats, vegetables, and a signature dish - Chongqing hotpot. The caption read, "2024 New Year's Eve reunion dinner, the reunion dinner menu had some innovative touches, featuring a DIY hot pot with white sliced chicken, beef, beef balls, beef tendons, beef liver, spinach, celtuce, stir-fried bean sprouts, and tofu. Prosperity, good fortune, good luck, delicious, laugh, what better backdrop for the New Year's feast than the smiles on the faces of family and friends?"
Meanwhile, the news outlet also shared a video of the Lanxiang Technical School in Shijiazhuang, where students and teachers greeted the Year of the Rooster with a stunning display of fireworks. The caption read, "Firecrackers bursting, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new year with the roar of the dragon and the leap of the tiger."
China's weather bureau also posted a tweet, celebrating the clear skies during this year's Chinese New Year, which helped create a dazzling display of fireworks across the nation.
These posts give a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant culture of China during the New Year festivities. People across the nation celebrated with their families, friends, and communities, each adding their own unique twist to the traditions. From the majestic dragon dances to the sumptuous reunion feasts, the Chinese New Year is truly a magnificent celebration of life, family, and culture.