Do you know its root from agriculture and ancient rituals?

History

Chinese New Year boasts a history of 3500 years, dating back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 to 1046 BC). The term ‘Year’ refers to the Chinese lunar year, known as ‘Nian’ in Chinese. Therefore, it falls on the first day of the lunar calendar.

Based on people’s experience in agriculture and nature, the concept of ‘Nian’ was invented to describe the time unit encompassing the entire growth cycle of crops. The oracle bone character of ‘Nian’, the original form of the character, depicts a man carrying sheaves of grain on his back. It represents harvest marking the end of a growth cycle, which is therefore used as the symbol for a ‘year’.

As the old "Nian" comes to an end and the new one begins, people would take a well-earned break from farm work and enjoy the fruits of their labour. They also worship the spirits of nature and offer gratitude for the deeds of their forebears, while praying for blessings in the year to come. Over time, this practice evolved into an ingrained custom, remaining through thousands of years.

Chinese New Year gets its well-known name as “the Spring Festival’” around the time of the 1911 Revolution. Before then, the term “Spring Festival” had already been used to describe the first of the twenty-four terms in coordination with the changes of Nature, which talks more about the season of spring. However, it wasn’t until 1914 that Yuan Shikai, the second provisional president of the Republic of China officially designated the first day of the lunar new year as “the Spring Festival”, to distinguish it from the New Year in the Gregorian Calendar.

Celebrations

In 2025, The Spring Festival will fall on January 29th. While customs may vary across different regions in China, certain traditions are universally observed. For instance, people would engage in thorough house cleanings and wear new clothes, symbolising sweeping away the old and starting afresh. Uniting with their family, enjoying a big festive meal and visiting relatives throughout the week afterwards are also common practices. In the digital age, there are new trends, such as sending WeChat red envelopes while watching the Spring Festival Gala.

During this time of the year, red lanterns would light up the streets and the crackling of firecrackers fill the air. Doors are adorned with spring festival couplets to express lovely wishes. You can also spot images of door gods, who are divine guardians in folk tales to protect people against evil spirits.

Going international 

The Spring Festival is not only the most significant holiday in China but has also spread to other parts of Asia, where it has become a major celebration with its own unique customs. Today, people from all around the world can celebrate the festival together — after all, it is a time for union, gratitude and hope, something that resonates universally.

Written by Kehan

Sidney Webb House resident