Chinese Festivals

Festivals mark the passing of time in the course of a year. The celebrations often require time and effort to prepare and involves a large social network. Overtime, the festivals that continued to be observed and celebrated tells us many things about the people and society.

Chinese festivals follow the lunar calendar and the actual date changes every year.

Chinese New Year 农历新年, 春节

First 15 days of the first lunar month (usually Jan or Feb) 

Preparing for Chinese New Year

Preparing for the Chinese New Year involves months of work and planning before the big day.

Celebration starts on New Year's eve

After much time and effort, the count down for New Year starts. The New Year eve is also effectively the start of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Nian Gao, 年糕, New year cake

A Chinese pastry used during the Chinese New Year and also as gifts to family, friends and business associates.

Dragon Boat Festival 端午节

5th day of the 5th lunar month (usually June)

Qu Yuan屈原

Qu Yuan, the main character around which the dumpling festival revolves. 

Read about the historical period that Qu Yuan lived in as well as see photos of his, hometown, temple, and tomb. These structures are being submerged by the three gorges dam 三峡construction. 

Dumplings粽子

The food item that is closely associated with the Dumpling Festival.

Dragon Boat 龙舟

The dragon boat custom that evolved from civilian’s attempt to save Qu Yuan to an international sports event.

Mid Autumn Festival 中秋节

15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually Aug or Sept)

Mid Autumn celebrations looks at the customs leading to the day itself as well as myths and legends associated with Mid Autumn.

Moon cake and Mongols examines the myths of moon cake's role in overthrow of Mongol dynasty. Is it historical fact or historical fiction? 

Moon cakes gives an introduction to moon cakes and the tradition and contemporary variations. The article explore the social functions of moon cake as a gift system.