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Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families. The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, eating of the symbolic foods and display of the festive decorations - all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring. In China the lunar calendar is still used to determine traditional holidays like Chinese New Year. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon - which has a shorter cycle than the sun-Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. Celebrations can actually last up to a month. Here are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year.
Cleaning Houses and New Clothes
Prior to the first day of the New Year it is customary for families to thoroughly clean their houses. Doing this is said to clear out any bad luck from the previous year and to make the house ready to accept good luck for the coming year. All cleaning must be finished before the New Year's Day so there is no chance of accidentally throwing out the good fortune of the New Year. Wearing black is not allowed due to its association with death, however, wearing red is encouraged as the colour is associated with warding off bad spirits.
Decorating the House
Another popular custom is to hang up signs and posters on doors and windows with the Chinese word fu written on them, which means luck and happiness. Buying flowers for the home is also commonplace since they symbolize the coming of spring and a new beginning.
Question 1: According to the passage, what is Chinese New Year, and why is it significant for Chinese families?
Answer: Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar and is significant for Chinese families as one of the most important holidays, involving big family gatherings and symbolically ushering in good luck for the new year.
Question 2: How is the date of Chinese New Year determined, and why does it vary each year?
Answer: The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon, causing it to vary each year between January 21st and February 20th.
Question 3: What is the significance of cleaning houses prior to the first day of the New Year, according to the passage?
Answer: Cleaning houses is said to clear out any bad luck from the previous year and make the house ready to accept good luck for the coming year.
Question 4: What clothing colors are encouraged and discouraged during Chinese New Year, and what are the reasons behind these traditions?
Answer: Wearing black is discouraged due to its association with death, while wearing red is encouraged as it is associated with warding off bad spirits.
Question 5: What symbols and decorations are commonly used to celebrate Chinese New Year, and what do they represent?
Answer: Signs and posters with the Chinese word "fu" meaning luck and happiness are hung on doors and windows, while flowers symbolize the coming of spring and a new beginning.
