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Red money packets will change hands and dragon dances will roar the streets while people around the world, mainly of Chinese origin, will inaugurate the Year of the Pig.
Beyond the usual Lunar New Year traditions, however, there are holidays full of bizarre and customary interests in several destinations around the world. Here are 11 things to know:
1. The locals do not call it Chinese New Year
In China, the festivities are known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year – the New Year is determined by the lunar calendar. And the Chinese are not the only ones to watch it.
From late January to mid-February, Vietnam and other countries celebrate the Lunar New Year.
2. Traffic is a chaos
Chunyun is the largest human movement in the world. This is what happens when all of China goes on vacation at a time.
The Lunar New Year is basically as if a whole country were organizing a family reunion – all at once. Traffic Armageddon inevitably hits.
In China, the peak period of spring (chunyun) is the largest season of human migration in the country, if not the world.
With commuters and migrant workers returning home, the government expects about three billion trips this year.
3. It's not just a day
Lunar New Year lasts 15 days.
It's a holiday full of action – you can bet on horse racing, watch parades, bargain in bazaars and fight for a place of worship at the temple.
4. It's a season of superstitions
During the LNY, you live as a student on the first day, which means there is no shower, laundry or housework.
Above all, it is not possible to take out the trash – it is said that it will take away all luck and your prosperity.
You spend time with your family (especially your in-laws) on the second day, which is considered the beginning of the year.
On the third day, visiting friends and family is frowned upon, as it is a good day for arguments. On the seventh day, it's time to celebrate to celebrate everyone's birthday.
5. You can rent a boyfriend
Lunar New Year can be tough for singles, especially women. Many family reunions are highlighted by formidable questions from single people who have not settled. Now there is a solution – renting a boyfriend / girlfriend.
Various Chinese websites have offered fake boyfriend / girlfriends, so that parents and parents can finally stop harbading.
Renting a fake wedding prospect varies between 500 RMB ($ 77) and 6,000 ($ 925) a day.
Some packages include "a free hug, a hand-in-hand and a good-bye kiss on the cheek", as well as a list of additional specific service fees.
6. Strange linguistic customs are observed
In some parts of China, there are a few things you can and can not do during the Lunar New Year holidays – simply because of their sound.
Shopping shoes are prohibited throughout the lunar month, because the term "shoes" (haai) sounds like losing and sighing in Cantonese.
You can, however, return the Chinese character for luck (fu) backwards to make "dao" (which sounds like an arrival) and put it on your door to bring good fortune for the new year.
7. The firecrackers are to scare the monsters
In one of the largest fireworks factories in China, the process of making a fireworks is an art in its own right.
The legend says that the monster "Nian", half dragon, half lion, comes out of hiding and attacks people (especially children) during the Lunar New Year.
His weakness? Ears sensitive.
In the old days, people were lighting bamboo sticks to scare the monster.
8. Red is essential
Red is badociated with luck and prosperity, but it is primarily used for protection purposes.
In addition to being scared by loud noises, "Nian" is scared by the red color, which explains all the red you see on Lunar New Year's decorations.
Interestingly, the Cantonese term for pants (fu) sounds exactly like the word wealth. Which means you can not go wrong with a red undergarment.
9. It's the moment of sweets
Food is an important part of the celebrations. Here, the meatballs are prepared lunar new year.
pictures of lang ga / china
Food is at the heart of all Chinese festivals, but sweet snacks are particularly important for LNY, as they soften the outlook for the coming year.
Traditional holiday treats include nian gao (rice pudding), babaofan (eight treasure rice), jau goks (crispy meatballs), candied fruits and seeds.
10. He has his own kind of movie
China and Hong Kong have a kind of film called "hesuipian" dedicated to Lunar New Year.
The films are usually uplifting and illogical, family-oriented comedies and a happy ending for the audience to feel comfortable. Similar to Christmas movies, really.
11. Customs are flexible
Patricia Wu and Andrew Stevens of CNN examine some of the most popular and beloved Lunar New Year traditions.
Customs and superstitions are not fixed. There is room for flexibility in interpretation and application.
Ban shoes for the whole lunar month?
It depends on how you read the rules – the word "shoe" may sound like a sigh, but also a harmony (hexie).
Do not shower for the Lunar New Year? Many pbad it on for obvious reasons of hygiene.
In the end, the Lunar New Year is really about having a good time with family and friends. Also, many people choose not to sweat the details.
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