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(CNN) – When the alarm clock sounds at midnight on the eve of February 5, wishes of good fortune will be voiced, fireworks will explode in the sky and red envelopes filled with money will be exchanged while millions of people from around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. like spring festival.
In other words, it's basically a big party of the day in
But unlike the way December 31 is celebrated around the world, the Lunar New Year is a long holiday marathon filled with traditions and rituals (and many family dramas) that extends far beyond the day of the new lunar year.
For Lunar New Year beginners – or Spring Festival revelers who need a refresh – here's a quick guide to what could be the most difficult and hard-working festival in the world.
It's the year of the pig – but not any of which
In one of the largest fireworks factories in China, the process of making a fireworks is an art in its own right.
Although most are familiar with the 12-year-old Chinese zodiac calendar, represented by 12 different animals, it's actually more complicated.
Still confused? 2019 is therefore the year of "ji hai" (or gei hoi in Cantonese).
While "hai" represents the earthly branch symbol representing the pig, "ji" represents the celestial stem for yin and earth. This is why they call 2019 the year of the land pig.
And many people take this 60-year schedule very seriously. This plays an important role in making important decisions in life, such as having a baby or getting married.
While it is said that each individual is affected differently according to his year of birth, pork – the last animal sign of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle – is often considered a good year, which in general means wealth and wealth. .
The year of the pig begins on February 5th.
STR / AFP / AFP / Getty Images
Preparations and goodies
Lunar New Year preparations usually begin at least a week before the start of the Spring Festival.
On the 26th day of the last lunar month, festive cakes and puddings are prepared.
The big cleaning is done on the 28th day. Fortune Lunar New Year's banners are hung on the 29th day.
Lunar New Year fairs will be held around the cities during the last days of the year, selling treats and flowers for the new year.
The year ends on a positive note with a large family reunion dinner on the 30th day, or Lunar New Year's Eve, on February 4th of this year.
The Lunar New Year menu is carefully chosen for its lucky meaning, including fish (the Chinese word meaning "surplus"), puddings (symbolizing the advancement) and foods that look like bullion. gold (like ravioli).
After the feast, families will stay after midnight to welcome the New Year.
The entire festival lasts 15 days
CNN takes the road alongside China's "motorcycle army" as it performs its long journey back to Lunar New Year
It is not because the new year has begun that you are allowed to rest.
While most countries that observe the Lunar New Year offer three to seven days of holidays, the celebrations end only on the 15th day of the first lunar month, also known as the Lantern Festival. (The Lunar New Year in 2019 extends from February 5th to 19th.)
It is thought that the arguments are more likely to occur that day – on February 9th of this year – called chi kou (or "red mouth"). As a result, most people engage in other activities, such as visiting a temple. In Hong Kong, a big horse racing event at the Spring Festival takes place every year on the third day.
Quang Phu Cau is considered the "incense village of Vietnam". "Hundreds of workers have been working hard to die, dry and cut bamboo bark to make scented sticks in anticipation of the Lunar New Year holidays.
MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP / Getty Images
During the 15 days, married couples must distribute red, money-filled packets to children (and unmarried adults) to wish them good luck.
The seventh day is reborn, or the birthday of the people (February 11). when we say that the goddess Chinese mother Nuwa created the man.
The highlight comes on the last day, at the Lantern Festival (February 19).
Being the only day that girls from ancient Chinese society could go out to admire lanterns and meet boys, it was also nicknamed Chinese Valentine's Day.
Today, cities around the world still hold huge lanterns and fairs on the 15th day of the festival.
Some create more sparks than others. Like Nuanquan, a small Chinese town is organizing a spectacular "fireworks" by throwing molten metal against a cold stone wall.
Kung hei fat choy!
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