Chinese Celebrations
Festivals are an important part of Chinese tradition. It not only
involves a legacy of many thousands of years but is also rich in nature.
Chinese festivals take place based on the Lunar Year. Some of the
notable Chinese festivals are:
The Chinese New Year – This is the most important festival of all. It
falls somewhere between late January and late February. From the eve of
New Year to the 18th day of New Year, a number of celebrations take
place like the “All Person's Day”, “Festival of Lanterns”, “Lion Dance”,
etc.
The Ching Ming festival – It is also known as the "Remembrance of
Ancestors Day". It is celebrated in April and is devoted to honouring
relatives who died. This festival is celebrated out of the great respect
that the Chinese have for their ancestors. On this day, Chinese people
visit cemeteries to clean the graves of their loved ones.
The Tin Hau festival – It is celebrated in late April or early May. This
day is set aside to honour a young girl named Mo Niang, also called the
"Queen of Heaven". She is considered to be the “Mother" of boat people
and sailors. On her birthday, the boat people, sailors and those who
live on the waterfront, sail to the Great Temple in Joss House Bay to
pay their respects to the goddess.
Birthday of Buddha – It is also known as the “Festival of Ten Thousand
Buddhas” and is a spring-time festival. The teachings of Lord Buddha are
highly valued not only in China but all over the world. On this day, his
religious followers pray for the washing away of sin from the world and
for the attainment of wisdom and peace.
The Cheung Chau Festival – Also known as the “Festival of the Bun
Hills”, it is celebrated to make the ghosts and spirits happy. The date
and time of this unique ceremony are announced only a week before and
its celebration leads to a party like atmosphere.
The Dragon Boat Festival – It is held usually in June to commemorate the
death of Wut Yuan who was a famous Chinese patriot. A Dragon Boat race
takes place on this day which symbolises the searching of Wut Yuan's
body in the water.
Mid Autumn Festival - This day is set aside only for watching the Moon.
For this, the people travel to high places to make sure they have a good
view of the moon. Lanterns or lamps are carried by children to light the
way for adults going to pay their respects to the Moon.
|
