Learn all about New Year's Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in China Series at ChineseClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Chinese holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 1, New Year's Day. In Chinese, it’s called 元旦 (Yuándàn). |
| In this lesson, I’ll tell you how people in China celebrate the Lunar New Year. To most Chinese people, you truly begin a brand new year only when you experience a traditional Spring Festival celebration. So even though there is a one-day public holiday for New Year’s Day in January, it doesn’t really have a New Year’s celebratory atmosphere. However, in recent years, various kinds of countdown activities have become very popular among young people, and the day has become a kind of romantic holiday. |
| Now before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question? |
| What are the lyrics to the Chinese version of the song “Happy New Year,” or Xin Nian Hao, 新年好 (xīnniánhǎo)? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Just as in many countries in the West, the most important activity when celebrating the coming new year in China is, of course, a countdown or 倒数计时 (dàoshǔ jìshí). In the bustling city areas, you will see many kinds of celebratory events. The big screens in financial districts will display the numbers as they count down, and when they hit zero, fireworks or 烟花 (yānhuā) are set off in many places to celebrate. Young people go to bars, themed restaurants hold gatherings, and people drink and dance. |
| In recent years, the end of the year has become the time when people go shopping because this is the day that malls offer big discounts known as Chinese Black Friday or 黑色星期五 (hēisè Xīngqīwǔ). Malls will usually extend their shopping hours and sales shifts until late at night, and their product racks will look as though a robbery has taken place overnight because they’ll be almost empty! |
| New Year’s Day is, of course, a good opportunity to connect with family and friends who you haven’t seen for a long time. Some years ago, it was popular to exchange New Year’s cards, called 贺年卡 (hèniánkǎ). |
| In recent years, more and more people have been conveying their wishes and greetings via email or text message due to a desire to save trees and avoid sending physical cards. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question! |
| Do you know the lyrics to the Chinese version of the song “Happy New Year,” or 新年好, (Xīn Nián Hǎo)? |
| The song says 新年好呀，新年好呀，祝福 大家新年好；我们唱歌，我们跳舞，祝福大家新年好 |
| (xīnniánhǎo yā , xīnniánhǎo yā , zhùfú dàjiā xīnniánhǎo ；wǒmen chànggē, wǒmen tiàowǔ, zhùfú dàjiā xīnniánhǎo) |
| Meaning “Happy new year, happy new year, wishing everyone a happy new year; we sing, we dance, wishing everyone a happy new year!” Almost everyone in China can sing it! |
| What did you think of this lesson? Did you learn lots of interesting things? |
| How is the New Year celebrated in your country? |
| Please leave a comment telling us at ChineseClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
Comments
HideHow is the New Year celebrated in your country?
你好 robert groulx！
谢谢 for commenting. We are very happy to have you here. Let us know if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
雷文特 (Levente)
Team ChineseClass101.com
thank you for the lesson transcript
actually we celebrate new year on january 1st
robert
Hello Chakamorn,
I'm sorry for the late reply. Yes there are many culture classes on our website. You can go to Lesson Library and search for culture classes.
To list a few for you:
https://www.chineseclass101.com/lesson-library/culture-class-essential-chinese-vocabulary/
https://www.chineseclass101.com/lesson-library/culture-class-chinese-superstitions-and-beliefs/
https://www.chineseclass101.com/lesson-library/greetings-from-beijing-culture-class-in-chinese/
As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Ngai Lam
Team ChineseClass101.com
This is very interesting.Oh,I would like to know any more Chinese Culture Class.
If you aren't busy,You could answer me now.#ChineseClass101.com
Chinese. New year is celebrated by cursing at people but how do you say that in Chinese?
Hi, sabaithein,
Thank you for your comment.
Hope you can enjoy our classes.
Cho
Team ChineseClass101.com
The Burmese New Year Water Festival and usually falls around mid-April. Water-throwing or dousing one another from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival. By nightfall, the real fun begins with music, song and dance, merrymaking and general gaiety in anticipation of the water festival. A time-honoured traditional snacks is mont lone yeibaw.
Thank you for your process. I will improve my Chinese's Language to learn from your web page.
Hi, michy,
Thank you for your answer.
Then the barbecue must be exciting!
Have a good day.
Cho
Team ChineseClass101.com
My family gets together and hold a barbecue party before heading to see fireworks, and friend.
Hi, ANIBA,
Thank you for your message.
I guess you must have enjoyed the New Year's party. That's great!
Cho
Team ChineseClass101.com
I love it
In new york we have a party for the new year.:stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye::stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye::heart: