Spring festival

by William Sampson

The Chinese New year, or Spring Festival, stands for a new year on the lunar calendar.  This festival is not only celebrated in China, but in Wisconsin, too. 

It was celebrated Feb. 12 and looked a little different this year.

Due to the pandemic many events that would be happening in the US and in Wisconsin were cancelled.

The Chinese New Year dates back to more than 3,000 years ago.  There are many different ways to celebrate the Spring Festival, including with fireworks, firecrackers, and creating decorations like the Red Lanterns, new year paintings, and paper cuttings. 

 The Red Lanterns are very important and are hung all around China and symbolize light and hope for the New Year. 

Many spend New Year’s Eve eating a meal together, called the “reunion dinner”.  Some foods that are eaten during the Spring Festival are fish, spring rolls, longevity noodles and more.  

These foods are seen as special and a lot of them represent a type of good luck.  For example, the spring roll derives its name from the Spring Festival, and eating it is a way of wishing for wealth.  

The families celebrating the New Year often stay up to welcome the New year and share gifts with one another. 

Many families were unable to see each other this year due to the pandemic.  

At East High School, last year in person, the Chinese language class made dumplings, and learned Chinese songs.  

Since pandemic had many people at home this year they celebrated by watching a countdown online.  The Chinese New Year is a very special and beautiful time, especially when it’s with family.