Chinese New Year ‘guònián (过年)’, Spring Festival (chūnjié 春节) begins on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar and families reconvene to cook and eat dumplings (at midnight during the ‘zǐshí’ period’ to bring in the new year) and many other types of food, bring good fortune, and pay respects. Red envelopes containing money are given to children. 

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Qīngmíng Festival (清明节) is on the third day of the third month of spring usually around April 5th. Families sweep ancestral tombs and make offerings.

 

Dragon Boat Festival (duānwǔ 端午) is on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. There are races held on water with long, thin ‘dragon boats’ with drums to commemorate Chu locals attempt to rescue Qū Yuán and ‘zòngzi’ (or glutinous rice) dumplings are eaten. 

 

Moon/Mid-Autumn Festival (zhōngqiū jié 中秋节)  is on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month around mid-September. Families convene around a circular table to symbolise continuity, admire the moon, and eat fresh fruits and ‘moon cakes’ filled with lotus-seed paste, fruit, pork, or egg to pay homage to Chinese rebels who overthrew the Yuan Dynasty. 

 

Lantern Festival (yuánxiāojié 元宵节) falls on each 15th January of the first lunar month just after the Spring Festival. Colourful lanterns depicting riddles are hung and ‘Yúnxiāo’ or rice dumplings are eaten under the first new year full moon to bring unity, harmony, contentment, and happiness for the family.

 

Chóngyáng (重阳) (Double-Ninth) Festival is on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. It has been known as The Elders’ Day since 1989 with various activities held to wish health longevity.

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Lābā (腊八节) Festival is in the 12th month of the Chinese calendar on the eighth day. Lābā porridge is cooked with beans, rice, dried fruits, and nuts is eaten.

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Find out more about Chinese Festivals in Dawn of the Digital Dragon Dynasty: Countdown to the Chinese Century and Dawn of the Digital Dragon Dynasty: Chinese Culture e-books in Shop.