November 18, 2009
Characteristics Of Chinese New Year Symbols
Chinese culture has a strong linkage with the process of symbolism. Out of the several views of Chinese culture that is involved in utility of symbols, one of the event is the Chinese New Year.
There are many symbols and customs associated with the Chinese New Year, which by the way is not the 1st of January like it is for the rest of the world that adopts the solar calendar. The wide ranges of symbols that are associated with the event of Chinese New Year have great cultural and historical significance in the eyes of the Japanese people.
The Chinese New Year symbols have an interesting and inspirational visual beauty of presenting profound meanings in the most splendid way possible. Their collection is considered to be a balanced art between form and utility.
That the Chinese people are talented and artistic in their own unique way is reflected through these Chinese new year symbols that are chosen to be a proof. The meaning behind these symbols gives depth of the Chinese beliefs and traditions that are fantastic.
Identification of when exactly Chinese New Year lies in comparison to the Western New Year can be discussed now. The difference lies in the fact that the western world follows the solar calendar whereas the Chinese conventionally follow the lunar calendar.
The cycles of the moon is what decides the foundation of the lunar calendar. This is one of the explanations why calendars printed in China contain both the Gregorian as well as the Chinese lunar calendar dates. Such easy calendars help to compare the dates and keep us updated with the current trends.
The desires that come with the arrival of the Chinese New Year is to have a content and happy spirit and hopefully some prosperity. Thus, the collection of Chinese New Year symbols are considered to be positive with due respect to their meanings.
Flowers are the most well known symbol of the Chinese New Year. This was because the Chinese traditionally believed in making use of some natural product as they were more attracted towards them and therefore the choice of flowers. The plum blossom and water narcissus are the two most popular flower symbols of the Chinese New Year.
One other important traditional symbol of the Chinese New Year is the hong-bao which is actually a lai-see envelope. This envelope holds money that kids are given by the elders of a particular family on the eve of the New Year. This is accepted to be one of the Chinese New Year symbol.
Chinese New Year symbols are featured prominently in New Year parades around the world. If you want to know more about Chinese tattoo symbols click on the preceding links.
Filed under History by Jenny Hung
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