Chinese New Year

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/02/16/586285104
/chinese-new-year-plays-out-differently-for-the-haves-and-have-nots

When many people think of Chinese culture one of the first things that comes to mind is Chinese New Years. Another majority of these people know that Chinese New Years is celebrated but don't under the reason(s) why.

To start off Chinese New Years marks the new Zodiac for that year (I elaborated more on this topic in my Chinese Zodiac post) and also celebrates Lunar New Year. Unlike Gregorian calendar New Years (January 1st), Lunar New Year's date isn't the exact same every year and is based on the phases of the moon. Lunar New Year can occur anywhere from late January to early February.

Chinese New Years is 15 days that people of Chinese decent can remember and celebrate/honor ancestors. Everything from the music, food, and colors worn to burning fake money is used to honor their ancestors. In the United States we tend not to celebrate those who have died after they have died and many people experience periods of mourning. I believe that celebrating ancestors in such a happy way is a great way to cope and look at death and family history in a new light.

Sources:
Chinese New Year: A Celebration of Tradition and Family