Traditional Chinese holidays facts for kids

Traditional Chinese holidays are a big part of life in China and for Chinese people around the world. These special days often celebrate good harvests or are times for prayer. The most important holiday is the Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival. It's celebrated in many places, even outside China, like in Malaysia, Thailand, or the USA.

Most traditional holidays follow the Chinese calendar. But some, like the Qingming Festival and Winter Solstice, happen on specific "solar terms" in the farming calendar. These terms are like special points in the year based on the sun's position.

Fun Chinese Holidays to Explore

Many traditional Chinese holidays are celebrated throughout the year. Each one has its own special customs and stories. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Chinese New Year: A Fresh Start

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday. It happens on the first day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People set off fireworks after midnight to scare away bad luck. Families visit each other and share meals. It's a time for new beginnings and good wishes.

Lantern Festival: Lights and Sweet Treats

The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month. This day marks the first full moon of the new year. People enjoy lantern parades and exciting lion dances. A special food eaten on this day is tangyuan, which are sweet, round rice balls. It's also the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Qingming Festival: Honoring Ancestors

The Qingming Festival is also known as Tomb Sweeping Day. It usually falls around April 5th. On this day, families visit the graves of their ancestors. They clean the graves and offer food or other items to show respect. It's also a popular time for spring outings.

Dragon Boat Festival: Races and Rice Dumplings

The Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, is on the fifth day of the fifth month. This holiday is famous for exciting dragon boat races. People also eat Zòng Zi, which are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves. This festival remembers an ancient poet named Qu Yuan.

Qixi Festival: A Love Story in the Stars

The Qixi Festival is on the seventh day of the seventh month. It's often called Chinese Valentine's Day. The holiday tells the story of Zhi Nü (a goddess) and Niu Lang (a farmer). They were separated by the Milky Way and could only meet once a year on this special night.

Ghost Festival: Remembering Those Who Passed

The Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month. During this time, people honor their ancestors and those who have passed away. They make offerings to comfort them.

Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncakes and Family Time

The Mid-Autumn Festival is on the 15th day of the eighth month. It's also known as the Moon Festival. Families gather to eat mooncakes and enjoy a special meal together. This festival is linked to the legend of Chang E, the moon goddess, and the Jade Rabbit. It's sometimes called "Chinese Thanksgiving."

Double Ninth Festival: Hiking and Respect

The Double Ninth Festival is on the ninth day of the ninth month. People often go hiking in the mountains during this autumn festival. Some also visit their ancestors' graves to pay their respects.

Dongzhi Festival: Winter Solstice Feast

The Dongzhi Festival happens around December 22nd, on the day of the winter solstice. Families gather for a feast and eat Tangyuan. It's a time for family togetherness and is sometimes called "Chinese Thanksgiving."

Laba Festival: Special Porridge and New Year Prep

The Laba Festival is on the eighth day of the 12th month. It's believed to be the day the Buddha became enlightened. People usually eat Laba congee, a special porridge made with different grains and fruits. This day also marks the start of preparations for the Chinese New Year.

Official Public Holidays

While many traditional holidays are celebrated, only a few are official public holidays. In mainland China and Taiwan, the Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are public holidays.

Hong Kong and Macau also celebrate Buddha's Birthday and Chung Yeung Festival as public holidays. In Singapore and Malaysia, Chinese New Year is usually the only traditional Chinese public holiday.

Each region also has its own unique holidays. For example, mainland China and Taiwan have patriotic holidays. Hong Kong and Macau observe Christian holidays. Malaysia and Singapore celebrate Malay and Indian festivals.

• Public holidays in the People's Republic of China
  • Holidays in Hong Kong
  • Holidays in Macau
• Public holidays in the Republic of China
  • Holidays in Taiwan (including unofficial holidays)
• Holidays in Singapore
• Holidays in Malaysia
• List of festivals in China

See also

• Jingchu Suishiji, an important text on the transition from ancient Chinese festivals to the present traditional ones
• Culture of China
• List of annual events in China