### Translation of "除夕的风俗和来历"
Customs and Origins of Chinese New Year's Eve
### English Essay on "Customs and Origins of Chinese New Year's Eve"
Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Chuxi, is the most important day in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. It is a time for family reunions, festive celebrations, and the honoring of ancestors. Here are some of the customs and origins associated with this significant day.
**Customs:**
1. **Family Reunion Dinner (年夜饭 - Yuèniàn Wǎn):** The evening before the New Year is traditionally spent with family. The reunion dinner is a grand feast where a variety of dishes are prepared, symbolizing prosperity, health, and happiness for the coming year.
2. **Spring Cleaning:** It is believed that cleaning the house before the New Year will sweep away bad luck and invite good fortune for the new year. This includes cleaning windows, washing floors, and removing old items that are no longer needed.
3. **Setting Off Fireworks and Firecrackers:** The sound of fireworks and firecrackers is thought to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck. It is a festive tradition that dates back to ancient times when people believed that noise could scare away the evil ghosts.
4. **Wearing New Clothes:** It is customary for everyone to wear new clothes on New Year's Day to symbolize a fresh start. New clothes are considered to bring good luck and fortune.
5. **Giving Red Envelopes (压岁钱 - Yàsùi qián):** Older family members give red envelopes containing money to the younger generation. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, and the envelopes are believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
**Origins:**
1. **Agricultural Festival:** Originally, Chinese New Year was a festival celebrating the end of the agricultural cycle. Farmers would take a break from their work to give thanks to the gods for a good harvest and to plan for the coming year.
2. **Honor Ancestors:** The Chinese believe that during the New Year, the spirits of ancestors return to their homes. It is an important time to honor and remember them through rituals and offerings.
3. **Zodiac and Auspicious Days:** The Chinese New Year is also closely tied to the Chinese zodiac, with each year associated with a different animal. It is believed that the year's luck is influenced by the animal that represents it.
4. **Evil Spirits and Demons:** Ancient Chinese beliefs held that the New Year was a time when evil spirits and demons were especially active. Fireworks and loud noises were used to scare them away.
Chinese New Year's Eve is a time of joy, family, and celebration. Its rich customs and historical origins have been passed down through generations, creating a tapestry of tradition that continues to be cherished today.
「点击下面查看原网页 领取您的八字精批报告☟☟☟☟☟☟」