Celebrate The Chinese New Year With Red

Colors play a significant role in Chinese culture. Various colors represent different qualities and ideas that started during ancient times. The Chinese have great ways of passing down their traditions over generations. Red is essential in the celebration of the Lunar New Year and weddings. 

The lucky color red

Did you know that the relationship between the color red and luck has an exciting story behind it? According to traditions, a beast named Nian would once come on New Year’s Eve to devour the villagers, their crops, and livestock. As a result, people would leave food at their doorsteps, hoping that Nian would consume it instead of the villagers. One night, they saw Nian get scared of a child who was dressed in red. Since then, hanging and displaying red lanterns and spring scrolls to drive off the beast has been their practice. The lion dance performed during New Year’s Eve is also for the same reason of scaring away Nian. 

Red represents fire, yellow for earth, and green for wood. Red signifies good fortune, luck, vitality, celebration, and prosperity. The Chinese adorn red apparel during the New Year to ward off evil spirits.        

How people celebrate the New Year             

During ancient times, red has been part of different Chinese traditions and practices, especially during the New Year. One example is the tradition of giving children, young adults, and employees red envelopes filled with cash or gold coins. The red envelope symbolizes good luck and health in the coming new year. Another significance of red to the Chinese is during the Lantern Festival, which marks the 15th day of the Chinese New Year and the end of the Spring Festival. The Chinese celebrate in the evening with red lanterns displayed across the streets, homes, and establishments. Additionally, red clothes are worn throughout the entire story, as this also symbolizes prosperity. 

Prepare your homes for the Chinese New Year. Decorate with artdesign.ph posters and canvas prints.