How to Say Chinese Festivals

China is famous for its rich cultures, in which festivals are a big part.How many festivals in China do you know? And do you know how to say them in mandarin Chinese?

Soon after the western Christmas Day, when you can hear so much saying about merry Christmas in Chinese, comes the Chinese Spring Festival - 春节(chun1 jie2). In ancient time, a monster called “Nian” would hurt people once a year on the New Year eve. But the demon was afraid of loud noises, red color and flames. So they lightened firecrackers, put on red couplets (对联) on their gates, beat gongs and drums to drive “Nian” away. Since then, the custom and tradition of celebrating the Spring Festival were born. From December 23^rd in the Chinese calendar, people begin to clean their house to say goodbye to the old year. On the eve of the Spring Festival, Chinese families get together to enjoy delicious food take part in different New Year activities.

                                                  Chinese Paper Cutting - Spring Festival

清明节(qing1 ming2 jie2) known as “Tomb-sweeping Day” is another big festival in China. “Qing Ming” literally means “clear brightness” in Chinese. Tomb-sweeping Day is a time to remember the dead and the dearly departed. More important, it is a period to honor and pay respect to one’s seceased ancestors and family members. It falls in the early spring.

Besides, there are also well-know festivals in China, such as 七夕（Qi Xi Festival) known as China’s Valentine’s Day, 重阳节（Chong2 yang2 jie2）- the Double Ninth festival, etc. What else festivals do you know in China?

Every nation has its own culture. On the soil of culture, there grows its traditional festival. As we learn Chinese it is as well important for us to learn about Chinese festivals, which will help us better understand Chinese culture and the Chinese language.