January 21, 2023 - New Year's Eve
Today was the last day of the old year, and it was also the most exciting day for my family. We started our preparations early in the morning. First, we cleaned the house from top to bottom. My parents believe that cleaning before the new year will sweep away bad luck and bring good fortune. After finishing the cleaning, we put up red couplets on the door. The red color represents happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture.
In the afternoon, we went shopping for food. My mother bought lots of ingredients like fish, chicken, vegetables, and fruits. Fish is a must-have dish because "fish" sounds like "surplus" in Chinese, which means having more than enough. At night, we had a big dinner together. I helped my mom cook dumplings, which is another traditional food during the Spring Festival. Dumplings symbolize wealth because they look like ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots.
After dinner, we watched the Spring Festival Gala on TV. It’s an annual show with singing, dancing, and comedy performances. At midnight, we stayed up late to welcome the new year. When the clock struck twelve, everyone cheered and set off firecrackers outside. The sound of firecrackers filled the air, and I felt so happy!
January 22, 2023 - Lunar New Year's Day
Happy Lunar New Year! This is the first day of the new lunar year. In the morning, my parents gave me and my brother red envelopes (hongbao). Inside each envelope was some money, which is believed to bring good luck and blessings. We visited my grandparents in the afternoon. They prepared a special meal for us, including rice cakes and longevity noodles. Rice cakes mean "year after year," while longevity noodles represent long life.
When we arrived at my grandparents' house, they greeted us warmly and gave us more hongbao. We spent the rest of the day playing games and watching dragon and lion dances in the street. These performances are very lively and colorful, and they bring joy to people.
I really enjoyed this holiday. Not only did I get to spend time with my family, but I also learned more about Chinese traditions. I hope the new year brings everyone health, happiness, and prosperity.
January 25, 2023 - Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival celebrations. On this day, people eat sweet glutinous rice balls called yuanxiao. Yuanxiao symbolizes reunion and harmony. In the evening, we went to the park where there were many lanterns decorated with different patterns. Some were shaped like animals, flowers, or even famous historical figures. People lit candles inside the lanterns and hung them up high.
There was also a riddle-guessing game at the park. People would write riddles on pieces of paper and attach them to the lanterns. If someone guessed the correct answer, they could win a prize. My brother and I tried our luck but didn’t win anything. Still, it was fun to see all the beautiful lanterns and participate in the activities.
As the night went on, we watched a parade featuring dancers and musicians dressed in traditional costumes. It was a wonderful way to conclude the festive season. Now, I’m looking forward to the next Spring Festival, hoping it will be just as memorable.
This collection of diary entries captures the spirit of the Spring Festival from an eighth-grader’s perspective. Each entry highlights the customs and traditions associated with the holiday, providing insight into how these celebrations are experienced by young people today.
