Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant and celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and traditions. One essential aspect of this festive season is the decoration of homes and public spaces with various ornaments and symbols. The question is, when to put up and take down Chinese New Year decorations?
When to Put Up Chinese New Year Decorations?
The timing for putting up Chinese New Year decorations varies but is typically done a few weeks before the actual Lunar New Year’s Day. People start to decorate their homes and public spaces 3 to 4 weeks before the beginning of the festival, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. It’s important to note that the exact date of the Lunar New Year may vary from year to year, so it’s essential to check the calendar for the specific date.
Each decoration carries its own symbolic significance in Chinese culture. Chinese Knots (中國結) symbolise luck and unity, Fai Chun (揮春) provide auspicious messages, firecrackers (鞭炮) drive away evil spirits, while the Red packet tree (红包树) showcases gifts of prosperity. Plants and flowers are also very popular during Chinese New Year, especially bamboo, chrysanthemum, gladiolus, jade plants, lilies, mandarin or tangerine trees, and Solanum mammosum. They symbolise growth, purity, and abundance during the festival.
When To Take Down Chinese New Year Decorations?
Traditionally, Chinese New Year decorations should be taken down after the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, as it marks the end of the celebrations. This day is called the Lantern Festival. However, some people prefer to keep certain decorations up for a bit longer, to enjoy the festive spirit a while longer.
