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Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years of history. It is rooted in ancient agricultural practices and is closely tied to several myths and traditions. The most famous legend is that of Nian, a beast that would emerge to terrorize villages. To protect themselves, villagers would put out food, use firecrackers, and hang red lanterns to scare the beast away. Over time, these practices evolved into the celebrations we see today. The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, with the festival beginning on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20.
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In China, celebrations for the Chinese New Year are grand and widespread, involving various customs and traditions. People clean their homes to sweep away bad fortune and make way for incoming good luck. Decorations are predominantly red, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, which is considered the most important meal of the year. Red envelopes containing money are given to children and unmarried adults. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits. Lion and dragon dances are performed for good luck. The festival lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
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Chinese New Year is celebrated in various countries with significant Chinese populations. Some of the countries that celebrate it most include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Additionally, major cities around the world with Chinatowns, such as San Francisco, London, Sydney, and New York, also host large celebrations. The festival is recognized as a public holiday in many of these countries, and the celebrations include parades, cultural performances, and traditional food.
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