The time leading up to the Chinese New Year is a busy travel period, as many people race home to their loved ones. The celebration lasts for 15 days and includes delicious Chinese dishes, loud firework displays, and monetary gifts. Chinese New Year is approaching, and here’s what you need to know about this holiday if you plan to partake in the celebrations.

Why Is It Important?

Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival, and it has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. Traditionally, this festival was meant to ward off a monster who devoured villagers and livestock. People in Ancient China would light firecrackers and wear bright red to scare off the creature and ensure their safety for the rest of the year.

Due to the monster’s presence, the holiday focused on celebrating a family’s luck and time together. Many people would give offerings of money and food to their god, hoping to bribe them into bestowing more prosperity. Today, these traditions are continued, and the importance of family remains.

How Is It Celebrated?

During this time, there are many loud, boisterous parades and grand firework displays throughout the country, continuing the tradition of keeping monsters at bay. Modern Chinese families also continue to decorate their homes with red lanterns and paper to scare off these creatures that bring ill fortune to the family.

On the first day of the celebration, showering, sweeping, and throwing out the garbage aren’t allowed, as it’s believed you may accidentally get rid of next year’s luck. Older family members give children small red envelopes filled with money to signify the passing of good fortune onto the next generation. Additionally, families gather frequently to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes, like dumplings, spring rolls, soup balls, and rice cakes.

If you’d like to celebrate the Chinese New Year with your family, head to Chengdu Taste | 滋味成都  in Honolulu, HI. This eatery specializes in traditional Chinese dishes, such as mung bean jelly noodles and stir-fried kidneys. Their attentive staff can accommodate large parties, making this restaurant the perfect place to gather the family for a celebratory meal. Read the latest reviews on Yelp, or call (808) 589-1818 to make a reservation.