The festive spirit is in full swing as the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region welcome the Year of the Snake 🐍! With traditional feasts, dazzling decorations, and joyous family reunions, both sides of the Taiwan Straits are embracing the most important festival on the Chinese calendar—the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. 🎊
Despite the straits between them, shared customs and cultural heritage continue to bind the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region, highlighting a profound connection that transcends distance. Let's explore some of the vibrant traditions that bring everyone together during this special time! 😊
Cross-Straits Fireworks Magic 🎆
One of the most anticipated celebrations is the annual joint fireworks display by Xiamen and Kinmen, a tradition ignited in 1987. Starting at 8 p.m. on January 29, nearly 50,000 fireworks lit up the night sky simultaneously from the beaches of Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, and Kinmen, a small island just off the mainland.
\"The sight of fireworks from both sides lighting up the night sky in perfect sync is breathtaking and deeply moving,\" said Hung Tzu-i, who traveled with her daughter to secure the perfect spot. For many, this sparkling spectacle symbolizes the unity and shared joy of the New Year.
Delicious Feasts and Family Time 🍲❤️
The Chinese New Year is all about family reunions, and nothing says love like the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve! On both sides of the Taiwan Straits, families gather around sumptuous meals that symbolize unity and prosperity.
In the Taiwan region, one standout dish is the flavorful \"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall\" 🍜, originating from Fuzhou in Fujian Province. This hearty broth includes chicken, duck, pork knuckles, abalone, and scallops—talk about a feast! A recent survey found that hot pot, \"Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,\" and mullet roe are top favorites, each dish carrying wishes for reunion, prosperity, and abundance.
Honoring Ancestors 🏮🙏
Respecting ancestors is a cherished tradition during the Spring Festival. Lighting incense and paying homage at ancestral altars reflect the deep reverence for family heritage. Taiwan-based photographer Chuang Ling, born on the Chinese mainland, shared how his family continues these rituals—from writing Spring Festival couplets to making dumplings and enjoying traditional smoked meats.
\"People around the world celebrate the New Year, but the Chinese New Year is different. It is a time for family reunions,\" Chuang said. \"The Spring Festival embodies the most representative traditions and customs of China.\"
As lanterns glow and fireworks burst across the sky, the shared celebrations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region during the Chinese New Year highlight a deep-rooted cultural bond. 🧧✨ It's a beautiful reminder that traditions and family transcend boundaries, bringing joy and hope for the year ahead! Happy New Year! 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)! 🥳🎉
Reference(s):
Mainland, Taiwan share Chinese New Year traditions and celebrations
cgtn.com
