Festivals are a common heritage of humanity, irrespective of where, why and how they are celebrated. 

They are for everyone, because there is hardly a place on Earth where annual festivals or fairs are not organized to mark changes in the seasons, greet a new year, pay tribute to the deities or observe sacred and cultural happenings. 

The Spring Festival in China is an event celebrated on a global scale to mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year). It starts with the new moon between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. This year, February 5 marks the start of the Year of Pig, part of the 12-year cycle of Zodiac signs. 

Preparations begin days before the actual start of the new year. Houses are cleaned thoroughly as part of the old custom of removing any lingering vestiges of bad luck, and to welcome blessings in the coming year. 

The celebrations continue for several days and conclude with the Lantern Festival, on the 15th of the first lunar month.  

The Lunar New Year has a long history dating back more than 4,000 years. Its origin is rooted in mythology and an old belief system. Those customary beliefs may look archaic to modern educated minds, but that's unimportant. What is important is the celebration of a tradition that has become part of local folklore and provides an occasion for much merriment and enjoyment for everyone.  

The Spring Festival is the biggest in terms of human movement and travel, as millions of Chinese travel from far-off places back to their native place to join families and friends on a great auspicious occasion. It is also celebrated in several neighboring countries, as well as worldwide by the Chinese diaspora. 

The color red is the distinguishing feature of the Spring Festival. People wear red dresses, hang out red lanterns, and red Spring scrolls on windows and doors. Red envelopes containing money are also exchanged among family members. Use of firecrackers is also part of traditions to ward off evil spirits, although these have become controversial due to their distinct influence of air pollution. 

Special food delicacies are also an important part of the festival. Preparations for the various dishes can start long in advance. The reunion dinner on New Year's Eve is considered as required to be quite sumptuous to welcome family and guests to the dining table. It can be compared to the Thanksgiving Dinner in the United States.  

Choice for preferred food varies according to region. For people in northern China, dumplings are the most craved-for item. However, the appearance of the feast changes as one travels south, where local people show a preference for glutinous new year cakes. 

Exchange of gifts is also part of the culture. They include giving packets of money to elderly or junior relatives. Usually relatives visiting families give chocolate, cakes, candies or some non-edible items. It shows the respect and love for members of the extended family, which is a major theme of the festival.

The activity generates enormous business activities across China and also at other places where Chinese live. Special markets are also set up even in villages where vendors sell clothes, shoes and gift items. The spirit of the festival is so overwhelming that it appears that everything throughout the year is merely a preliminary for the great event . 

The festival is a great occasion for relaxing, as most workers get about seven days of paid holiday. Self-employed people can enjoy an even longer period, as festival-related celebrations go on for a full fortnight. 

According to astrology experts, the year of birth impacts some of the personality traits. So, the last word is for those who are born in the Year of Pig. 

Pigs are symbol of wealth in Chinese culture. So those born during this year are considered to have good personality and are blessed with good fortune. Pigs are realistic and more action-oriented, not given to empty talk. They are not wasteful but enjoy life to the full. 

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.h5a3.com/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.