Shanghai traditions: Chinese New Year vibes

english.shanghai.gov.cn| January 27, 2025

The Year of the Snake ushers in the first Spring Festival since the Chinese New Year celebration was added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list in December.

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Shanghai this Chinese New Year, where customs like sweeping away the old and welcoming prosperity come to life. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of culture and artistry that makes Shanghai's festivities truly unforgettable.

 

Jan 24-28

Sweeping away the dust.jpg

Sweeping away the dust

In Shanghai, from the 25th day of the twelfth month of the Chinese calendar to Chinese New Year's Eve (Jan 24-28 this year), households traditionally perform a thorough cleaning known as "Sweeping Away the Dust". Using long-handled brooms, they dust the corners of the roof and walls, removing cobwebs and accumulated dirt.

An old saying goes: "The more you sweep, the more fortune you'll have." In Shanghainese, the word for "dust" (尘, chén) sounds similar to "old" (陈, chén), leading to another name for this tradition: "Sweeping Away the Old" (Dǎn Chén). This practice symbolizes clearing away bad luck and making room for fresh beginnings.

 

Jan 28

Chinese New Year's Eve

Chinese New Year

Cooking the year-end feast and having a reunion dinner

On Chinese New Year's Eve, Shanghai's families prepare an elaborate dinner, starting from midday. Meatballs, egg dumplings and eight-treasure rice pudding are must-have dishes for Shanghai families, signifying reunion and prosperity.

  •  Meatballs (symbolizing family unity)
  •  Egg dumplings (shaped like gold ingots, symbolizing wealth in the coming year)
  •  Eight-Treasure Rice (a sweet dessert essential to the celebration)

 

Jan 30

2nd day of the Chinese calendar

Returning to her parents

Returning to her parents' home

Married daughters, accompanied by their husbands, visit their parents and siblings, bringing gifts and well wishes.

New Year feast

Traditionally, people eat vegetarian dishes on the first day of the Chinese New Year. The second day, however, marks the true start of the new year with a hearty meal that includes meat and fish.

 

Feb 2

5th day of the Chinese calendar

Welcoming the God of Wealth.jpg

Welcoming the God of Wealth

The fifth day of the Chinese calendar is believed to be the birthday of the God of Wealth. People celebrate this date with traditions such as setting off firecrackers and preparing offerings of meat, pastries and candles to invite prosperity for the new year.

Also known as "Breaking the Fifth", this day symbolizes the end of the New Year holiday for businesses, with many shop owners resuming operations after welcoming the God of Wealth to bless their ventures.