Embracing life and harmony: A tribute to the Spring Festival

Editor's note: David Gosset is the founder of the China-Europe-America Global Initiative. He is the editor of China and the World in three volumes, and the creator of the Inspiring Series, a collection of books that aims to introduce China to the world. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

We are approaching a unique time in the calendar. Shortly, we will transition from the Year of the Rabbit to embrace the Year of the Dragon. The Spring Festival represents a cornerstone of Chinese cultural heritage. It is not only observed within China but has also garnered recognition and celebration in various countries around the globe, including South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, and Singapore. Outside of Asia, the presence of Chinese communities in various regions and cities around the world, including New York, Paris, and São Paulo, have made Chinese New Year celebrations go global.

The Spring Festival, known as Chunjie in Mandarin, embodies a rich tapestry of cultural beliefs and shared values deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. It is a time of renewal, heralding in  spring and the beginning of a new year. It represents themes of reunion, hope, and the celebration of life, which are deeply rooted in family values and communal harmony. The festival is imbued with traditions such as family reunions, the exchange of red envelopes (symbolizing good luck and prosperity), and the setting off of fireworks to ward off evil spirits.

From a personal perspective, I have a deep fondness for the Lantern Festival, which occurs on the 15th day of the first month according to the lunisolar Chinese calendar. This festival signifies the culmination of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. One of my favorite traditions during this festival is indulging in tangyuan, a delightful dish that symbolizes reunion and happiness. Indeed, my gastronomic celebrations of the Chinese New Year commence with the enjoyment of jiaozi, symbolizing prosperity, and conclude with the sweet satisfaction of tangyuan, reflecting fullness and familial unity.

A particularly memorable year took me to the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province to experience the Lantern Festival firsthand. This visit provided me with an unparalleled, unforgettable experience that significantly influenced my personal journey. In fact, it was this experience that inspired me to pen Inspiring Shanxi last year, a book that explores the rich cultural mosaic and historical depth of Shanxi Province.

In Marcel Proust's seminal work, In Search of Lost Time, the simple act of savoring a madeleine, a quintessentially French sponge cake, becomes a profound vehicle for the recollection of past experiences. My personal sensory anchors – jiaozi and tangyuan – usher in vivid memories of Chinese New Year festivities, events I have cherished for almost three decades.

No matter where I find myself on the globe, Chinese New Year emerges as a pivotal moment deeply woven into the fabric of my existence, aligning with the rhythm of the shengxiao, or the 12-year zodiac cycle that charts time in Chinese culture. This tradition presents a compelling juxtaposition to Western concepts of time, revealing deep cultural nuances in the conceptualization of time.

In the Chinese tradition, time is perceived as cyclical, emphasizing themes of repetition and renewal. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the Western view of time as linear, a relentless progression from the past towards the future.

The Spring Festival offers a unique lens through which China can engage in more profound dialogue with the world. The universal themes of renewal, family, and hope resonate across cultures, providing a common ground for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, cultural diplomacy, including the sharing of traditional festivals like the Spring Festival, can play a pivotal role in enhancing global harmony. By showcasing the richness of Chinese traditions and values, China can foster a greater appreciation for its cultural heritage, encouraging a more inclusive global cultural dialogue.

Celebrating Christmas in China and observing the Chinese New Year abroad present wonderful opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. Such festivities not only enhance our appreciation of diverse traditions but also foster mutual respect and understanding among different communities. Through these celebrations, we bridge cultural divides, highlighting the beauty of our shared human experience.

The global recognition of the Spring Festival underscores not only China's growing influence but also the universal appeal of its cultural values. Through the continued sharing and celebration of such traditions, China has the opportunity to strengthen its cultural ties with the world, promoting a deeper understanding and respect for diverse cultural heritages. This, in turn, can contribute to a more harmonious international community, united by shared values and mutual appreciation.

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