Chinese gymnasts and their coach told us about their favorite Chinese holiday associated with spring - the Chinese New Year, which is also called the Spring Festival.
Shi Yunyao shared that they hold a festive concert in the spring.
“We organize a festive performance on New Year’s Day, after which the New Year holidays begin. During the holidays we watch the New Year's gala concert,” she said.
Cheng Zimo shared an interesting tradition that brings good luck.
“On New Year’s holidays, every evening the whole family watches the New Year’s gala concert and eats dumplings together. There is usually a coin hidden in one of the dumplings, and whoever gets it will be lucky all year,” she said.
Wang Yiying also explained how she celebrates this holiday.
“On New Year’s Eve, we watch the New Year’s gala performance together, light firecrackers, watch fireworks, and also buy New Year’s gifts. During this time, I can’t eat too much because I need to watch my weight,” the gymnast said.
The gymnasts' coach, Liu Zixin, added that it is at this time that all relatives and friends gather together.
“During the New Year holidays, our team organizes various events, we invite children to participate in various performances, dances, and talent shows. After that, the school holidays begin, then I can lie down and relax. At my age, I can already give out red envelopes myself, and this is just the time to give out money. We also get together at home. Many of our relatives who live far away come to visit us. We celebrate the New Year together, and it is very touching. This is the only time of the year when everyone can get together,” the coach said.
The Chinese New Year is the most important and longest holiday in the country. In China, it is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so the date changes from year to year.