Don't think that Chinese New Year is your only chance to enjoy a Chinese festival. China has a number of traditional holidays throughout the year. Better still, most have their own special celebration food! Of course, because Chinese holidays are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, the date changes from one year to the next. Here is a calendar with information about China's ten major traditional holidays in 2005, the Year of the Rooster.
2007 Chinese Holiday Calendar
2006 Chinese Holiday Calendar
While nearly everyone has heard of Chinese New Year day, fewer people realize that the celebrations last for a full two weeks, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Learn more about the legends behind Chinese New Year, why certain foods have symbolic significance, and try some festive recipes. (Date:(First day of the first Chinese lunar month).
Valentine's Day isn't the only day for lovers in February! This romantic day marks the end of the Chinese New Year season. Learn more and try a recipe for Yuanxiao, sticky rice dumplings that are traditionally served at Lantern festival celebrations. (Date: fifteenth day of the first Chinese lunar month).
At about the same time of year as the Irish are paying homage to St. Patrick, the Chinese are celebrating the birthday of the Goddess of Mercy. Learn more and try recipes, including classic Irish dishes such as Barm Brack, and exotic Asian variations. (Date: nineteenth day of the second Chinese lunar month).
A tradition dating back thousands of years, this is a day for the living to pay tribute to deceased relatives by visiting and cleaning their gravesites. In addition to cleaning the gravesite and replacing dead flowers, it is traditional to bring gifts of wine and fruit for the departed spirits. (Date: Ching Ming was originally held on the third day of the third Chinese lunar month. It is now held on April 5th, except for leap years when it is held on April 4th.)
Each year, Hong Kong's tiniest island holds its most colorful celebration! Learn more Cheng Chau's unusual bun festival, and see photos of the bun towers. (Date: the eighth day of the fourth lunar month).
There are few sites more exciting than a fleet of dragon boats racing toward the finish line. Learn more about this annual event and try recipes for Zongzi, the sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves that are an essential part of any Dragon Boat Festival celebration. (Date: fifth day of the fifth Chinese lunar month).
They may not celebrate with chocolate and flowers, but the Chinese have a day devoted to love. Learn more about the legend of star-crossed lovers Niu Lang and Zhi Nu, and try several romantic menues to celebrate the holiday. (Date: seventh day of the seventh Chinese lunar month).
Even ghosts need a vacation. According to Chinese legend, every year ghosts are allowed to leave hell and return to earth for one month. At least, that's the story behind China's hungry ghost festival. During the month, people take care not to offend the wandering spirits. Learn more in this feature by Greg Cruey, About's Guide to Asia for Visitors. (Date: fifteen day of the seventh Chinese lunar month).
Every year, when the autumn harvest moon is at its fullest, the Chinese celebrate by lighting colorful lanterns and enjoying delicious mooncakes. Learn more about the legends behind the festival and try some mooncake recipes. (Date: fifteenth day of the eighth Chinese lunar month).
Like Ching Ming day in the Spring, this Autumn holiday is a time for the Chinese to visit the gravesites of departed relatives. Other customs associated with the day include hiking up a hill in search of dogwood flowers, and drinking chrysanthenum wine. (Date: ninth day of the ninth Chinese lunar month).
