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Change and Renewal
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 | | The Chinese New Year is still celebrated with processions, dancing, and music. |
In ancient times it was very hard to survive during the cold, dark months of winter in northern climates. Nobody could grow crops in the frozen earth. There was little food, and people often went hungry.
Many people once believed the sun was a god. They prayed he would defeat the spirits of darkness and bring back the warm sunshine of spring. They held dances and festivals to scare away evil spirits and to welcome the return of the sun. Even when people turned to other gods and religions to replace the sun god, they still held special festivals to mark the New Year and Spring.
Today we still look on the New Year as a time of hope and change and a time to make plans for the future. In Scotland, New Year's Eve ('Hogmanay') is marked by parties and traditional dancing. In the Netherlands, there are bonfires in the streets and elaborate fireworks displays. In India, the first day of the Hindu year is a day of feasting. It is believed to be a lucky day to start any new venture. Throughout the world, in both cold and warm climates, the New Year is a time of celebration, with dancing, music, and processions.
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Book:
Festivals
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Section:
Festivals
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Chapter:
Change And Renewal
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