Happy New Year

To begin with, this is the first time that I consider about what is the difference on new year’s greeting between China and US. The surprising part is that it turns out in the languages ​​of the two countries, the format and meaning of the New Year’s greeting are surprisingly the same. In China, People say “Xin Nian Kuai Le!” when they are calling their friends or texting a message, or meeting at parties on new year festival. The meaning of this phrase in literal translation into English is exactly the same as “happy new year” is that they all they all bless people for being happy in the new year.

In addition to the main blessings, the two countries will also make a few different greetings, which shows the difference between two cultures. Chinese people say “Xin Chun Kuai Le” which means “happy spring festival” because the Chinese New Year does not happen on January 1 each year but on the thirtieth day of the lunar new year, which is the beginning of spring in Chinese culture. Relatives and friends will leave their job at this time, traveled home thousands of miles to get together and to pay homage to their ancestors. However, American people say “merry Christmas and happy new year” because they they regard Christmas as the beginning of the new year.

What is more, Chinese people will also say something else to reflect the traditional Chinese customs. For instance, “Gong Xi Fa Cai, Hong Bao Na lai” is the phrase that always be used by children when they are giving new year greetings to their elder. It means that I wish you success in the new year, and make a lot of money, and I hope you can give me a red pack. Elders often put a lot of money inside of the red pack, not just as pocket money but also to bless their children because back to ancient time, people believe that giving this money to children during the Spring Festival can bring good luck to them. Guess what? This is the favorite part of Spring Festival of children!