Happy Chinese & Buddhist New Year – January 2012

Happy Chinese & Buddhist new year to all our readers. New Year occurs on different days in different countries following Buddhism. In Mahayan countries, New Year celebrations starts on the first full moon day in January. These countries celebrate the day according to their ethnic background and culture. People of China, Korea and Vietnam celebrate it in the month of January or early February while Tibetans usually celebrate a month later. Chinese New Year is not only a Buddhist holiday, but Chinese Buddhists and some other Buddhists from surrounding nations do begin the New Year with religious observation.

On the day of Buddhist New Year, people take a look on their past lives, and try to identify and rectify the mistakes. Other than that, people buy new clothes, clean up and decorate their households and surroundings, and visit all close friends and families to mark their wishes and share gifts on New Year. Bursting firecrackers is another important part of traditional New Year celebrations. People gather on streets, or in neighborhoods, to light up firecrackers as soon as the clock at the midnight turns twelve. It is followed by New Yeas wishes with all those present around. There is also a customary part to celebrations, as a part of which special sweet dishes for the occasion are prepared to be served at Buddhist New Year Feast.