西方节日和中国节日的区别(Differences beteen western and Chinese festival)

Festival is defined as a special occasion on which people may give thanks for a harvest, commemorate an honored person or event, pay respect to the dead, or celebrate a culture. Festival, as a cultural phenomenon, comes into being during the course of human development and historical evolution. This unique cultural phenomenon embodies human cognition and attention to the natural environments and peripheral surroundings. As we know, a diverse multitude of festivals are enjoyed worldwide. Although the different regions, nations, religions and cultures bring about multifarious festivals, and the means of celebration vary from one place to another, most of people bear common feelings for the festivals, that is praying for happiness and health, fulfilling the good will, and showing the love of life.

Far and away the most important holiday in China is Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year. The date for this annual celebration are determined by the lunar calendar, so the timing of the holiday(the 1st day of a lunar year)varies from late January to early February.

The festival actually begins on the eve of the lunar New Year's Day and ends onthe fifth day of the firstmonth of the lunar calendar, which is called the Lantern Festival Preparations for the New Year

Just as the West has Halloween for ghosts and ghouls, so also does Chinese have a holiday to fete the departed spirits of the underworld-The Ghost Festival. Ghosts roam the world every year for a lunar month, it is said. In some areas of China, visitors can see small roadside fires, where believers burn paper money and other offerings to appease the restless spirits, who have temporarily been released from Hades.

Nowaday,Chinese become so keen on the western festival such as Christmas and Thankgiving day.People around celebrate Christmas probably because they want more festival.

Festival should not only be a day that we get together and enjoy ourselves, but more a day that is full of meanings.