The Chinese New Year in 1920,(starting on the 10th of February), marked the beginning of what is now known as the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese lunar calendar. This grand festival, celebrated across China and other East Asian countries, signifies the birthday of the Heavenly Being who created the world, Tao Tie.
Marked by a 15-day celebration, the 1920 Chinese New Year was a vibrant and symbolic event filled with customs, traditions, and social gatherings. The bustling cities and towns of 1920s China transformed into significant cultural hubs, as people embraced the impending new year with enthusiasm and optimism.
The Traditional Customs of 1920 Chinese New Year
The year 1920, like many others, saw the recurrence of several traditional customs, marking the country's rich cultural heritage. These practices, deeply rooted in history, carried unique symbolism and meant much more than mere celebrations.
Families cleaned their dwellings, believed to sweep away bad luck and make way for the incoming good fortune. In 1920, this 'Spring Cleaning' also meant getting rid of anything ' utilisées', reflecting the era's awakenings amidst societal and political shifts.
Temple Fairs and Processions
Temple Fairs or 'Miao' in Chinese, held inside and around the region's folk temples, highlighted the festive spirit. Families and friends gathered to enjoy performances, games, and local snacks. The lively and colorful processions showcased intricately designed Luck Banners, grandeur Floats, and intricate Performances that would captivate the 1920s crowd.
One such popular procession, the Lion Dance, involved teams of Lion Dancers wearing colorful lion costumes performing street dances. It was believed that these performances would eliminate evil spirits, exuding happiness and good fortune.
Ancestor Veneration and Family Reunions
During the 1920s, ancestor veneration was a sacrosanct tradition. Families visited tombs to offer food and 'Joss' money, a symbolic form of money offered to deceased relatives for safe passage. This year also saw an influx of Chinese immigrants returning to their homeland, reuniting with their families to ring in the new year.
Known as 'Nien', the 15th and final day of the New Year, saw family members getting together for a sumptuous feast, symbolizing the coming together of all generations. As the clock struck midnight, families lite firecrackers to scare away mythical monsters, ushering in the new year with joy and expectation.
The 1920 Chinese New Year and The Republic
The conclusion of the Opium Wars in 1920 left China's political landscape in flux. The recent establishment of the Republic of China in 1912 had yet to be fully consolidated. However, the Chinese New Year remained a unifying force, prevalent in both tradition-loving rural towns and modernizing urban centers.
Despite the political uncertainties, the celebration of the 1920 Chinese New Year induced a sense of national cohesion, momentarily bridging the divides between the old and new China, tradition and modernity, and east and west.
The New Year's Greetings
Chinese people jot down poems and Spring Couplets, pasting them on their doors. These inscriptions serving as a protective talisman against evil spirits, wishing health, prosperity, and longevity. The newly emerging print media also joined the celebration by distributing special New Year's editions.
In rural 1920, people continued to greet each other with a hearty 'Guo Nian Karae!' or 'congratulations on surviving the old year!', expressing hope for peace and happiness in the new year.
The Gaiety of the 1920 Chinese New Year
The New Year concluded with Chiming of the Temple Bells and the clamor of firecrackers, signaling the welcoming of 'Shi-yu' - the first full moon of the new year. Lanterns floated down the rivers, carrying people's New Year wishes. Families enjoyed glutinous rice balls, searching for the lucky 'Wrapping Money'.
Indeed, the 1920 Chinese New Year was more than just a festival; it was a dynamic intersection of old and new, tradition and innovation, China's tumultuous history and the birth of the Republican era.
Today, the enduring joy and significance of the Chinese New Year continue to inspire generations, providing us with a glimpse into the rich cultural history of our forebears who celebrated the 1920 Chinese New Year and beyond. As we look ahead, may we too embrace the spirit of togetherness, renewal, and hope that characterized that joyful time.