Overall, while Chinese New Year is not explicitly focused on environmental issues, it does have connections to nature and environmental consciousness through its cultural significance, agricultural traditions, and acknowledgment of natural cycles. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the environmental impact of certain customs associated with the holiday, leading to efforts to promote more eco-friendly practices during the celebrations.
Spring Festival: Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, marks the transition from winter to spring. It celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature, symbolizing hope, growth, and new beginnings.
Agricultural Traditions: Some customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year have agricultural origins and are tied to the farming calendar. For example, the holiday's timing is based on the lunar calendar, which traditionally guided agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting.
Lunar Calendar: The lunar calendar, which Chinese New Year follows, is based on the moon's phases and its connection to the Earth's orbit. While it is primarily a cultural and religious calendar, its synchronization with natural cycles reflects an awareness of the environment.
Fireworks and Red Lantern Festivals: Fireworks are a prominent feature of Chinese New Year celebrations, believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. Red Lantern Festivals, where communities write good wishes for the new year on paper lanterns and light them, may also create litter. However, the fireworks could create emissions and Red Lantern Festivals lantern litter.
