過年
gwo ninChinese Spring Festival
Chinese New Year
Luna New Year
The phrase 過年 refers to the passage of time from the old to the new Chinese calendar year. This is probably the most celebrated holiday of Chinese culture.
The Chinese calendar year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (the shortest day and longest night of the year). The non-appearance of the new moon also marks the first day of 過年 (the Chinese Spring Festival).
Both the Gregorian and Chinese calendars are based on the rhythm of the earth and sun. Whereas the Gregorian calendar was originally based on the vernal equinox (day and night are equal), the Chinese calendar was and still is based on the winter solstice (longest night, shortest day).
Whereas the Gregorian calendar has since freed itself from the rhythm of the moon, the Chinese calendar clings to it.
Just as many cultures in East Asia were strongly influenced by ancient Chinese culture, so too were many European cultures influenced by ancient Roman culture and the medieval Catholic church. Thus, one can easily refer to these two NewYear celebrations as solar and lunar New Years with no cultural prejudice to anyone except those who would claim either version of counting as their own.
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