Dear Valued Customers,
As the Lunar New Year approaches, Dawson would like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to you and your families. We are also pleased to inform you of our holiday arrangements during this special time.
Our company will be closed from January 28th to February 4th to celebrate the Lunar New Year. During this period, our regular business operations will be suspended. However, please rest assured that we have made proper arrangements in advance to minimize any potential inconvenience to you. Our team will be back in full swing on February 5th, ready to serve you with the same dedication and professionalism.
Now, let us introduce you to the significance and traditions of the Lunar New Year, which is the most important traditional festival in China and is also widely celebrated in many Asian countries and regions.
I. The Origin of the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has a history of thousands of years. Its origin can be traced back to ancient times when people held grand ceremonies to worship gods and ancestors at the beginning of a new year. It was a time to express gratitude for the past year's harvest and to pray for good luck, prosperity, and peace in the coming year. Over the centuries, the festival has evolved and incorporated various cultural elements, becoming a rich and vibrant celebration of family, community, and culture.
II. Traditional Customs
- Spring Cleaning
Before the Lunar New Year, it is a common tradition to thoroughly clean the house. This is not only a practical way to start the new year with a fresh and clean living environment but also symbolizes getting rid of bad luck and making way for good fortune. People clean every corner of their homes, wash curtains and bedding, and tidy up their yards.
- Decorating with Red
Red is the dominant color during the Lunar New Year. Red couplets are pasted on doors, red lanterns are hung everywhere, and people often wear red clothes. Red is believed to be a lucky color that can ward off evil spirits. The couplets, usually written with black ink on red paper, carry auspicious words and wishes for the new year. They are a form of traditional Chinese calligraphy art and an important part of the festival decoration.
- Family Reunion Dinner
The most important event of the Lunar New Year is the family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. No matter how far away family members are, they will try their best to come back home for this special meal. The dinner is usually a sumptuous feast with a variety of traditional dishes. In many regions, fish is a must - have dish because the Chinese word for fish, "yu," sounds similar to the word for "surplus," symbolizing abundance and prosperity in the new year. Dumplings are also very popular, especially in northern China. They are shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots, representing wealth.
- Giving Red Envelopes
Red envelopes filled with money are given by parents, grandparents, and other married people to children and unmarried adults during the Lunar New Year. This is a way to show love and good wishes. The money inside the envelopes is usually in even numbers, as even numbers are considered lucky in Chinese culture. Children look forward to receiving red envelopes, which they often use to buy toys, books, or save for future use.
- Visiting Relatives and Friends
During the Lunar New Year, people visit their relatives and friends to exchange greetings and wishes. This is a time to strengthen family bonds and social relationships. People bring gifts, such as fruits, cakes, and traditional snacks, when they visit. It is also a common practice to say "Happy New Year" and other auspicious words to each other.
- Dragon and Lion Dances
Dragon and lion dances are exciting and colorful performances that are often seen during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The dragon, a symbol of power and good luck in Chinese culture, is believed to bring rain and prosperity. The lion is also regarded as a lucky and powerful animal that can drive away evil spirits. The dancers skillfully manipulate the dragon and lion costumes, accompanied by the loud beats of drums and gongs, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
III. The Significance of the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is not just a festival; it is a time - honored cultural heritage that reflects the values and beliefs of the Chinese people. It emphasizes the importance of family, unity, and tradition. It is a time for people to take a break from their busy lives, reunite with their loved ones, and cherish the precious moments together. The festival also serves as a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Chinese nation, passed down from generation to generation.
For Dawson, the Lunar New Year is also a time for us to reflect on the past year's achievements and look forward to new opportunities and challenges in the coming year. We are grateful for the trust and support you have given us throughout the year. Your partnership has been an important part of our success, and we are committed to continuing to provide you with high - quality products and services in the future.
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we wish you all a year filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity. May the new year bring you new opportunities, success in your endeavors, and harmonious relationships with your family and friends.
Thank you for your understanding and support during our holiday period. If you have any urgent matters or inquiries, please feel free to contact us via email or leave a message on our official website. We will get back to you as soon as possible after the holiday.
Best regards,
Dawson Team
