TWO months before the Chinese Year of the Snake begins, the eastern city of Yiwu — often called “the world’s supermarket” — is bursting with festival goods in vibrant shades of red.

At the Yiwu International Trade Market, store owner Chen Meiyun shared that red couplets, posters with auspicious messages, and craft gifts for Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, are among the most popular products.

“Foreign orders are generally placed as early as June and July. The delivery time for the festival goods is November and December, which are our busiest months,” said Chen.

She explained that exporters of festival goods in Yiwu have been encouraged by the successful inclusion of Chinese New Year on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Year of the Snake will begin on Jan. 29, 2025, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals — such as the ox, tiger, and rabbit — which not only mark the years but also reflect various attributes of people born under each sign.

Chen believes that the global recognition of Spring Festival as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage will benefit exporters by raising international awareness of Chinese culture. “Rituals, customs, and auspicious prayers surrounding the Chinese New Year all convey positive energy, which earns it a growing global influence,” Chen said.

Traditional festival goes global

Rooted in Chinese culture, Spring Festival marks the first day of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal and family unity. It is a time to bid farewell to winter and welcome spring through cherished traditions like spring cleaning, red decorations symbolizing prosperity, and festive family feasts.

The festival’s iconic dragon and lion dances, accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings. These vibrant performances have become synonymous with the celebration, captivating audiences worldwide. From bustling Chinatowns in New York and London to community events across Africa and South America, the festival’s influence transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

At the UNESCO session, vivid displays brought the festival’s rich traditions to life. Delegates from various countries congratulated the Chinese delegation, many of whom extended greetings in Mandarin — “Chun Jie Kuai Le” (Happy Spring Festival).

The festival’s international appeal was evident in celebrations around the globe. In Brazil, this year’s festivities coincided with the 50th anniversary of China-Brazil diplomatic ties.

“For us, Spring Festival is very important. It’s on our calendar and reinforces the brotherhood between peoples,” said Andre Alliana, secretary of tourism for the city of Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.

Pamela Cristales, executive director of the Confucius Institute at the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) in Mexico, highlighted the festival’s appeal. She noted that at UADY alone, the festival draws thousands of people keen to learn about traditions like the Chinese zodiac and purification rituals.

“This is a festival that extends beyond a single day. It involves weeks of preparation and reflects values such as filial piety and community spirit,” said Cristales.

Universal celebration of unity and joy

More than just a cultural tradition, Spring Festival serves as a global celebration of unity and joy. Through vibrant parades, culinary fairs, and workshops on Chinese crafts, it invites people from all walks of life to experience its inclusive and festive spirit.

Among the festival’s cherished traditions is the giving of red envelopes, or hongbao, which symbolize wishes for good fortune and blessings in the new year.

Red dominates the festival’s decor. “Red represents wishes for happiness and good fortune, and it also symbolizes family reunions and the joy of togetherness,” said Ribeiro Silva, a young musician from São Paulo. “During Spring Festival, these values hold special importance.”

Festivities often culminate in grand cultural showcases. In February of this year, the New York Philharmonic illuminated the Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall with a spectacular concert celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Its 12th consecutive Lunar New Year concert, the event has become a highlight on the orchestra’s calendar.

Gary Ginstling, president and CEO of the philharmonic, described the event as “one of the high points on our schedule, welcoming audiences from around the world.”

Rome hosts grand Spring Festival parades every year, and the scale of the event in the Year of the Snake is expected to be even bigger than before, according to organizers.

In Chicago, thousands gathered in Chinatown for a lively parade featuring dazzling dragon dances. Dale Adele, a pilot, shared his pride in his 14-year-old son, who spent six months preparing to perform in the parade.

“He’s learning Chinese in school and wants to go to a good engineering school in China,” said Adele, pointing to the festival’s role in inspiring cross-cultural aspirations.

Spring Festival is celebrated in various ways by about one-fifth of humanity, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

“We very much hope that the festival’s cultural message will contribute to a world with fewer conflicts, harmony among civilizations, and amity among the peoples of the world. I hope Spring Festival will be a moment of joyfulness shared by all,” Lin said.

Heritage through

generations

The inclusion of Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List highlights the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage. China’s efforts to document, promote, and share its traditions have been widely recognized as a model for global cultural preservation.

“China has cultural policies worthy of recognition,” said Nancy Ovelar de Gorostiaga, Paraguay’s permanent representative to UNESCO and chair of the meeting. “China is always present in cultural movements and is visible, so we value that and believe that it is the example that many countries should follow in order to try to safeguard their heritage, culture, and traditions,” she said.

China’s initiatives, including digitalization and cultural exchange programs, help ensure that traditions like Spring Festival remain vibrant in the modern world.

“These efforts inspire countries with rich cultural traditions to actively protect their heritage,” noted Jose Luis Punzo, a researcher at Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

The festival is gaining traction across the world and serves as a call for other countries to prioritize cultural preservation.

“We know that China is a country that actively participates in cultural conventions, and we celebrate that,” said de Gorostiaga. “This is a strong point of Chinese culture, and their effort to preserve their identity, culture, and heritage serves as an example for many countries.”

For Luis Antonio Paulino, director of the Confucius Institute at São Paulo State University, adding Spring Festival to the UNESCO list is about “preserving the history of humanity itself.” Dating back thousands of years, the festival continues to connect people across the globe.

In an increasingly divided world, Spring Festival stands as a powerful reminder of humanity’s shared values. UNESCO’s recognition marks the beginning of a new chapter, ensuring that these traditions will inspire generations to come.

“Each element, each heritage, is important,” de Gorostiaga said. “And Chinese culture, of course, is an ancient and beautiful culture that transmits many values to us.” (Xinhua)