The streets of Hong Kong, Macao, and the Taiwan region come alive with red lanterns, festive decorations, and vibrant displays as the Chinese New Year approaches.
Despite the geographical distance, people across China are bound by a common cultural heritage, celebrating the Spring Festival with traditions that highlight their deep-rooted connections.
For Zhuang Ling, a photographer in Taiwan, the Chinese New Year is a time to reflect on family traditions that have been passed down through generations. Born on the Chinese mainland, Zhuang recalls his childhood in southwestern China's Sichuan Province, when his family lived modestly but celebrated the Spring Festival with great warmth.
Before the Spring Festival starts, his mother would take him and his siblings to the rural market hours away to buy meat for the New Year feast.
\"She would smoke the meat with pine branches to make bacon, a delicacy that filled our home with the aroma of the holidays,\" he said.
His father would write Spring Festival couplets and decorate their home with plum blossoms, creating a festive atmosphere.
After moving to Taiwan, the family continued to uphold these traditions, writing couplets, making dumplings, and honoring their ancestors with incense. For Zhuang, these customs are more than just rituals; they are a way to stay connected to his Chinese heritage.
Reference(s):
China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan embrace the Spring Festival
cgtn.com
