\"Happy Chinese New Year\" is now the most common greeting in China. People are immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Traditionally a time for families to reunite, strengthen bonds, and wish for good luck in the new year, the festival has now become an international celebration observed around the world.
The United Nations Floating Holiday: A Step Towards Internationalization
On December 22, 2023, the 78th United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution designating the Chinese New Year as a UN floating holiday, alongside other recognized observances like Thanksgiving Day and Good Friday. To mark the first Chinese New Year as a floating holiday, international bodies such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN headquarters in Vienna adorned their premises with traditional Chinese red lanterns and festive decorations.
Folkloric activities related to the Spring Festival, including dragon dances, temple fairs, and fireworks, can now be found in nearly every country and region globally. Approximately 20 countries surrounding China, including Vietnam, the DPRK, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, the United States, and Mauritius, have officially recognized the Spring Festival as a holiday in some or all of their cities, celebrating the Chinese New Year in diverse ways.
From the East to the West and the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere, nations worldwide light up in \"Chinese Red,\" sharing joyous festivities and experiencing the vibrant and colorful Chinese culture.
The Spiritual Bond of Overseas Chinese Worldwide
The Chinese diaspora is the largest in the world, with over 60 million individuals residing in 198 countries and regions as of 2023. Through their resilience and wisdom, overseas Chinese have earned global appreciation, demonstrated the essence of Chinese culture through progress and charity, and significantly contributed to cultural exchanges between China and other nations.
For Chinese people worldwide, the Spring Festival represents a cultural tradition that transcends geographical boundaries, embodying a spiritual connection among overseas Chinese, preserving traditional heritage, and highlighting a shared cultural identity.
Beyond fostering cultural identity, the Spring Festival provides overseas Chinese with a meaningful opportunity to express their longing for their homeland and loved ones, while also showcasing the rich heritage and joyous traditions of Chinese culture to a global audience. The Chinese New Year has sparked a profound emotional resonance that bridges geographical and cultural differences, transforming the international cultural landscape with its captivating elements.
Reference(s):
Chinese Spring Festival helps bring peace and harmony to the world
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