The comparison between Chinese and Western festivals
中西方节日文化的差异比较
Abstract: the process of comparing the Chinese and Western festivals and studying Western histories and cultures can help people promote the communication and understanding of different cultures. With the further development of society and inter-cultures, globalization will affect many aspects of life in all countries. And western festivals are becoming more and more popular in China. We should respect them and select the essence. China boasts a brilliant history and splendid traditions. In modern times, Chinese tradition should be preserved and promoted. But it seems that young people no longer treasure the tradition. On the contrary, they turn to pursue enthusiastically a seemingly more modern culture. If this trend is allowed to continue, the priceless heritage of our ancestors will be replaced by western traditions. Nobody expects such a consequence. So let’s join hand in hand to protect and carry forward Chinese tradition.
Key words: Traditional festivals; Chinese and Western cultures; difference; globalization
Introduction:
“A holiday of a nation represents a glorious culture and concentrated customs of a nation.” To understand a nation's cultural implications a nd its cultural characteristics, we must start with its traditional festivals. There exists great difference between Chinese and Western festivals due to their different languages, education, life styles and customs. Recently, western festivals are becoming more and more popular among Chinese. On one hand, it can indeed bring some benefits to our country to some extent. On the other hand, we should pay attention to this phenomenon. The differences in their origin and shaping, celebration, food, banquet manners, color of festive dressing and the attitudes of accepting presents contribute to the great differences of Chinese and Western festive cultures. On the background of globalization, we should pay respect to western festivals, and carry forward our excellent traditional festivals at the same time.
“A holiday of a nation represents a glorious culture and concentrated customs of a nation.” To understand a nation's cultural implications and its cultural characteristics,
we must start with its traditional festivals. There exists great difference between the Chinese and Western festivals due to their different languages, education, life styles and customs.Recently, western festivals are becoming more and more popular among Chinese people, especially among the young. According to an internet survey, more than half of the thirties prefer foreign festivals.With the further development of society and inter-culture, though we should not reject the advanced technology, culture, and foreign language, there is a touch of melancholy when coming to think that our traditional festivals was neglected.There are several possible reasons for this phenomenon. First, western nations, such as the United States and Britain, are powerful and dominant in many aspects. Everything in these countries is assumed to be superior and adored by some modern young people. Second, the prevalence of English as a world language and the development of globalization enable western culture to flood in China. Overwhelmed by such a trend, Chinese unconsciously get involved in western culture. Last but not least, some Chinese people have blind faith in foreign things while dismiss our own possessions with contempt. Undoubtedly, enjoying western festivals can enrich our life, bring us more happiness, promote communication and enhance our friendship. Whether be the foreign festivals or traditional festivals, they all imply the meaning of union, safety and blessing. From the perspective of consumption and entertainment, festivals can not only stimulate domestic demand, but also provide access to exotic cultures. And foreign festival, to some extent, means peer-gathering.Besides, more people should make careful analysis of the differences between Chinese and foreign festival cultures.
1. the difference of where they originated and how they took shape
The original meaning of Chinese traditional festivals is from agriculture, because our country had been in feudal self-sufficient agricultural society and natural economy for a long time. As the old saying goes "Rain in spring is as precious as oil" "The peasants are busy with growing wheat during the Qingming festival". The Spring Festival and Qingming have been important agricultural festivals since ancient times. Western traditional festivals originated from Christianity, such as St. Valentine's Day is in commemoration of Christianity martyr named Valentine, and the Easter of the revival of Jesus, Halloween is All Saints’ Day, and the Christmas is the birth of Jesus.
2. the difference in celebration
Western traditional festivals emphasize on interactivity, collectivity and extreme carnival, focusing on self and advocating free expressing of personality. While in China, we focus on family reunion and enjoy happy family relations. Here we set two examples as follows.
*Spring Festival Vs New Year
In western nations, the New Year’s Day falls on January 1st in Gregorian calendar. On the night of December 31, particularly close to the late zero o’clock, tens of thousands of people gather in to pray sincerely and silently for the coming year’s countdown. When the bell sounds 12, suddenly, the beautiful music sound, people are singing happily and talking cheerfully, playing all night long. In China, the Spring Festival falls on January 1st in lunar calendar since Qin Dynasty. On the eve of Spring Festival, we get together to enjoy delicious food and cuisine, staying up for the coming New
