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中西方节日文化差异中西方的节日文化是各自独特的，反映了不同的历史、传统和价值观念。
本文将从几个方面探讨中西方节日文化的差异。
首先是节日的日期和起源。
在西方国家，节日的日期通常是固定的，比如圣诞节、复活节等。
而在中国，许多节日的日期是根据农历来确定的，比如春节、清明节等。
这反映了中西方在历法和生活方式上的不同。
此外，中西方节日的起源也非常不同。
中国的传统节日大多源于古代的宗教或祭祀仪式，比如春节起源于古代的祭祀太阳的仪式。
而西方的节日通常源自基督教信仰或古代的庆祝活动，比如圣诞节起源于对耶稣基督诞生的庆祝。
其次是节日的庆祝方式。
在中国，节日通常是与家人团聚、享用传统美食，进行庆祝活动的时间。
比如春节期间，人们通常回家与家人共进晚餐，拜年、放鞭炮等。
而在西方，节日通常是与朋友和社区一起庆祝的时间。
比如圣诞节期间，人们会与朋友举办派对、交换礼物，参加社区活动等。
这反映了中西方在家庭观念和社会关系上的差异。
再次是节日的象征物和活动。
中国的传统节日通常有一系列特定的象征物和活动。
比如春节期间，红色被视为幸运的颜色，人们会在家门口贴对联和福字，以祈求好运。
此外，舞龙、舞狮等传统表演也是春节不可缺少的一部分。
而在西方，节日的象征物和活动也有自己独特的特点。
比如圣诞节期间，人们会装饰圣诞树，悬挂彩灯和圣诞袜，唱圣诞歌曲等。
这些象征物和活动反映了中西方在文化符号和审美上的差异。
最后是节日的意义和价值观。
中国的传统节日通常强调家庭团聚、祭祀祖先、追求吉祥和幸福。
比如春节期间，家人会团聚在一起，敬拜祖先，祈求来年的顺利和幸福。
而在西方，节日的意义通常与宗教或个人价值观相关。
比如复活节是基督教的重要节日，象征着耶稣的复活和新生命的开始。
此外，西方的节日也强调慈善和友爱，比如圣诞节期间人们会互相赠送礼物，关爱弱势群体。
总而言之，中西方节日文化在日期、起源、庆祝方式、象征物和活动、意义和价值观等方面存在着明显的差异。
这些差异反映了中西方在历史、信仰、家庭观念和社会关系等方面的不同。
中西方传统节日文化差异节日是一个国家或地区重要的文化组成部分，是人们表达喜庆、纪念和团聚的时刻。
不同国家和地区有着不同的节日文化，其中中西方节日文化有着明显的差异。
本文将从节日庆祝形式、传统食物和重要意义等方面探讨中西方传统节日文化的差异。
首先，中西方在节日的庆祝形式上存在明显的差异。
在中国，许多节日都有固定的庆祝方式，如春节、中秋节等。
春节是中国最重要的传统节日，人们通常会贴春联、放鞭炮、包饺子、赏花灯等。
而中秋节则是家人团聚的时刻，人们会吃月饼、赏月、猜灯谜等。
此外，中国还有许多传统节日，如清明节、端午节、重阳节等，每个节日都有自己独特的庆祝仪式。
与此相比，西方国家的节日庆祝形式更加多样化。
在西方，圣诞节是最重要的节日之一、人们会在家中装饰圣诞树，送礼物给亲朋好友，举办圣诞派对等。
复活节也是重要的节日，人们通常会给彩蛋并参加各种庆祝活动。
除此之外，西方还有许多独特的节日，如万圣节、感恩节、独立日等，每个节日都有特定的庆祝仪式和活动。
其次，在传统节日的食物方面，中西方也存在差异。
在中国，传统节日的食物与节日的意义密切相关。
例如，春节必不可少的食物有饺子、年糕、汤圆等。
饺子代表着团圆、团结，是春节餐桌上的主要食物之一、中秋节则以月饼为代表，有多种口味和形状，如莲蓉、豆沙、五仁等。
此外，清明节有清明粿、踏青等，端午节有粽子等传统食品。
而在西方，节日的食物通常没有特定的象征意义，但在庆祝活动中占据重要地位。
例如，在圣诞节，人们会准备火鸡、浆果布丁、姜饼等传统食物。
在复活节，孩子们通常会参与彩蛋装饰和寻找彩蛋的活动，同时还会享用兔子形状的巧克力和糖果。
感恩节的重要食物是烤火鸡、南瓜派和蔓越莓酱等。
每个节日都有特定的食物，与家人和朋友一起分享是庆祝节日的重要方式。
而在西方，节日更多的是与宗教和历史事件有关。
例如，圣诞节是基督教救主耶稣诞辰的纪念日，复活节是基督教耶稣复活的纪念日。
感恩节则是美国的传统节日，纪念欧洲移民和美洲土著人的和谐相处。
中西方节日文化差异中西方的文化差异在很多方面都可以看到，而其中一大方面就是节日文化。
中西方节日的差异主要体现在节日起源、内容、庆祝方式以及象征意义上。
以下将介绍一些典型的中西方节日文化差异。
首先，中西方节日的起源有很大的不同。
在中国，很多传统节日都与古代的祭祀活动有关，例如春节和清明节等。
这些节日起源于古代的宗教和农耕文化，是对祖先的感恩和祭拜。
而在西方，很多节日起源于宗教信仰，特别是基督教。
例如圣诞节和复活节等节日都与耶稣的诞生和复活有关。
因此，中西方节日的起源根源于不同的宗教和文化背景。
其次，中西方节日的内容也存在差异。
在中国，很多节日都和家庭团聚、亲情、友情有关。
例如春节是中国最重要的传统节日，人们会回家与家人团聚，互相拜访亲友，共度团圆时刻。
而在西方，很多节日更加注重个人和社交活动。
例如西方的情人节，人们会互赠礼物，表达爱意；感恩节则是家人欢聚一堂，共进丰盛的晚餐。
因此，中西方节日的内容反映了不同文化背景下的人际关系和价值观。
第三，中西方节日的庆祝方式也有差异。
在中国，很多节日都有特定的习俗和仪式。
例如在春节期间，人们会贴春联、放鞭炮、拜年、包饺子等活动；在清明节，人们会扫墓祭祖，寄托哀思和思念。
而在西方，节日的庆祝方式更加多样化。
例如在圣诞节，人们会装饰圣诞树、互赠礼物、用圣诞袜装饰家中等；在复活节，人们会参加彩蛋寻找活动、举行复活节狂欢派对等。
所以，中西方节日的庆祝方式反映了不同地域和文化中的传统和习俗。
最后，中西方节日的象征意义也有所不同。
在中国，很多传统节日都有美好的象征意义。
例如春节象征着新年的开始和新的希望；清明节象征着对逝去亲人的怀念和悼念。
而在西方，很多节日都有特定的象征物和意义。
例如圣诞节的圣诞树象征着生命和希望；复活节的彩蛋象征着新生和重生。
因此，中西方的节日象征意义不同，反映了不同文化中的特有信仰和价值观。
总之，中西方节日文化差异体现在节日的起源、内容、庆祝方式和象征意义上。
浅析中西方节日文化差异中西方节日文化是两种截然不同的文化形态，这表现在节日的意义、庆祝方式、传统习俗等方面。
中西方节日文化的差异不仅反映了不同地域、历史背景、信仰体系的差异，也体现了中西方人民的不同生活方式和价值观念。
本文将从节日的意义、庆祝方式和传统习俗三个方面对中西方节日文化差异进行浅析。
首先，中西方节日文化在节日的意义上存在明显差异。
在西方国家，节日被视为庆祝、放松和享受的机会。
例如，圣诞节被西方文化认为是全年最重要的节日之一，人们会互相赠礼、举行晚宴、装饰圣诞树等，以庆祝耶稣基督的诞生。
而在中国，节日则更多地强调团圆和传统文化。
比如春节作为中国最重要的节日，主要作为一个家庭团聚的时刻，人们会回家与家人共度佳节，祭祀祖先，而非像西方国家那样举办大型庆祝活动。
其次，中西方节日文化在庆祝方式上也有很大不同。
在西方国家，节日庆祝方式多样，例如大规模的游行、狂欢节、焰火表演等，使得节日充满热闹和喜庆的气氛。
而在中国，节日庆祝方式更注重传统习俗和仪式的保持。
例如，清明节人们会扫墓祭祖，端午节会划龙舟、吃粽子，中秋节会赏月、吃月饼等。
以春节为例，中国人会贴对联、做年夜饭、放烟花爆竹等，张灯结彩，到处弥漫着喜庆的气氛。
总之，中西方的庆祝方式体现了各自民族的文化传统和特色。
最后，中西方节日文化在传统习俗方面也存在差异。
在西方国家，许多节日习俗都与宗教信仰有关。
例如复活节，人们会进行献祭和彩蛋活动，象征着新生和复苏。
而在中国，传统习俗更加强调尊敬和传承。
例如，重阳节人们会登高、赏菊、佩戴菊花等，传承孔子等古代文化名人的尊敬之情；元宵节人们会进行猜灯谜、吃汤圆等活动，寓意团圆和美好的未来。
传统习俗的不同反映了中西方的宗教信仰、历史和文化积淀的差异。
综上所述，中西方节日文化存在明显的差异，体现在节日的意义、庆祝方式和传统习俗等方面。
这种差异不仅源于地域、历史和宗教等差异，也与中西方人民的生活方式和价值观念有关。
中西节日文化差异比较中西方的节日文化有很大的差异，源于不同的历史、文化和宗教背景。
下面将比较中西方几个代表性的节日文化差异。
首先，中西方在对待节日的态度上存在差异。
在中国，节日被视为传统文化的重要组成部分，人们往往将节日看作是家庭团聚和祭祀先祖的时间。
与此相反，西方人更多地将节日视为休闲娱乐的机会，他们会举行各种庆祝活动、参加派对和户外活动，享受节日带来的快乐与放松。
其次，中西方的节日内容和形式也存在差异。
中国的传统节日通常与农耕文化、宗教信仰和历史事件有关。
例如，春节作为中国最重要的传统节日，是庆祝农历新年的盛大庆典，包括全家人团圆吃年夜饭、放鞭炮、舞龙舞狮、守岁等传统活动。
西方的节日则更多与基督教有关，如圣诞节、复活节和感恩节。
圣诞节是西方最重要的节日之一，人们会装饰圣诞树、交换礼物、参加教堂仪式，并且有圣诞老人的传统。
复活节则是基督徒庆祝耶稣复活的节日，人们会玩彩蛋、参加教堂仪式等。
再次，中西方的节日庆祝方式也不同。
在中国，很多节日都有一些特定的习俗和仪式。
例如，清明节时，人们会祭祖扫墓，向祖先献上食物和纸钱，并且当地会举行龙舟竞赛等活动。
端午节有吃粽子和赛龙舟的传统；中秋节会吃月饼、赏月等。
而西方人则更多地通过庆祝派对、宴会或者参加节日游行来庆祝节日。
例如，美国的感恩节时，人们会准备丰盛的感恩大餐，并与家人朋友一起分享，还有梅西感恩节大游行等。
最后，中西方节日的象征物也存在差异。
中国的传统节日往往有一些特定的象征物，代表着吉祥和幸福。
例如，春节时红包代表财富与好运，灯笼象征祥瑞美好，年画展示人们的美好愿望等。
西方的节日则有一些特定的标志和象征物。
圣诞节时，圣诞树象征生命与希望，圣诞老人象征善良与爱心，破晓前的12个钟声象征新的一年的开始等。
总之，中西方的节日文化存在诸多差异，包括对待节日的态度、节日内容和形式、庆祝方式以及象征物等。
这些差异源于中西方的历史、文化和宗教差异，反映了两种文化对节日的不同理解和价值观。
中国和其他国家的节日有哪些不同之处？在全球各个国家和地区，人们都有庆祝节日的传统。
但是每个国家和地区的节日习俗都有其独特的特点。
以下是中国和其他国家的节日有哪些不同之处：一、时间及日期1.中国的春节是根据阴历来确定的，每年日期都不一样。
而其他国家的节日大多是根据阳历来确定的，日期比较固定。
2.西方的节日通常是以节气演化而成的，例如圣诞节是阳历的12月25日。
而中国的节日大多是以自然现象为关键，例如春节是冬至之后的第一个月圆夜晚。
二、意义与象征1.中国的传统节日往往有丰富的意义，如春节意味着迎新年、团圆等。
且节日中往往会有各种各样的象征符号，例如春节的红色代表吉祥，饺子代表财富等。
2.其他国家的节日象征意义比较简单。
例如圣诞节的代表色是绿色和红色，而象征意义则主要是庆祝耶稣诞生。
三、文化差异1.中国的传统文化对于节日有很深刻的理解和涵义，多数节日都与中国的历史文化有着紧密联系。
如清明节，是中国人纪念祖先的重要节日。
2.西方国家的节日与宗教、历史有关，但与各国文化关系不太紧密。
如复活节，西方是因为纪念耶稣的复活而庆祝，但复活节大兔子、彩蛋等元素，就与西方文化没有太大的关联。
四、庆祝方式1.中国的节日往往是以家庭为单位庆祝，亲朋好友聚在一起吃团圆饭。
此外，各地还会有特色活动、习俗，如广东的打马球、四川的吃火锅等。
2.西方的节日往往有慈善和社交活动，和家人一起庆祝也是重要的一环。
例如圣诞节，家中会点燃香桶，整理食物，或者去教堂参加活动。
在美国，感恩节是一家人团聚的节日，人们会在当天吃火鸡晚餐。
五、食品文化1.中国传统节日里，吃特定的食品是一个重要的传统。
如春节要吃饺子、年糕，中秋节要吃月饼等。
2.西方国家的节日没有像中国那样吃特定的食品的习俗，但某些食物在特定的节日里也会被大量消费。
如在美国的感恩节，人们会烤火鸡、吃洋葱烤土豆泥等传统食品。
结语：虽然各个国家的节日不尽相同，但人们庆祝节日的目的却是一致的 - 希望通过喜庆和传统来感受生活的美好与幸福。
中西方节日分析对比首先，中西方节日的历史背景不同。
春节是中国最重要的传统节日，起源于数千年前的农耕时代，是农历新年的开始。
这个节日具有浓厚的农耕文化和祭祖文化色彩。
而圣诞节则是西方基督教国家最重要的节日，庆祝耶稣基督的出生。
圣诞节起源于公元4世纪的罗马帝国，通过基督教的传播逐渐成为全球范围内的庆祝活动。
情人节起源于古罗马时代，8世纪时圣瓦伦丁被认为是它的守护神，因此被称为圣瓦伦丁节。
而感恩节则是美国的传统节日，纪念并感谢上帝赐予的丰收和祝福。
其次，中西方节日的庆祝方式不同。
春节通常会进行丰富多彩的庆祝活动，包括放鞭炮、挂红灯笼、贴年画、舞龙舞狮、亲朋好友相聚共进年夜饭等。
除夕夜的除夕晚会也是春节期间非常重要的一部分。
圣诞节的庆祝活动则包括装饰圣诞树、互赠礼物、唱圣诞颂歌以及参加宗教仪式等。
情人节主要是情侣之间的节日，人们会互赠礼物、送花、走亲近的互动以及晚餐约会等。
感恩节则是与家人团聚，共进丰盛的感恩大餐，并表达对亲人和朋友的感激之情。
第三，中西方节日的象征物和寓意不同。
在春节中，红色被视为吉祥和幸运的颜色，代表了热闹、喜庆和团圆。
红包和福字都是常见的春节象征物，寓意着财富和好运。
而在圣诞节中，圣诞树被认为是节日的象征，代表着繁荣和希望。
装饰物如圣诞袜、铃铛、雪花和星星等也是常见的象征物。
情人节的象征物主要是花朵，尤其是玫瑰花，象征着爱情和浪漫。
感恩节则以丰收的食物和火鸡为象征，强调感谢和分享的精神。
最后，中西方节日在价值取向上有所不同。
春节强调家庭和亲情的重要性，人们会回到家中与亲人团聚，共同度过佳节。
圣诞节则更加注重友情和慈善，人们会互赠礼物，并关注弱势群体的福利。
情人节则突出爱情和浪漫，是情侣之间的重要日子。
感恩节则是让人们反思和感谢，学会珍惜并分享身边的一切。
综上所述，中西方节日有着明显的差异，无论是历史背景、庆祝方式、象征物和寓意还是价值取向上都存在不同。
这种差异反映了中西方的文化差异和价值观差异，增加了人们对彼此文化的了解和交流的机会。
试述中外民俗的异同中外民俗是指不同国家、不同地区的人们在特定的时间和场合中所遵循的传统习俗和生活方式。
中外民俗的异同主要体现在以下几个方面：1. 节日习俗：中外节日习俗的差异很大。
中国有春节、清明节、端午节、中秋节等重要节日，其习俗包括贴春联、踩墓、赛龙舟、赏月等；而西方国家有圣诞节、复活节、感恩节、万圣节等，其习俗主要包括送礼物、装饰圣诞树、狂欢行会等。
虽然节日习俗不同，但都表达了人们对于节日的重视和庆祝。
2. 婚俗习惯：在中国，结婚是人生中的大事，有着许多的仪式和习俗。
新娘要穿红色婚纱，有嫁妆、下嫁酒等过程；而西方婚礼主要包括举行婚礼仪式、交换婚礼戒指、举行宴会等。
中国有“三替九礼”等多样化的婚礼形式，而西方国家多是传统的宗教婚礼。
3. 膳食习俗：中外人们的饮食习俗也存在差异。
中国人注重饮食的热量和营养搭配，有“四菜一汤”的概念，较为注重米饭或面食作为主食；而西方国家的饮食更偏向于肉类，以肉类、蔬菜、面包为主食。
中国人在餐桌礼仪上更加注重尊重长辈，而西方人则更加注重个人的自由与舒适。
4. 社交礼仪：中外社交礼仪也有很大的不同。
中国人注重面子和尊重，重视礼貌和仪态；而西方社交礼仪较为随意，更加注重个人的自由和平等。
在交往方式上，中国人注重长辈和上级的尊重，而西方人更加注重平等和个人权利。
5. 服饰文化：中外人们的服饰文化也存在明显差异。
中国传统服饰多以汉服、唐装等为代表，注重色彩和纹饰的讲究；而西方国家的服饰更加注重个性和时尚。
中国人在特殊场合如婚礼、节日等经常会穿着传统的礼服，而西方人在正式场合更多选择西装和礼服。
中外民俗存在明显的异同。
中国更加注重传统、尊重和维护家庭、长辈、祖先等价值观念；而西方注重个人自由、平等、公正的价值观念。
在现代社会，中外的文化交流和融合越来越频繁，民俗差异也逐渐在减少，但不同国家的传统民俗仍然在人们的生活中发挥着重要的作用，丰富了世界的文化多样性。
中西方文化差异对比——节日1.中西节日的起源与差异：中国长期以来处于封建自给自足的农业社会和自然经济中, 其传统节日具有浓厚的农业色彩,包含了农耕文明的社会特征, 主要是从岁时节令转换而来的。
我国古代长期以农为本, 在生产力和农业技术不发达的情况下, 十分重视气候对农作物的影响。
在春种、夏长、秋收、冬藏的过程中认识了自然时序的复杂规律, 总结出四时、二十四节气, 形成了以节日为主的传统节日。
勤劳的中国人民为了更好地生存, 必须大力发展农业, 而农业的发展离不开天气的关照。
在古代, 春节、清明节( 古代称三月节) 等都是重要的农事节日。
西方文化由于长久受基督教的影响, 其传统节日起源带有浓厚的宗教色彩, 如情人节( 纪念名叫瓦丁的基督教殉难者) 、复活节( 基督教纪念耶稣复活) 、万圣节( 纪念教会所有圣人) 、圣诞节( 基督教纪念耶稣诞生) , 这些节日的起源大多与宗教有关系。
当然, 西方节日中也有和农业有关的节日, 但他们以农业为主的节日的历史不如中国漫长。
2.中西节日庆祝方式差异：中国的传统节日, 基本是封建社会时期形成的, 不可避免地留下封建社会的痕迹: 等级制、家族式，节日无不以家族内部活动为中心。
西方的传统节日就不同了, 更多的是表现出人们的互动性、集体性和狂欢性, 以自我为中心, 崇尚个性张扬。
这与中国节日的家族性恰好相反, 体现了西方文化的群体性，反映了人们渴望互相交流、群体参与的愿望,体现了人人平等、自由表现自我的特点。
这里试举两例说明：(1) 春节与新年。
作为新一年的开始, 中西方有着极大差异的庆祝方式。
春节作为中国最重要的传统节日, 源于秦朝, 定于每年农历的一月一日, 从农历12月23日开始, 人民开始开展各种庆祝方式, 一直持续到元宵节。
春节的习俗繁多, 如大扫除、吃团圆饭拜年、放鞭炮, 舞狮子等。
总之, 不论是大街小巷, 都笼罩着一股浓浓的喜庆气氛。
而西方, 他们崇尚的是过公历新年, 即元旦。
内蒙古民族大学本科毕业论文中西传统节日中的文化差异裴海峰摘要：节日是一种文化现象，它不仅反映着人们社会生活的各个方面，同时也诠释着一个民族的文化。
中西方文化存在各个方面的差异，传统节日文化是其中重要的一项。
中国的春节和西方的圣诞节分别是东西方最重要的传统节日,它们各有其独特的起源，习俗，社会功能，文化内涵。
本文通过对中西方传统节日春节和圣诞节的比较分析，从而深入了解中西文化的差异关键词：传统节日中西文化差异On the Cultural Differences Between Chinese and WesternTraditional FestivalsPei HaifengAbstract：Culture is an important cultural phenomenon, it is not only a way of showing the social life of its people, but also a good way of passing on the national cultural. There are aspects of differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Traditional festivals are one of the important differences. The Chinese Spring Festival and the western Christmas are the most important traditional festival for the eastern and western, they have unique origin，custom，social function and culture meaning. This paper demonstrates the cultural differences between Chinese and Western, by analyzing the tradition festival of Chinese and western.Key Words: traditional festivals Chinese and Western cultures differencesContentsIntroduction (1)1. The origin of Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas (2)1.1 The origin of Chinese Spring Festival (2)1.2 The origin of Christmas (4)2 Analysis of Chinese Spring Festival and western Christmas (6)2.1 agriculture and religion (6)2.2 Ways of expressing feelings (7)2.3 Religious belief (7)3 Analysis of Chinese and western traditional festivals (8)3.1 The way of naming (8)3.2The way of celebration (8)3.3The way of feeling (9)Conclusion (10)Notes (11)Bibliography (12)On the Cultural Differences Between Chinese and WesternTraditional FestivalsPei HaifengIntroductionEvery nation has its own culture. On the soil of culture, there grows its traditional festival. Traditional festival is a very important part of culture. Different nation has different culture and traditional festivals. The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people, just like Christmas in the West.There are some differences between Chinese and Western cultures. Traditional festivals are one of the important differences. This essay probes into the differences between Chinese and Western cultures through traditional festivals. First, they are distinctly different in their origins. The festivals in China mainly stem from seasons and solar periods, which are closely related to agriculture. “The festivals in western countries generally stem from religion and its relative events. So they all are influenced with religious features. Second, they are apparently different in their customs. When celebrating the festivals, the Chinese tend to focus more attention on eating and drinking, while the westerners tend to put more attention to the seeking of pleasure and entertainments.” [1]In the era of globalization, due to the development and intensification in economic and cultural exchanges, we can feel the quick step of Chinese-western culture communication from the people’s celebration on each other’s festivals. The people of both sides accept and adore each other’s traditional festivals and there is a new tendency of selecting the superiority and eliminating the inferiority.Local customs is a charming world, where one can learn the history and culture of the country he/she is staying more profoundly. Local customs find full expressions in the traditional festivals.Take Chinese traditional festivals for example. Characterized by diverse styles and themes, Chinese traditional festivals are an important part of Chinese history and culture, both ancient and modern. A close relationship exists between many of thetraditional festivals and chronology, mathematics, the Chinese calendar and the twenty-four solar terms. Many of the customs connected with the traditional festivals have links with religious devotions, superstitions and myths. Almost every festival has its own unique origins and customs which reflect the traditional practices and morality of the whole Chinese nation and its people. And it is true with Western traditional festivals.Chinese and western festivals are a window into their different cultures, including their tradition, their belief and their value. Since culture is so much reflected in the festivals, it is quite meaningful to probe into the origins and ways of celebration, etc, of the different festivals between China and the western countries so as to promote the cross-cultural communication．1. The origin of Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas1.1 The origin of Chinese Spring FestivalSpring Festival starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. So the timing of the holiday varies from late January to early February. The Spring festival celebrates the earth coming back to life, and the start of ploughing and sowing. In the past, feudal rulers of dynasties placed great importance on this occasion, and ceremonies to usher in the season were performed.The first day of lunar years called “nian chu yi” (the first day of nian). There is folklore about the monster called “nian”. In fact, the festival stems from the agricultural production. China is an agricultural country and our ancestors have known how to crop in the fields and formed a farming industry thousands of years ago. After accumulating experience during the long-time cultivation, the ancient people find out that the proper seeds planting in springtime leads to a good harvest in autumn. Later, a famous saying comes into being “the whole year’s work depends on a good starting in spring”. Therefore, the springtime becomes the time for the Chinese. Because the Chinese regard springtime as a start of the whole year, no wonder theChinese place so much emphasis on the springtime, and Spring Festival is treated as such an important festival. Meanwhile, this festival mirrors are the Chinese attitudes to the relationship between nature and human---keeping harmony. In daily life and work, people find a certain rule in nature; following it, people set the production schedule to help plant in a reasonable way. In nature, people make development and enjoy life.After the Preliminary Eve, people begin preparing for the coming New Year. This is called "Seeing the New Year in".Store owners are busy then as everybody goes out to purchase necessities for the New Year. Materials not only include edible oil, rice, flour, chicken, duck, fish and meat, but also fruit, candies and kinds of nuts. What's more, various decorations, new clothes and shoes for the children as well as gifts for the elderly, friends and relatives, are all on the list of purchasing.Before the New Year comes, the people completely clean the indoors and outdoors of their homes as well as their clothes, bedclothes and all their utensils.Then people begin decorating their clean rooms featuring an atmosphere of rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels will be pasted with Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies from house owners' wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Also, pictures of the god of doors and wealth will be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.The Chinese character "fu" (meaning blessing or happiness) is a must. The character put on paper can be pasted normally or upside down, for in Chinese the "reversed fu" is homophonic with "fu comes", both being pronounced as "fudaole." What's more, two big red lanterns can be raised on both sides of the front door. Red paper-cuttings can be seen on window glass and brightly colored New Year paintings with auspicious meanings may be put on the wall.People attach great importance to Spring Festival Eve. At that time, all family members eat dinner together. The meal is more luxurious than usual. Dishes such as chicken, fish and bean curd cannot be excluded, for in Chinese, their pronunciations,respectively "ji", "yu" and "doufu," mean auspiciousness, abundance and richness. After the dinner, the whole family will sit together, chatting and watching TV. In recent years, the Spring Festival party broadcast on China Central Television Station (CCTV) is essential entertainment for the Chinese both at home and abroad. According to custom, each family will stay up to see the New Year in.Waking up on New Year, everybody dresses up. First they extend greetings to their parents. Then each child will get money as a New Year gift, wrapped up in red paper. People in northern China will eat jiaozi, or dumplings, for breakfast, as they think "jiaozi" in sound means "bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new". Also, the shape of the dumpling is like gold ingot from ancient China. So people eat them and wish for money and treasure.Southern Chinese eat niangao (New Year cake made of glutinous rice flour) on this occasion, because as a homophone, niangao means "higher and higher, one year after another." The first five days after the Spring Festival are a good time for relatives, friends, and classmates as well as colleagues to exchange greetings, gifts and chat leisurely.Burning fireworks was once the most typical custom on the Spring Festival. People thought the spluttering sound could help drive away evil spirits. However, such an activity was completely or partially forbidden in big cities once the government took security, noise and pollution factors into consideration. As a replacement, some buy tapes with firecracker sounds to listen to, some break little balloons to get the sound too, while others buy firecracker handicrafts to hang in the living room.The lively atmosphere not only fills every household, but permeates to streets and lanes. A series of activities such as lion dancing, dragon lantern dancing, lantern festivals and temple fairs will be held for days. “The Spring Festival then comes to an end when the Lantern Festival is finished.” [2]1.2 The origin of ChristmasChristmas to the westerns is compared as Spring Festival to Chinese. It is onDecember 25th every year and usually lasts for a week, until a new year. Christmas originated from Europe. How Christmas comes into being must date back to 1A.D.when Jesus came into world. The name Christmas is short for “Christ’s Mass”.A Mass is a kind of church service. Christmas is the feast of the nativity of Jesus, is on 25th, December every year. It is the day we celebrate as the birthday of Jesus. In Bible, “There is a vivid description of the story about Jesus birth: in a city of Galilee, the virgin’s name was Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Before they came tighter, she was found with a child of the Holy Spirit. While Joseph her husband wanted to put her away secretly, Gabriel, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not be afraid to take Mary as wife. And Mary would bring forth a son, and he should call him, Jesus, for he would save his people from their sins. Finally, on December 25th, Mary brought forth her firstborn son---Jesus.”[3]The Feast of Christmas It is not easy to pin-point the origins of the Christmas feast, today the more important feast of the Christmas season in most western Christian churches. One can only say for certain that the birth of Jesus Christ was being celebrated in Rome by the year 336 A.D.; afterwards the feast was celebrated in other Christian churches throughout the world.December 25th is another question. No date for the birth of Jesus can be found in the New Testament, which is concerned more with the question "Who is Jesus?" than the date of his birth. Early Christian speculation about his birth date was influenced by the symbolism of the changing seasons, then popular in religious thought, which paid careful attention to the equinoxes and solstices of the sun. Christian scholars speculated that Jesus was conceived at the spring equinox (March 25th) and therefore was born on December 25th, the date of the winter solstice. “This is largely because they all believe in God and share similar values.” [4]In many of the Christian churches, March 25th is still the Feast of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus.Possible impulse for the feast of Christmas may have came too from the establishment of the pagan feast of the "Unconquered Sun-God" by the EmperorAurelian in 274 A.D. to be celebrated on December 25, the day of the winter solstice in Rome and throughout the empire. In response, Christians could celebrate the feast of the "Sun of righteousness" (Malachi 4, 2), Jesus Christ, who called himself “the light of the world." Father ChristmasIt is said that in the year of 300 AD, there was a kind old man and his name was Saint Nicholas. He was always ready to help the poor and often gave presents to them.Today, Father Christmas is an imaginary figure, but nearly all young children believe in him. They think he is a happy old man with a long white beard and a long red robe.“On the night of the twenty-fourth of December every year, Father Christmas from some cold northern land comes down the chimney of the fireplace to put presents by the beds of children or to fill their stockings.” [5] So when children go to bed that night, they hang up their stockings, and on Christmas morning they wake to find them full of presents. Of course, it's really their parents who fill the stockings.Another name for Father Christmas is Santa Claus. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year! Beautiful dream comes true bring you Good wishes of happiness.2 Analysis of Chinese Spring Festival and western Christmas2.1 agriculture and religionSpring Festival, is formed based on the ancient calendar. According to solar terms and harvest, the date for certain agricultural activities has been fixed. Therefore, the celebration also has close ties with agriculture. Though religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism play very important role in social life, they never match the far-reaching impact of agriculture on people’s tendency and thoughts. In China, agriculture is always placed in the first position. Through one year’s toil, people expect a joyful moment to have relaxation, after that they have to start a new round of hard working again. Up to now, in countryside, many antithetical couplets on the farmers’ doors read something like a prayer for a good harvest in the next year.As mentioned above, people take December 25th as “Christ” birthday---Christmas Day. Therefore Christmas is a religious festival. Combined with our common sense, we can draw a brief conclusion that religion must play a dominant role in western society. As a matter of fact, the religion is a center of culture and society. People response their mind on religion, meanwhile religion controls people through people’s belief in God or spirit. It is not exaggerated to say that religion is ubiquitous in all walks of life. And just like the influence of agriculture in China, religion in west is connected with daily life and its impact is obviously to be witnessed in the other festivals, like Easter Day.2.2 Ways of expressing feelingsExpect the above differences, Spring Festival reflects the feature of the strong localization, whether in its origin or in the way of observation or celebration. The origin is closely related to agriculture. Therefore, the way of observation or celebration is remarked by a lot of agricultural imprint. They are very unique local celebration way of letting off firecrackers, putting on the paper scrolls and having a get-together banquet. On the contrary, Christmas Day is a festival originated from Europe. For the historical reason, the European immigrants moved to America at the same time they brought a batch of European customs, traditions and festivals, including Christmas Day. Consequently, Christmas Day is world-wide, all westerners have this festival.2.3 Religious beliefThe effect of history, which in broadest sense, is the totality of all past events. From the long history of China, we can see Chinese culture is deeply rooted in agriculture and the festivals are localized by the agricultural activities. It is definitely decided by the state situation and people’s living habits in the long history. Spring Festival has close relation with the agricultural activities such as planting and harvest. In fact, other festivals such as Qing Ming and Chong Yang festivals which have not been mentioned in this article are also settled in line with the solar terms and alsoconnected with agriculture. Western culture is structured on the foundation of religion, thus the festivals have strong ties with Christianity. Apart from Christmas Day, the Easter Day is also connected with religion. The religion has an intensive impact on people’s life.3 Analysis of Chinese and western traditional festivals3.1 The way of namingThe first difference between Chinese and western traditional festivals are the way of naming the festivals. By observing the names of the festivals, we can easily find out the difference. “Chinese festivals were mostly named after the season, while western festivals were more often named after the religious figures or events.” [6] As we know, china is a traditional agricultural country. Since weather and season play an important role in agriculture, the traditional festivals, which were originally created for agricultural celebration, were in connection with season. It was easy and helpful for the peasants to remember the festivals named after seasons. Judging from the names, they knew how to deal with their crops at that time. For example, the spring festival is the time to sow the seeds. There is also Mid Autumn Day, Summer solstice and Winter Solstice and so on. Though there are some western festivals named after seasons like Midsummer Day of Finland in history, after the spread of religion, especially Christianity, festivals are mostly named after religion. Unlike china, religion plays a dominating role in western world. Westerners cannot live without religions. God and Jesus Christ are deep ingrained in their mind. It is not startle for us to learn that most of the festivals were named after religions. So, there is Nativity of St. Mary, Christmas, All Saints’ Day and Holy Saturday.3.2The way of celebrationWhen we talk about festival, celebration is an indispensable part. Because of culture differences, the celebration activities of Chinese and western traditional festivals are quite different. As known to all, Chinese Diet has a long history. So, itinevitably became one of the most important factors of festival celebration. One interesting figure is that different festivals have different food and different foods carry different wishes of Chinese people. On the spring festival, people have New Year’s Cake hoping that family members will get promotion in the coming year, have New Year’s Eve Meal wishing the whole family could unite eve ry year. Almost every tradition festival has one special such as glutinous rice dumpling on lantern Festival, Moon cake on Mid Autumn Day. However, western festivals have no fixed menu. They pay more attention to festival gifts, cards and entertainments. According to legend, Santa Clause sends Christmas gifts to children on Christmas Eve. To a certain extent, gifts have become the most important part of Christmas celebration nowadays. Besides, people also give presents to others on other festivals. For instance, on Saint Valentine’s Day, people send roses or chocolates to their beloved persons. Entertainment is another essential part. On festivals, there are a lot of parties and carnivals held by different community. They may go out to the street and dance crazily with strangers. This also reflects that westerners are more open- minded.3.3The way of feelingAnother difference is that people of different countries can accept western festivals more easily than Chinese traditional festivals. One important reason is that western festivals are based on solar calendar, which is world-wide-used, while Chinese traditional festivals are based on lunar calendar, which is used only in China. For this reason, it is hard for people from other countries to follow us. Besides, western culture shows great respect to human rights and pays special attention to individual development. This sense can be found in western festivals. Take Saint Valentine’s Day as an example again. It has become a worldwide festival. It is a festival for lovers only. On that day, people can show their love to their beloved persons without hesitation. It is human nature. No matter what nationality he or she is, he or she needs love. So, it can be accepted by the whole word. And it was formed in that certain culture. However, under the atmosphere of feudalism, it was impossible for Chinese to develop such kind of festival at that time as men and women wereallowed to touch each other unless they were couples. Since most of the Chinese traditional festivals were developed under the guidance of feudalism, it was difficult for foreigner to absorb the ideas.ConclusionTraditional festival is a very important part of culture. Different nation has different culture and traditional festivals. The Spring Festival and Christmas are the most important festivals for the Chinese and western people. Chinese and western festivals are a window into their different cultures, including their tradition, their belief and their value. Since culture is so much reflected in the festivals, it is quite meaningful to probe into the origins and ways of celebration, etc, of the different festivals between China and the western countries During the festivity, the particular and colorful activities preserve the most delicate and representative aspect of national culture. Even though the forms of festivals are various form one another, they all stand for wisdom, experience or a treasure handed down from the ancient people. So we can find the feature of culture through the understanding of the festivals in this country or nation. Festivals belong to a certain nation, and also belong to all the human being. Despite the different origins, backgrounds and social structures, human being always have the same beautiful feeling in pursuit for love and happinessNotes[1] 黄健，翁志实主编.节日大观[M].福州.福建科学技术出版社，2004.p264[2] 乌丙安.中国民俗学[M]. 沈阳.辽宁大学出版社，2002 .p322[3] 张宪周，张泽琪主编.中外节庆大观[M].南昌.江西高校出版社，1996.p4-5.[4] 来安方主编．英美概况大象出版社p9[5]黄健，翁志实主编.节日大观[M].福州.福建科学技术出版社，2004.p9.[6] 王心洁，肖卫华.中美传统节日之比较[J].东南亚研究2002 .p264Bibliography.[1] 黄健，翁志实主编.节日大观[M].福州.福建科学技术出版社．[2] Lai Anfang . An Outline Introduction to Britain and America. DaXiang Publishing House.[3] 张宪周，张泽琪主编.中外节庆大观[M].南昌.江西高校出版社.[4] 来安方主编．英美概况大象出版社．[5]王心洁，肖卫华.中美传统节日之比较[J].东南亚研究[6] 长沙电力学院学报（社会科学版）[7] 张承平，万伟珊.文化的普适与包容—中西传统节日的文化差异与社会认同[8] 吴友富，张梅芳.西方节日与文化背景知识[J].外语电化教学[9] 石应平.中外民俗概论[M]. 成都.四川大学出版社[10] 薛晓燕.从中国人过西方节日谈中西文化交流[J].河北社会主义学院学报[11] 乌丙安.中国民俗学[M]. 沈阳.辽宁大学出版社。
