你有没有被国外客户问过这样的问题：
除夕节是怎么来的？端午节有什么意义？中秋节的由来是什么？
但这个看似简单的任务却会碰到一个大困难：找不到合适的英文来简单且清晰地表达！中国的传统节日如何描述才高效？
除夕 Chinese New Year’s Eve
I am delighted to know that you are interested in Chinese New Year’s Eve. I will try to give you a very brief account of this special day as it would be impossible to fully showcase its cultural richness.
Marking the end of winter, it is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year as well as the spring season on the traditional lunar calendar. Originally, it was a time to scare away a legendary beast “nian” and to honor deities and ancestors. Usually, we have a sumptuous family dinner, watch lion dances and dragon dances, light firecrackers and fireworks, visit friends and relatives and give money in red envelopes during this festival.
元宵节 Lantern Festival
It’s lovely to hear that you are interested in the Lantern Festival. I am delighted to introduce it to you.
清明节 Qingming Festival/ Tomb Sweeping Day
I’m glad to hear that you are interested in the upcoming Tomb Sweeping Day, which is also known as Qingming Festival. Here are some practical details for you.
The festival, meant to commemorate and pay respect to the family’s ancestors, usually falls on April 4 or 5, depending on the lunar calendar. There are various activities on the day, with tomb sweeping being the most important. People worship their ancestors by visiting their graves and sweeping their tombs, which involve practices like removing weeds, offering food, and setting off firecrackers. The ancestors, in turn, are believed to bless their living family members and help them have a prosperous year. It is also a great opportunity for family members to take a walk in the countryside and enjoy the greenery of spring.
端午节 Dragon Boat Festival
As a traditional festival originating in China, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This festival is observed in memory of Qu Yuan, who was a patriotic poet in ancient China. During the festival, many activities are conducted such as racing dragon boats and eating Zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves).
七夕节 Double Seventh Day
Knowing that you are curious about Double Seventh Day, I am writing to introduce this event briefly with great delight.
中秋节 Mid-autumn Festival
I’m delighted to know that you are keen on the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival. I’m writing to introduce it to you, and hopefully, to invite you here to celebrate it with us next year.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival, is one of the most important holidays for Chinese. It is held on August 15th of the lunar calendar with a history dating back to 3000 years ago, when emperors worshipped the moon for harvest. The Chinese believe that the brightest and fullest moon symbolizes reunion, prosperity, and good fortune. Nowadays, people celebrate this holiday with family relatives, enjoying moon cakes while watching the full moon.
重阳节 Double Ninth Festival
I am so excited that you show your interest in our Double Ninth Festival. Let me introduce it to you!
The Double Ninth Festival is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. According to The Book of Changes, nine is treated as a masculine (or Yang) number in Chinese. The Chinese character “Chong” means double or two. When the two masculine numbers converge, it is believed to be an auspicious day worth celebrating. There are lots of activities during the day, including climbing mountains, eating Chongyang cake, and visiting elderly relatives.
冬至 Winter Solstice
I am glad to know that you are interested in how Winter Solstice is celebrated in China. Now I am writing to offer you some basic information about it.
As one of the 24 solar terms, it is also called Dongzhi in Chinese, meaning the arrival of winter. Naturally, foods prepared for the day are intended to warm up the body, helping people to withstand the onslaught of freezing cold. In Northern China, dumplings are the traditional food for Winter Solstice, while in the South glutinous rice balls are more common.