Greetings during the Spring Festival: 拜年(bài nián)

The day after Chinese New Year’s Eve is called “大年初一 dà nián chū yī ”—the 1st day of the 1st lunar month. This is the 1st day of the Chinese New Year. On this day, people get out of bed early to wish their seniors and neighbors a Happy New Year. This is called “拜年”. “拜年” is a traditional folk custom of the Chinese people. It is a way for people to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new and express their good wishes.

In ancient times, the word “拜年” meant “to wish one’s seniors a Happy New Year”. People kowtowed before their elders and wished them every blessing in the new year. Greetings and well-wishes would also be exchanged upon meeting friends, relatives, and members of the same generation. The Chinese character “拜” originally depicts one hand placed on top of another as a means of salute.