The celebration of the Chinese New Year has begun in China, welcoming the year of the snake, which symbolizes wisdom and good fortune in the traditional zodiac. This celebration, which includes a massive migration of people during 'chunyun', is expected to reach record numbers this year with about 9 billion trips.
During this festive period, Chinese people take the opportunity to visit their families in their hometowns and participate in traditions such as giving 'hongbao' (red envelopes with money) to wish for fortune. However, some prefer to stay home to avoid the high costs of traveling during this time.
The snake, which is the symbol of the new year, is associated with wisdom, intelligence, and creativity in Chinese culture. Despite its bad reputation in the West, for the Chinese it is a sacred symbol with positive meanings. According to Chinese legend, the snake is related to the creation of humanity alongside the dragon, showing its importance in traditional culture.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year includes a special New Year's Eve dinner with dishes such as 'jiaozi' (steamed dumplings) and a televised gala featuring prominent performances. Additionally, traditions such as setting off firecrackers and fireworks at midnight are carried out to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year with joy and optimism.