Why are the Chinese New Year customs different in southern and northern China?

The differences between the North and South Spring Festival customs in China are mainly influenced by geography, history, nationality and other factors. These factors have shaped the unique culture and traditions of northern and southern China.

First of all, geographical factors are one of the important reasons for the differences in Chinese New Year customs between the north and the south. The climate in the south is warm and humid, and crops are abundant, so southerners pay more attention to the custom of offering sacrifices to ancestors, praying for blessings and celebrating the harvest during the New Year. Southerners like to display all kinds of sacrificial supplies at home, including flowers, fruits and incense sticks, to show their respect and gratitude. In the north, the climate is cold and the crop harvest is relatively small. Northerners pay more attention to the custom of exorcising evil spirits and praying for peace in the coming year. For example, northerners will stick door gods at the gate to drive away evil spirits and protect family safety.

Secondly, historical factors have also influenced the Chinese New Year customs in the north and south. In the history of China, the southern region was less invaded by foreigners, the society was stable, the cultural development was relatively independent, and southerners kept more traditional cultures. However, in history, the northern region suffered from wars and foreign invasions many times, which led to the integration of cultures and formed a unique Chinese New Year custom in the north. For example, northerners like to set off firecrackers and dance lions. These customs reflect the courage and heroism of northerners.

In addition, the ethnic differences between the north and the south of China are also one of the reasons for the different Chinese New Year customs between the north and the south. There are many ethnic minorities in southern China, such as Zhuang and Dai, who hold unique celebrations during the Spring Festival, such as dragon and lion dances. However, there are relatively few ethnic minorities in the north, so the custom of celebrating the New Year in the north is mainly Han nationality.

To sum up, the differences in Chinese New Year customs between the south and the north of China are caused by many factors. Geographical, historical and ethnic factors determine the differences in lifestyles, cultural traditions and values between the people of the North and the South, and then affect their customs and celebrations during the Spring Festival in China. This difference not only enriches the cultural diversity of China, but also embodies the unique styles and personalities of people in various regions of China.