Chinese Spring Festival is a celebration of socio-cultural authenticity

As China’s global economic prowess becomes a reality, societies and countries overseas are now paying more attention to the country’s values that have enabled it achieve such a feat within an unprecedented short time span than other economic powerhouses.

And, much of this attention is being directed to the fact that amid all the modern technology and other scientific masterstrokes, China has not lost both its strong cultural identity and values.

For eons, China has fiercely guarded its culture. The Chinese do not aspire to practice or adopt that which is fundamentally alien to what they have practised because it would lead them astray and mislead their society.

Similar to other major cultures, they use their own language for all intents and purposes, reserving the use of foreign languages for convenience.

The ongoing celebrations marking the Spring Festival, otherwise known as the Chinese New Year which started on February 11 and ends on February 26th for the customary 16 days, is also becoming a popular fixture in the global calendar.

During this period, the Chinese honor both their household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. It is also a time for family get togethers, feasting, and exchange of presents.

As indispensable development partners, China and Africa have become inseparable friends. The country’s development assistance to African countries has been reciprocated by deep trust for its sincerity.

With the entrenchment of the unassailable development partnership, both sides have been exploring and establishing more areas of cooperation. In this endeavour, culture is coming up as a top priority.

African culture is more than the tangible aspects of art which some promote to uphold certain stereotypes or in pursuit of commercial purposes. It is about the inalienable rights that guarantee a self of belonging and identity. Indeed, Africa is at the initial stages of a renaissance which will hopefully reclaim their centuries-old position as first among equals in the global arena, and borrowing secrets of the resilience of the Chinese culture will help a lot.

Even as it officially follows the Gregorian calendar that dictates a lot of official business worldwide, China incorporates the traditional Lunar-Solar calendar in its annual life cycle. It establishes its duality as a nation that is unique within the global community. It is a statement that respects others and in return expects reciprocation of the same treatment.

Writing in the online China Today on February 24, 2018 Shen Xiazhu noted in his article titled “Spring Festival Celebrated in China and Beyond” that the “Spring Festival is the most celebrated festival in China, and now is extending its presence across the world. As Chinese youths celebrate Christmas, Westerners also acknowledge Spring Festival. It indicates the trends of mutual learning and harmonious coexistence between civilisations, which are expected to contribute to the building of a shared future for humankind.”

US President Joe Biden acknowledged the foregoing even amid the simmering trade and diplomatic tensions between the two major countries. In his message during the Lunar New Year 2021 accompanied by First Lady Jill, Biden observed that “every person, no matter their race, background, religion or language they speak deserves to be treated with dignity and with respect.”

It was an admission that the Spring Festival is a celebration of our collective humanity. Further, it showed that two parties can differ in principal without being sworn enemies or escalating conflict to unreasonable levels.

Biden also used the opportunity to sincerely admit that the US needed deep soul searching to rediscover the values that have united the country for at least two centuries. He used “paper lanterns” – which originated from the Eastern Han Dynasty and mainly used as lamps in ancient China – in his message to underscore its significance in lighting the way forward.

This is the year of the Ox. The world over, the Ox is a symbol of survival through hard work, and resilience of the spirit found in all creatures. Actually, the 12 animal signs which consist the 12-year cycle of animal signs are easily recognizable everywhere; for instance, the rat, dog, goat, monkey, rooster and pig. While having special significance within the Chinese society, it shows the universality of its beliefs and cultures.

The writer is a Nairobi-based communication specialist and an expert in Sino-Africa relations.