CulturalDifferencesinChineseandWesternFestivals语毕业论文.doc

Cultural Differences in Chinese and Western Festivals 【Abstract】Festivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries, so different festivals can reflect different cultures. This article discusses cultural differences and comparison between someone in Chinese and western festivals, aiming to promote cross-culture communication. 【Key words】festivals; culture differences; Spring Festival and the Christmas Day; the Pure Brightness Festival and the Halloween; the Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Western Valentine’s Day 1. Summary Festivals are precious cultural heritage of different countries. That is also the reason why festivals in China and western countries have little in common. As a matter of fact, Chinese and western festivals serve as an intriguing window into their cultural differences. Their different origins and peoples different ways to celebrate the festivals all reflect their cultural contrasts. First of all, the naming and the origins of Chinese and western festivals are an indication of their totally different traditions. In China, many of our festivals are connected with seasons which have great influence on agriculture. New Years Day, the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Duanwu Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival and Winter Solstice Festival are all examples. Take Duanwu Festival, for instance. Except for the explanations to honor the great poet Quyuan, many folk scholars believe that it originated from summer solstice and peoples worship of dragons. In the fifth lunar month, crops begin to grow quickly. Obviously water is vitally important to agricultural production. While in ancient China, dragon was believed to be the god in charge of water. On the day of the festival, people raced dragon boats to please the god and offer him Zongzi. In this way, they pray for favorable weather for agriculture. As regards Chongyang Festival which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, it is in the golden harvest season. All peopl