Chinese spring festival and global renewal

2026-02-13 - 22:06

CHINESE people living around the globe celebrate Spring Festival (SF) in the lunar year of fire horse, vividly reflecting spirit of reunion of families & friends, social values, respect for elderly and parents, height of multiculturalism, dawn of spring and, last but not least, sharing & caring and Xi’s shared prosperity. Hence it is about beautiful colours, excitements, positive energies, foods and youth giving the message of mutual respect, humanity, self dignity and superior human values which are badly missing in the West. On the other hand, the “Epstein Files” and its millions of declassified emails and documents are exposing the so-called Western countries’ splendid civilization, bright traditions, craze about humanity and decency brutally targeting weak factions of society, opposite sex and innocent creatures for their own wild fantasies. Thus, Western Doctrine of “Maximization of Self Enjoyment” has become a global sign of shambles shaming humanity around the globe. It has now become universal stigma for the West and survivals are disseminating horrible stories for their unlimited and unfinished lust, greediness and sexual euphoria clearly demonstrating flaws and faulty lines of their political elites, social cults and corporate cartels creating divisions and destructions in their societies and systems. Frankly speaking, the Chinese Spring Festival’s harmony, reunion and renewal reflect China’s deep cultural confidence and ancient wisdom, fostering global exchange at a time when geopolitics is eroding the basic concepts of the rule of law and creating a new world disorder. Chinese communities around the globe celebrate the beginning of the New Year with great enthusiasm and fervour. The Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes energy, freedom, independence, speed, movement and ambition, adding further value to Spring Festival celebrations. Evidently, the Spring Festival has become the most important traditional holiday of the Chinese nation, embodying cherished values of family reunion and bidding farewell to the old while welcoming the new. Its successful inscription on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list highlights its universal values and affirms it as a cultural treasure shared by all humanity. Additionally, the SF is a wonderful moment to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, always bringing new hope to the people which also shows continuity of the life and rebirth of pure nature. The Chinese President Xi Jinping always attaches great importance to traditional Chinese festivals and their cultural implications and socio-economic implications. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emphasized the historical influence and significance of fine traditional Chinese culture, endowing it with contemporary relevance and promoting its creative transformation and innovative development. So, SF is full of history, harmony and hope. In the article “Expand Research into the History of Chinese Civilization and Build a Stronger Sense of History and Cultural Confidence,” included in the fifth volume of the book series Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Xi pointed out: “China’s long, extensive and profound civilization is one of the distinctive qualities of the Chinese nation. It underpins contemporary Chinese culture and creates a spiritual bond among all people of Chinese descent across the globe. It provides valuable resources and inspiration for China’s cultural innovation.” Definitely, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, the heritage of Chinese culture is shining with renewed brilliance as it is carried forward. It seems that SF has successfully transcended geographical boundaries and ethnic differences to become a widely understood and accepted global cultural symbol. With the continuous enhancement of China’s cultural soft power and the growing overseas Chinese community, the Spring Festival has spread to an increasing number of countries and regions worldwide. This global expansion vividly embodies China’s cultural confidence in the new era and demonstrates the growing influence of an ancient civilization in the contemporary world. The Spring Festival has become a prominent force promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity. It serves as a vivid bridge between Chinese and foreign cultures, representing family reunion, harmony, respect for the elderly and prayers for blessings, while reflecting universal human emotions alongside distinctive ritual significance. In summary, unfortunately the so-called modern and civilized world is facing numerous global challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, the climate crisis, public health issues and economic inequality. In this context, China has showcased the principles of shared prosperity, self-dignity, mutual respect, respect for humanity & nature, economic globalization, constructive international cooperation, inclusiveness to guide diplomacy with neighboring countries and called for building a community with a shared future for humanity. Its Spring Festival has become a global icon of reunion, respect, moral values, cultural exchange and multiculturalism. The writer submits that amid global moral degradation, erosion of decency and the breakdown of privacy and personal secrecy, the Chinese Spring Festival offers timely guidance. The Fire Horse symbolizes courage, determination, positive energy, participation, economic self-reliance and resistance against social ills, inspiring people to pursue their dreams and happiness. The Spring Festival also reflects Chinese modernization and quality development, supporting the Global South and developing countries through shared prosperity, the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC and Xi’s four global initiatives, promoting global governance grounded in justice, rule of law, equality and collective action against common challenges. —The writer is President, the Centre for Knowledge and Public Policy, Regional Expert: China, CPEC, BRI & World Affairs. mehmoodulhassankhan7@gmail.com