【正文】 century BC during the Spring and Autumn Period, a future king, Chong39。比如慶祝節(jié)日，西方注重眾人同歡，即使是陌生人，而中國注重家庭內(nèi)部活動。中國傳統(tǒng)節(jié)日的主要功能在于倫理道德的傳承而不是給人們以歡娛休閑的機會，缺少世俗所需要的娛樂色彩。而中國人認為世上有眾神，在眾神中信奉“為我所用”的神靈。傳統(tǒng)實踐在每個民族節(jié)日的歷史淵源及風(fēng)俗中得到體現(xiàn)，而這也反映了該民族及其子孫后代的道德觀。通過對中西重大節(jié)日的對比，可以發(fā)現(xiàn)中西方節(jié)日是一扇窺視文化差異的迷人窗戶。西方人只信奉，在他們看來，全能的上帝。西方主要是基督教文化，中國傳統(tǒng)文化的歷史淵源是以儒家為主、兼有諸子百家各學(xué)派的文化。西方人熱情奔放地宣泄自身情感而中國人細膩含蓄地表達感情。s end to scare away Nian in case it sneaked back again, because red is the color the beast feared most. Customs Thorough cleaningPreparations for the Chinese New Year in old China started well in advance of the New Year39。er managed to take the throne that was rightfully his. Chong39。er was deeply saddened by this tragedy. He ordered that a temple be built in memory of his most loyal follower and that no fires be allowed on the anniversary of Jie Zitui39。s lanterns. In the Qing Dynasty, people would fly their kites as high as possible, then let go of the string. Off went the kite, taking with it bad luck and illness. Conversely, to pick up a kite lost or released by someone else could bring bad luck. Double Seventh FestivalThe Double Seventh Festival, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, is a traditional festival full of romance. It often goes into August in the Gregorian calendar. It is nicknamed as “Chinese Valentine’s Day”. Legend of Double Seventh FestivalLong, long ago, there was an honest and kindhearted fellow named Niu Lang (Cowhand) who lived by himself herding cattle and farming. One day, a fairy from heaven Zhi Nu (Weaver Maid) fell in love with him and came down secretly to earth and married him. The cowhand farmed in the field and the Weaver Maid wove at home. They lived a happy life and gave birth to a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, the God of Heaven soon found out the fact and ordered the Queen Mother of the Western Heavens to bring the Weaver Maid back. With the help of celestial cattle, the Cowhand flew to heaven with his son and daughter. At the time when he was about to catch up with his wife, the Queen Mother took off one of her gold hairpins and made a stroke. One billowy river appeared in front of the Cowhand. The Cowhand and Weaver Maid were separated on the two banks forever and could only feel their tears. Their loyalty to love touched magpies, so tens of thousands of magpies came to build a bridge for the Cowhand and Weaver Maid to meet each other. The Queen Mother was eventually moved and allowed them to meet each year on the 7th of the 7th lunar month. Hence their meeting date has been called Qi Xi (Double Seventh). History of Double Seventh FestivalScholars have shown the Double Seventh Festival originated from the Han Dynasty (206 BCAD220). Historical documents from the Eastern Jin Dynasty (AD371420) mention the festival, while records from the Tang Dynasty (618907) depict the grand evening banquet of Emperor Taizong and his concubines. By the Song (9601279) and Yuan (12791368) dynasties, special articles for the Qi Xi were seen being sold on markets in the capital. The bustling markets demonstrated the significance of the festival. Today some traditional customs are still observed in rural areas of China, but have been weakened or diluted in urban cities. However, the legend of the Cowhand and Weaver Maid has taken root in the hearts of the people. In recent years, in particular, urban youths have celebrated it as Valentine39。s Day is celebrated on February 14 of each year, the reason why it is celebrated on this day is because this was the day that the Patron Saint of Lovers St Valentine was supposedly executed on. Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. St. Valentine39。 greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who may have been his jailor39。s Day tradition and custom is expressing one39。s Day observed worldwide is to go on a date with sweetheart. Those without a date start looking for one date before the festival. The custom originated from the popular English belief that birds chose their partners on February 14. For this reason, Valentines Day was called “the Birds39。s Day festival is estimated to be the biggest cardsending occasion after Christmas. Most monly used pictures in Valentine39。s Day is to go for romantic candlelight dinners with one39。s Day Couple39。 Evening. It is the evening before All Hallows39。s the origin of “trick or treat”. Customs of Halloween Most Halloween festivities are based on folk beliefs concerning supernatural forces and spirits of the dead. Halloween decorations are typically featured by imagery associated with supernatural beings, such as witches, werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. Images thought to symbolize bad omenssuch as black cats, bats, and spidersare also monly feature in Halloween decorations. Making jacko’lanternThe most celebrated Halloween decoration is the Jacko39。s passage to heaven. Since the early 20th century, however, the threat of tricks has been largely ceremonial. Attending costume partiesIn some areas of the country, costume parties have replaced trickortreating as the favored form of Halloween entertainment. Dressing in costume is one of the most popular Halloween customs, especially among children. Traditional costumes usually represent witches, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. However, costumes inspired by contemporary popular culture, such as politicians or movie characters, have bee increasingly mon in recent years. Adults often favor costumes with satirical or humorous overtones. Hosts of these parties often hold contests to select the best costume among the guests. While children39。s Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ Child was born. Celebrating Christmas EveChristmas Eve is the day for family reunions. Many Christians traditionally celebrate a Midnight mass at midnight on Christmas Eve, marking the beginning of Christmas Day.