Spring Festival fun: firecrackers to livestreams

The podcast explores the evolution of Spring Festival traditions in China, particularly focusing on activities from the second day of the lunar new year onward. It highlights the tradition of married daughters returning to their parents' home with their families, known as Ying Xu Day, and the custom of bringing gifts in even numbers to symbolize harmony. The discussion covers regional variations in traditions, such as the types of food consumed (noodles vs. dumplings) and the worship of different gods, especially the God of Wealth. The panel also examines the transformation of temple fairs from serious religious rituals to more casual, entertainment-focused events, both within China and in Chinatowns around the world, like Budapest and Bangkok.