Questions

### Question 1 - Where in the world did this cultural practice originate?

It originated in the Shang Dynasty (1046 BC - 1600 BC) and had sacrificial ceremonies to honor gods and ancestors at both the start and end of the year.

### Question 2 - When did this cultural practice begin?

During the Shang Dynasty in China, which ran from the years 1600 BC to 1046 BC. To celebrate the end, and beginning of a new year.

### Question 3 - Who were the original practitioners?

The original practitioners are hard to pinpoint due to this tradition being passed down for thousands and thousands of years. There are legends however that talk about the origin of Chinese New Year. One of the most popular, talks about a mythical beast (Nian). It was said he ate crops, livestock, and even people on the eve of Chinese New Year. The people would put food out on their doorsteps to stop Nian from causing so much destruction, but one wise old man figured out the beast was afraid of loud noises and the color red. So people put red scrolls and lanterns in their homes to stop it from coming inside, and lit firecrackers to scare it off.

### Question 4 - What country/countries has it spread to?

Chinese New Year has spread worldwide and can be celebrated by individuals or groups that still value this tradition. Countries like Canada, the U.S., Vietnam, North Korea, the U.K., and New Zealand are some of the countries that have people who celebrate this. While this event can be seen celebrated in many different continents, there are still countries such as African nations or European countries. These countries don't celebrate as they don't particularly wish to signify this event, or are not yet aware of it yet.

### Question 5 - Why did the practice spread to other countries?

One of the main reasons it has spread and is fully visible in Canada for example is the amount of immigrants who have left China and started new lives in other countries. After leaving their home country, these people still take their beliefs and traditions with them and help spread awareness of them to others of different cultures. As well as the surges in technological advancement that have helped aid in globalization, people have access to social media. People who celebrate Chinese New Year can post about it on different platforms, which can expose others to this event as well. China also has one of the seven world wonders, the Great Wall of China. Many tourists travel to see the site. Tourists who arrive in the month of February would most likely see some of the decorations and festivities on display during this time.

### Question 6 - Why does it have appeal to people outside the original culture?

After asking a friend of mine who isn't from China originally, their view on Chinese New Year consists of the history, current festivities, and other intriguing aspects. They admire the beauty of the traditions such as how the color red is highlighted, a variety of food and desserts are served, with each having a different symbolic value. It is unique to include a dragon and lion costume with people making dances with them to drum beats with such precision and graceful movements. Finally, their childhood involved watching the Disney movie "Mulan", another example of globalization and westernization. As the movie consists of a traditional Chinese background, but it's through the perspective of someone who lives in North America and how they view Chinese traditions and legends.

### Question 7 - How does this topic give an example of the globalization of culture?

This is an example of the globalization of culture because you can see the presence of Chinese culture in other countries besides China. Lanterns and other red decorations are apparent in supermarkets, restaurants, and people's homes. Even though you compare the food prepared and the way Chinese New Year is celebrated from North America to Asia, there are still similarities. The color red, large feasts, and fireworks can be universally seen incorporated in all practices and celebrations.

### Question 8 - Is this an example of universalization, or an example of hybridization?

This is an example of both depending on what perspective you take. If you look at Chinese New Year through its origin and China, and how it spread to other countries and people, it can be seen as universalization. The same practices and beliefs slowly spread to everyone, uniting everyone with the same mindsets. It could also be hybridization though, as if seen in how one specific country celebrates. Take Canada for example, it would be different as it adds its own differences to it. There are still traditional foods that are imported, as well as lion/dragon dances that still show the original tradition. However, Canada adds parades and its own public events that would differ from China's traditions.