Spring Festival Listed as UN Floating Holiday

◎Juno

2023 年12 月22 日,第78 届联合国大会协商一致通过决议，将春节（农历新年）确定为联合国假日。春节是中国文化中最古老、最重要的传统节日，现在，春节不仅是中国人的节日，也是世界人民的节日。

The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly1)unanimously passed a resolution, officially recognizing the Lunar New Year, commonly known as the Spring Festival, as a UN floating holiday.This decision,2)hailed by experts as a testament to the influential power of Chinese culture,is expected to contribute to the promotion of the Global Civilization Initiative.

The Lunar New Year, one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar, symbolizes3)renewal,reunion, and the celebration of life.It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and various cultural activities, reflecting the value of peace, harmony, and social inclusion that are deeply rooted in Chinese civilization.

The recognition of the Lunar New Year as a UN holiday is not only a4)nod to the rich cultural heritage of China but also an acknowledgment of the festival’s global appeal.Over time, the Spring Festival has5)transcended national borders, being celebrated in various forms by6)approximately one-fifth of the global population.Nations like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and even states in North America such as California and New York, have officially recognized the Lunar New Year as a public holiday.

This decision by the UN is a7)milestone in the global recognition of China’s cultural influence.It indicates a growing respect for cultural diversity and an emphasis on the inheritance and innovation of civilizations.The inclusion of the Lunar New Year as a UN holiday alongside other culturally significant celebrations such as Yom Kippur, Vesak Day, and Diwali is a reflection of the UN’s commitment to promoting8)inclusivity and multiculturalism.

Moreover, this recognition comes at a time when there is an increasing interest in diverse cultures, with people eager to connect and communicate through shared experiences.The festive atmosphere during the Lunar New Year has long been present at the UN headquarters in New York City, with celebrations and events organized by both official and unofficial groups, highlighting the festival’s ability to bring people together.

The significance of this decision lies not only in the addition of another holiday to the UN calendar but in the message it sends about the importance of respecting and celebrating cultural diversity.It is a step towards promoting greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, which is essential in today’s interconnected world.

In conclusion, the recognition of the Lunar New Year as a UN holiday is a testament to the universal appeal and influence of Chinese culture.It is a celebration not only of China’s rich heritage but also of the shared value of family, community,and harmony that are central to the festival.This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity in our global village.

1) unanimouslyadv.全体一致地

2) hailv.赞扬

3) renewaln.更新

4) nodn.点头

5) transcendv.超越

6) approximatelyadv.大约

7) milestonen.里程碑

8) inclusivityn.包容性

第78 届联合国大会协商一致通过决议，正式将农历新年，即春节，列为联合国假日。这一决定被专家誉为中国文化影响力的见证，预计将为促进全球文明倡议做出贡献。

农历新年是中国日历中最重要的节日之一，象征着更新、团圆和对生活的庆祝。这是家人团聚、尽情享用美味佳肴和进行各种文化活动的时刻，反映了深深植根于中华文明中的和平、和谐和包容的价值观。

联合国承认农历新年为假期，不仅是对中国丰富文化遗产的认可，也是对该节日全球吸引力的认可。随着时间的推移，春节已经超越国界，以多种形式被全球约五分之一的人庆祝。像新加坡、马来西亚、越南这样的国家，甚至北美的加利福尼亚和纽约等州，都已经正式将农历新年定为公共假期。

联合国的这一决定是全球对中国文化影响力认可的一个里程碑。它表明了对文化多样性的日益尊重和对文明传承与创新的重视。将农历新年列为与赎罪日、卫塞节和排灯节等具有文化意义的庆祝活动并列的联合国假期，反映了联合国对促进包容性和多元文化的承诺。

此外，这一认可正值人们对多元文化兴趣日益浓厚之际，人们渴望通过共同经历建立联系和沟通。在纽约市联合国总部，农历新年的节日气氛由来已久，官方和非官方团体会组织相关的庆祝与活动，凸显了节日凝聚人心的能力。

这一决定的意义不仅在于在联合国日历上增加了另一个假期，而且在于它所传达的关于尊重和庆祝文化多样性的重要信息。这是朝着促进对不同文化的更深刻理解和欣赏迈出的重要一步，这在当今相互关联的世界中至关重要。

总之，将农历新年定为联合国假期是对中华文化普遍吸引力和影响力的见证。这不仅是对中国丰富遗产的庆祝，也是对家庭、社区共享价值和和谐这些节日核心的庆祝。这一决定提醒我们文化多样性和包容性在我们这个地球村中的重要性。