Abstract: As the pace of Chinese`s reform and opening-up quickens, the foreign affairs communication in people`s life as well as work is increasing. The festival culture is an important media as a part of this communication. The Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day as the important festivals in China and America. To study the differences between them can help people understand each other one step further. We can reference and absorb the good component from America to promote China`s economic. The traditional festivals exists individual differences between China and America. The western festivals have challenged the China`s festival cultures so much that we must pass on and carry on traditional Chinese culture in deed.

Key words: Chinese Lunar New Year; American Christmas Day; comparison; intercultural communication

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. The Difference between Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day-1

2.1The Origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day-1

2.1.1 The Origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year-1

2.1.2 The Origin of American Christmas Day-3

2.2Custom Comparison of Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day-4

2.2.1 Custom of Chinese Lunar New Year-4

  2.2.1.1 Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner-4

  2.2.1.2 Sweeping the Dust-4

  2.2.1.3 Stay-up-late to See New Year-5

  2.2.1.4 Paying a New Year Call-5

  2.2.1.5 Pasting Spring Couplets-5

  2.2.1.6 Pasting Paper-cuts-6

  2.2.1.7 New Year Picture-6

  2.2.1.8 Setting off Firecrackers-7

  2.2.1.9 Watching the Spring Festival Gala-7

  2.2.1.10 Holiday Purchases-7

2.2.2 Custom of American Christmas Day-8

  2.2.2.1 Father Christmas-8

  2.2.2.2 Christmas Tree-8

  2.2.2.3 Christmas Dinner-9

  2.2.2.4 Christmas Gifts-9

  2.2.2.5 Christmas Stocking-10

  2.2.2.6 Christmas Hat-10

2.3The Culture Connotation of Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day-10

2.3.1 Different Times-11

2.3.2 Different Symbols-11

2.3.3 Different Representations-11

2.3.4 Different Worships-12

2.4The Social Function of Chinese Lunar New Year and American Christmas Day-12

2.4.1 Communication Function-12

2.4.2 Economic Function-13

3.The Influence on Intercultural Communication-13

4. Conclusion-14

References-16

Acknowledgments-17