‘拜年’ (bàinián) literally means ‘to pay respects to the year’ — combining 拜 (bài), meaning ‘to bow, worship, or pay formal respect’, and 年 (nián), meaning ‘year’. It refers specifically to the traditional custom of visiting family, friends, elders, and neighbors during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) to offer greetings, good wishes, and blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year. These visits often involve giving red envelopes (hóngbāo), sharing festive meals, and exchanging auspicious phrases like ‘Xīnnián kuàilè’ (Happy New Year).

The practice reflects core Confucian values of filial piety and social harmony. While historically rooted in ancestor veneration and seasonal renewal rituals, today it remains a vibrant, widespread social activity across Chinese-speaking communities. People typically begin 拜年 on the first day of the lunar new year and continue through the first week or two, with priority given to elders and close relatives before extending to colleagues and friends.