Countdown to Chinese New Year 2018: Learn When the Festivities Begin
Chinese New Year is a major festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. The date varies according to the lunar calendar, but it usually falls between late January and mid-February. So, when does Chinese New Year start in 2018?
The answer is February 16th, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog.
But why is the lunar calendar used for Chinese New Year? Unlike the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world, the lunar calendar is based on cycles of the moon. This means that the date of Chinese New Year can vary from year to year.
One interesting fact about Chinese New Year is that it is not just a one-day event – it lasts for 15 days. During this time, people participate in a range of traditions and customs, such as giving red envelopes filled with money to children and cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck.
Do you know which zodiac sign you belong to according to the Chinese Zodiac? The Year of the Dog represents loyalty and honesty, but also stubbornness and an intolerance for injustice.
If you plan to celebrate Chinese New Year, be prepared for some huge gatherings of crowds, particularly in China. In fact, over 3 billion trips are expected to be made during the Festival period, as Chinese people travel across the country to be with their families.
Food is also an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional dishes include dumplings, fish, and rice cakes, which have symbolic meanings such as prosperity, abundance, and togetherness. Have you tried any of these dishes before?
If you're not in China, don't worry – there are many Chinese communities around the world that celebrate the Festival with great enthusiasm. You might even be able to catch a parade or lion dance performance in your local town or city!
Another intriguing aspect of Chinese New Year is the use of fireworks. In fact, it is the biggest fireworks show in the world, with millions of people lighting up the sky to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck.
So, when does Chinese New Year start in 2018? Mark your calendars for February 16th and get ready to celebrate the Year of the Dog with your family, friends, and communities. Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year)!
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a colorful and exciting festival that is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. From the traditions and customs to the food and fireworks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not join in the fun and make some memories with your loved ones this year?
"When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018" ~ bbaz
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018?
Chinese New Year is a traditional festival celebrated by the Chinese all over the world, and it starts on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon which results in a year that differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is used in the western world.
The Date of Chinese New Year 2018
Chinese New Year's date varies every year because it is based on the lunar calendar. However, the date typically falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2018, it will fall on February 16th, Friday, which is the 4715th Chinese year.
The Chinese New Year also marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of spring, which is known as the Spring Festival in China. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate a new year, eat traditional foods, and perform various customs and traditions.
The Customs and Traditions of Chinese New Year
Family reunions are essential during Chinese New Year. Many traditional foods are prepared, such as dumplings and fish. The Chinese believe that eating these foods will bring good luck and wealth for the new year. Dumplings were initially made in the shape of gold ingots to symbolize prosperity.
Receiving red packets filled with money is another conventional practice during this festival. The elderly will usually give red envelopes filled with money to younger generations as a wish of wealth and prosperity.
Chinese New Year is also a time to clean the house thoroughly, get haircuts, purchase new clothes, and hang up red decorations that symbolize good luck and fortune.
The Significance of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, and each year is represented by an animal. People born in different animal years have distinct personalities and fortunes.
2018 is the year of the dog, which is the 11th animal of the 12-year cycle. Some of the key traits of people born in the year of the dog include being loyal, honest, and faithful. Dogs are also believed to bring good luck and fortune.
The Celebration of Chinese New Year Around the World
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries around the world. It’s becoming increasingly popular in places like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Celebrations can range from traditional Chinese customs to more modern festivities.
In some cities, like San Francisco, there are massive parades with dancing dragons and elaborate floats. In others, small gatherings take place in local Chinese communities where people light fireworks and enjoy traditional foods.
The Importance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is an essential celebration to the Chinese people, both at home and abroad. It’s a time to connect with family, pay respect to ancestors, and start the new year with good luck and fortune.
It’s a joyous festival filled with customs, traditions, and lots of food. So, whether you're in China, celebrating with friends at home, or experiencing the festivity in a new country, the essence of Chinese New Year remains the same - it’s all about ushering in the new year with much-needed prosperity and hope!
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018: A Comparison
The Basics of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important traditional holiday in China. The festival starts on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which is usually between late January and mid-February. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2018 is the year of the Dog.
Key Dates for Chinese New Year 2018
This year, Chinese New Year starts on February 16th and lasts until March 2nd. However, the most important day of the festival is New Year's Eve, which falls on February 15th this year.
New Year's Eve is traditionally a time for family reunions, with people traveling home from all over the country to spend time with their loved ones. Homes are decorated with red lanterns and other decorations, as red is considered to be a lucky color in Chinese culture.
Journey to the West vs. Chunyun
One of the biggest challenges of Chinese New Year is the massive migration of people as they travel to be with their families. This migration is sometimes referred to as Chunyun, or Spring Festival Travel, and it can be incredibly difficult to navigate.
In the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the Monkey King travels across China to visit his master on the eve of Chinese New Year. While his journey was magical, it was still challenging, as he faced obstacles and delays along the way. Similarly, many people who travel during Chunyun face long lines, crowded trains, and other difficulties as they try to reach their destination.
Food Traditions During Chinese New Year
One of the most important aspects of Chinese New Year is the food. Each region of China has its own unique traditions and dishes, but some foods are commonly eaten throughout the country.
| Food | Description |
|---|---|
| Dumplings | Symbolize wealth and good luck |
| Niangao | A sweet rice cake that represents progress and success |
| Fish | Represents surplus and wealth |
| Spring Rolls | Look like gold bars and symbolize wealth |
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, family, and tradition. While it can be challenging to navigate the migration and other aspects of the festival, it is also a time of joy and hope for the future.
Whether you are celebrating in China or in another part of the world, we wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018?
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated in China and by people of Chinese descent all over the world. The festival is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year because it falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival is observed over a period of 15 days and it is marked by festive celebrations, feasting, fireworks, and gift-giving.When is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16 and it is the year of the Dog according to the Chinese zodiac. The festivities usually begin on the eve of Chinese New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival which is 15 days after the start of the new year.History of Chinese New Year
The history of Chinese New Year dates back thousands of years. The festival is believed to have originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1050 BC) when people observed the beginning of the new year by offering sacrifices to their ancestors and gods. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Chinese New Year became a national holiday and it began to be observed with lantern shows, dragon dances, and other festivities.Preparations for Chinese New Year
In the days leading up to Chinese New Year, people clean their homes thoroughly to get rid of any bad luck from the past year. They decorate their homes with red paper cut outs, lanterns, and other symbolic decorations that are meant to bring good fortune. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a big feast and exchange gifts and red envelopes filled with money to wish each other prosperity and good luck in the coming year.The Importance of Red
Red is a very important color during Chinese New Year. It is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. People wear red clothing and hang red decorations in their homes. The most popular decoration is a red paper cutout of the character ‘Fu’ which means good fortune.Traditional Foods for Chinese New Year
Food plays a big role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Some of the traditional foods include dumplings, fish, rice cake, and spring rolls. Dumplings are a symbol of wealth because their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency. Fish is eaten because it symbolizes prosperity and abundance.Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They are believed to scare away evil spirits and bad luck. On Chinese New Year’s Eve, people set off fireworks and firecrackers to welcome in the new year with a bang.The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. On this day, people light and release lanterns into the sky. In some areas of China, people also solve riddles written on lanterns in order to win prizes.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is an important festival that is rich in history and tradition. It is celebrated all over the world by people of Chinese descent and it brings families and communities together for 15 days of feasting, fun, and festivities. Whether you are participating in the celebrations or just observing from afar, Chinese New Year is an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and share in the joy of the holiday season.When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018
Welcome to the year of the dog! As we enter 2018, it’s time to start preparing for the most significant holiday in Chinese culture – Chinese New Year. Known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated with family gatherings, delicious food, and tradition-rich customs that have been passed down through generations.
For those wondering when Chinese New Year starts in 2018, mark your calendars for February 16th, which is the first day of the lunar calendar’s first month. Unlike Western cultures, the Chinese calendar is based on a cycle of twelve animal zodiac symbols, with each year being dedicated to one specific animal. 2018 is the year of the dog, which symbolizes loyalty and honesty in Chinese culture.
While Chinese New Year celebrations may vary depending on the region, there are several traditions that remain consistent throughout China. One of the most important customs is cleaning the house thoroughly before the New Year begins. It’s believed that cleaning sweeps away any bad luck from the previous year, making way for good luck and fortune in the upcoming year.
Another essential aspect of Chinese New Year is reuniting with family members. Since many people travel long distances to be home with their families for the holiday, train stations and airports become incredibly congested during this time. The day before Chinese New Year is known as the “reunion dinner,” which is a grand feast filled with symbolic dishes that represent luck and prosperity.
The color red is also an integral part of Chinese New Year, as it is believed to ward off negativity and bring good luck. This is why it’s common to see streets lined with red lanterns and decorations. Many people also wear red clothing during the holiday, and children receive red envelopes filled with money as a gift from their elders.
The most famous event of Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the dragon and lion dance, which involves performers dressed in vibrant costumes moving through the streets as they dance with giant dragon and lion puppets. The sound of drums, gongs, and cymbals accompanies the dancers, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
Of course, no holiday is complete without delicious food, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Traditional dishes vary depending on the region, but some popular foods eaten during the holiday include dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and rice cakes. Each dish has a symbolic meaning, such as dumplings representing wealth and prosperity, and noodles signifying longevity.
Leading up to Chinese New Year, markets and shops are filled with decorations, flowers, and snacks. In cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong, it’s customary to visit the flower markets and pick up a few blooming plants to decorate your home with during the holiday season. New clothing and accessories are also purchased, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings for the coming year.
While Chinese New Year is a time of joy and celebration for many, it also has its challenges. For example, many businesses shut down for the entire holiday period, making it difficult to conduct business or travel during this time. Additionally, since Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, it falls on a different date each year, making it difficult to plan holidays or events around it.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time of reunion, tradition, and vibrant celebrations, and we’re excited to welcome the year of the dog with open arms. Whether you’re celebrating in China or abroad, we wish you a prosperous and happy new year!
People Also Ask About When Does Chinese New Year Start 2018
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20.
When does Chinese New Year start in 2018?
Chinese New Year will start on Friday, February 16, 2018.
How long is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day and ending on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
What are the significant traditions during Chinese New Year?
There are many traditions during Chinese New Year, including the reunion dinner, giving red envelopes with money to children, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets, and setting off fireworks to scare away evil spirits.
Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year and a time to honor deities and ancestors. It also symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring, representing new beginnings and fresh starts.
What animal represents 2018 Chinese New Year?
In 2018, Chinese New Year will be the Year of the Dog. The dog is the 11th animal of the Chinese zodiac and is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
What is the significance of the color red during Chinese New Year?
The color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture and represents happiness, wealth, and strength. Red decorations during Chinese New Year are said to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
What are some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year?
There are many traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year, such as dumplings, rice cakes, fish, spring rolls, and noodles. These dishes symbolize good luck, longevity, and prosperity.
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday?
Yes, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China and many Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
How do people celebrate Chinese New Year around the world?
Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world in many different ways. In addition to traditional events like the dragon dance and fireworks, it is also celebrated with parades, street fairs, and cultural performances. Many cities with significant Chinese populations, such as London, San Francisco, and Sydney, have their own versions of Chinese New Year celebrations.