Discover the Festive Traditions and Celebrations When In Chinese New Year 2016
When In Chinese New Year 2016? This is the question that many people ask as we are about to enter the Chinese New Year. Well, Chinese New Year in 2016 starts on February 8th and goes on for 15 days until February 22nd. The holiday celebrations for this event will happen all around the world, with China having the most extensive and elaborate celebrations that you can imagine.
Chinese New Year is a great time to spend with family and friends. It is celebrated in countries such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The celebrations include feasting, fireworks, and gift-giving. This time is also significant for businesses as it is a time when they get to showcase their products and services to a vast audience.
One of the essential aspects of Chinese New Year is the traditional foods that people eat during the celebration. These foods are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat them. Jiaozi or dumplings are a classic favorite, and people get together to prepare and cook these delicious delights. Other traditional dishes include fish, spring rolls, and tangyuan, which is a sweet glutinous rice ball.
The traditional color of Chinese New Year is red, and everywhere you go, you will see that color. From clothing to decorations to envelopes used for gift-giving, everything revolves around that color. The reason behind the use of the color red is that it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck and bring good fortune and luck.
Another essential element of Chinese New Year is the giving of red envelopes filled with money. This practice is known as hongbao, and it is usually given by older members of the family to younger ones. It is also given to friends and colleagues as a sign of affection and good wishes for the new year. The amount given is usually a number that ends in an eight because the Chinese word for eight sounds like the word for prosperity.
Do you know that firecrackers are a significant part of the celebrations during Chinese New Year? Every street corner and every neighborhood will be filled with the sound of firecrackers being set off. The reason behind this loud activity is to scare away any evil spirits and bring good luck and fortune for the new year. The louder, the better, and the more fireworks there are, the more prosperous the new year will be.
One event that people look forward to during Chinese New Year is the Spring Festival Gala. This is a televised event that is watched by millions of people in China. It is a variety show that features music, dance, comedy, and drama. People also spend a lot of time watching lion and dragon dances, which are traditional dances that date back hundreds of years.
The end of the 15-day-long celebration is marked by the Lantern Festival. This is a day when people light lanterns and make wishes for the new year. It is also a day when people eat tangyuan, which is a sweet glutinous rice ball that symbolizes family unity and connection.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant event that brings families and friends together. It is a time to celebrate traditions, culture, and most importantly, the beginning of a new year. So go ahead and enjoy all the festivities, from the delicious foods to the sound of firecrackers and the stunning display of fireworks.
"When In Chinese New Year 2016" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional Chinese festivals. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls on February 8, 2016. In China, this festival is celebrated for 15 days with various activities, including family gatherings, feasting, and setting off fireworks. If you are planning to visit China during this festive season, here's what you can expect.
The Festivities
In China, the Chinese New Year celebrations officially begin on New Year's Eve and end with the Lantern Festival, which is on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. During this period, the Chinese go all out with festive decorations, music, and events. You will see red lanterns hanging everywhere, and the streets will be filled with lion and dragon dance performances. Locals will also visit temples to pray for good health, wealth, and happiness for their families.
Food and Drinks
The Chinese love food, and it is no different during Chinese New Year. Families create huge feasts with dishes that represent prosperity and good luck. Dumplings and fish are a must-have as they represent wealth, while rice cakes symbolize higher income and position. Mandarin oranges are also popular as they represent good luck and fortune.
Liquor plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Baijiu, a clear liquor made from sorghum, is the most popular liquor in China. It is usually served during banquets and family gatherings, and the Chinese believe that drinking baijiu together brings them closer as a family.
Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is an essential part of Chinese New Year. Red envelopes, also called hongbao, are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and fortune. Married couples usually give hongbao to their parents and grandparents. The amount of money given in the red envelop varies between families, but it is usually an even number as odd numbers are considered unlucky.
Gifts like fruit baskets, chocolates, and wines are also popular during this festive season. However, it is important to note that some gifts are considered taboo, such as clocks and scissors, as they symbolize bad luck.
Traveling During Chinese New Year
If you plan to travel to China during Chinese New Year, be prepared for massive crowds and high travel prices. It is the busiest time of the year, and many people travel to spend time with their families. Train tickets and flights get booked up quickly, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
Also, be aware that many shops and restaurants will be closed during Chinese New Year, especially on New Year's Eve and the first three days of the new year. It is best to stock up on food and supplies beforehand.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a festival that you do not want to miss. It is a time to witness Chinese culture and traditions come alive. From the food to the festivities, it is a cultural experience that you won't forget. Be prepared for massive crowds if you plan to visit China during this period. And who knows, maybe you will receive a hongbao or two along the way.
Comparison between Chinese New Year 2020 and 2021
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in China. It is celebrated for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar. The festival is characterized by various customs, including family gatherings, firework displays, red-lantern decorations and of course, the famous lion and dragon dances. However, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the way Chinese New Year is celebrated has been affected.Dates
The date of Chinese New Year changes yearly as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2020, the festival took place on January 25th, while in 2021, it fell on February 12th, which is around 11 days later than the previous year.Festive Atmosphere
The festive atmosphere is one of the highlights of Chinese New Year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cities in China have implemented various measures to prevent large gatherings. In 2020, many festivities were canceled, and people were encouraged to stay at home. In contrast, in 2021, the situation was slightly better, with some cities hosting smaller events with strict health guidelines.Travel Rush
One of the biggest characteristics of Chinese New Year is the travel rush. Millions of people return to their hometowns for family gatherings during the festival period. In 2020, however, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many people chose to stay put and celebrate at home. In 2021, while the number of travelers did increase compared to the previous year, it was still significantly lower than usual.Greetings and Gifts
During Chinese New Year, people exchange greetings and gifts with their loved ones. In 2020, due to the pandemic, many people opted for virtual greetings and sent gifts via online platforms. In 2021, while some people still chose to send gifts online, others were able to exchange greetings and gifts in person as long as they followed health guidelines.Food and Drink
Food plays an essential role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Different regions in China have their specialties, including dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. In 2020, since many restaurants were closed, people had to cook their meals at home or order food online. In 2021, however, restaurants were allowed to open with limited capacity, giving people more options to dine out.Shopping
Chinese New Year is one of the largest shopping seasons in China, with people buying new clothes, decorations, and gifts. In 2020, with many stores closed and people staying at home, online shopping saw a significant increase. In 2021, while online shopping remained popular, physical stores were also able to open and attract more customers.Traditional Customs
China has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional customs are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. In 2020, many customs, such as temple fairs and lion and dragon dances, were either canceled or scaled back. In 2021, some cities were able to host these events with proper precautions, preserving the traditions and adding to the festive atmosphere.Red Envelopes
The tradition of giving red envelopes containing money is prevalent during Chinese New Year. In 2020, with many people experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic, the amount of money given in red envelopes was reduced. In 2021, while the economy had not fully recovered, people continued to give red envelopes, albeit in smaller amounts.Public Holiday
Chinese New Year is an official public holiday in China, with people typically having seven days off. In 2020, due to the pandemic, the Chinese government extended the holiday to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In 2021, the holiday period remained at seven days, and people were encouraged to travel less and stay close to home.Conclusion
In conclusion, while some aspects of Chinese New Year were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, people still found ways to celebrate and adapt to the new circumstances. The situation in 2021 was slightly better than in 2020, giving people more opportunities to celebrate and enjoy the festival. Despite the challenges faced, the spirit and traditions of Chinese New Year remain strong, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and culture.When is Chinese New Year 2016?
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. In 2016, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 8th.Preparations
Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival. People in China start preparing for the holiday weeks in advance. They clean their houses, decorate them with red paper cutouts and couplets, and buy new clothes and food.Cleaning
Cleaning the house is an important tradition in Chinese culture. It is believed that a thorough cleaning before the New Year’s Day will sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck and fortune to enter the home.Decorations
Red is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, so people hang red lanterns, banners, and ribbons around the house. They also use red paper cutouts with phrases like “Happy New Year” or “Wealth and Prosperity” to decorate their doors and windows.New clothes and food
In China, it is customary to wear new clothes during the New Year celebration. People also prepare special foods, such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes, that symbolize good luck and fortune. Eating these foods during the New Year is believed to bring wealth and happiness to the family.Celebrations
The New Year’s Eve dinner, known as “reunion dinner”, is the most important meal of the year for Chinese people. Families gather together to enjoy a feast and exchange gifts. Fireworks are also set off at midnight to scare away evil spirits and welcome the New Year.Red envelopes
Giving red envelopes with money inside is a popular tradition during Chinese New Year. It is believed to bring good luck and fortune to both the giver and receiver. The amount of money in the envelope should always be an even number, but not a multiple of four as it is considered unlucky.Dragon and lion dance
The dragon and lion dance is a traditional performance during the New Year celebration. People dress up in colorful costumes and parade around the streets, accompanied by the loud sound of drums and cymbals. The dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the community.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunion, feasting, and celebration. It is a popular tradition not only in China but also in other parts of the world with a significant Chinese population. If you are planning to celebrate the New Year, don’t forget to clean your house, decorate it with red, wear new clothes, and prepare some delicious foods. Happy New Year!When in Chinese New Year 2016
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Or “Happy New Year” in Mandarin. The Chinese New Year or also known as Spring Festival is the most important holiday in Chinese culture that celebrates the start of a new lunar year. Unlike the Western New Year, which is celebrated on January 1, the date of the Chinese New Year varies from year to year because it follows the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2016, the Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 8.
Chinese New Year celebrations are steeped in centuries-old traditions and customs that vary depending on the region and cultural practices. However, the core activities and preparations remain the same across China and overseas Chinese communities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the Chinese celebrate the Lunar New Year and what visitors can expect during this festive period in 2016.
The Chinese New Year lasts for two weeks, and it is a time where family and friends come together to feast, exchange gifts, and pay respects to their ancestors and gods. The festivities start on New Year’s Eve with a family reunion dinner called the “Nian Ye Fan.” It is one of the most important meals of the year, and families will prepare a sumptuous spread of dishes, with each dish signifying a particular meaning or symbolism.
During the New Year’s Eve dinner, red envelopes or hongbao are given out to children and unmarried adults as a token of good luck and prosperity. Married couples are expected to give hongbao to their parents and elder relatives as a show of filial piety and respect. The amount inside the hongbao varies from person to person, but it is always an even number to represent good fortune and luck.
After the reunion dinner, families will typically gather around the television to watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala, one of China’s biggest and most-watched television programs. The show features singers, dancers, and comedians performing skits and songs, with millions tuning in to watch the festivities.
The first day of the Chinese New Year is also known as “Chu Yi” or “Day One.” It is a time when families will visit relatives and friends, exchange greetings and well wishes, and eat more food. In China, many businesses and government offices shut down for the week, and people take this opportunity to travel and spend time with their loved ones.
The Lunar New Year celebrations are incomplete without the ubiquitous red lanterns and decorations that adorn the streets and homes. Red symbolizes prosperity and good luck in Chinese culture, and it is believed that the color can ward off evil spirits. Traditional Chinese New Year decorations include red banners with auspicious phrases, paper-cuttings with intricate designs, and of course, red lanterns that are hung up outside homes and along streets.
Another important aspect of the Chinese New Year is the Zodiac animal that represents the year. The Chinese lunar calendar has a 12-year cycle, with each year being named after a particular animal. 2016 is the year of the monkey, and according to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the monkey are said to be intelligent, witty, and curious. The monkey is also seen as a symbol of good fortune, and many Chinese people will incorporate monkey-themed decorations and gifts into their Lunar New Year celebrations.
If you’re planning a visit to China during the Chinese New Year, be prepared for crowds, traffic jams, and higher prices. It is the busiest travel season of the year, with millions of people traveling home or on vacation. Train tickets and flights to popular destinations sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book in advance and plan your itinerary in advance.
Another way to experience Chinese New Year is to visit Chinatowns in major cities around the world, where you can get a taste of the festive atmosphere and enjoy traditional food and performances. In Singapore, for example, the Chinatown street bazaar is a must-visit during the Lunar New Year period, with colorful decorations, street performances, and stalls selling everything from traditional Chinese snacks to lanterns and souvenirs.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family, and tradition. It is a time to reflect on the past year, look forward to a new beginning, and embrace the cultural heritage and customs of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Whether you’re in China or in another part of the world, the Chinese New Year festivities are an experience not to be missed!
So, don't miss out on the most colorful and exciting holiday in Chinese culture! Happy Chinese New Year 2016!
When is Chinese New Year 2016?
People Also Ask:
1. What is the date for Chinese New Year in 2016?
The date for Chinese New Year in 2016 is Monday, February 8th. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Monkey.
2. How long does the Chinese New Year celebration last?
The Chinese New Year celebration typically lasts for 15 days, ending on the Lantern Festival.
3. What are some traditional Chinese New Year activities?
- Decorating homes with red lanterns and banners
- Enjoying family gatherings and meals
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children
- Lighting fireworks and firecrackers
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make way for good luck
4. How is the Chinese New Year zodiac determined?
The Chinese New Year zodiac is determined by a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. The animal for each year is based on a legend about the animals racing to cross a river. The order in which they finish determines their place in the zodiac cycle.
5. Are there any taboos during Chinese New Year?
- Avoid sweeping or cleaning during the first few days of the New Year, as it may symbolize sweeping away good luck.
- Avoid breaking things or using sharp objects, as it may symbolize cutting off prosperity or good luck.
- Avoid using negative words or talking about death, as it may bring inauspiciousness.