Discover When the Festivities of Chinese New Year Begin - A Guide to Celebrating the Lunar New Year
Are you curious about when Chinese New Year begins? Do you want to know the meaning behind one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world? Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the history and traditions of Chinese New Year.
First things first, when does Chinese New Year begin? Well, the date varies each year as it follows the lunar calendar. Generally, it falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2022, the celebrations will begin on Tuesday, February 1st.
The start of Chinese New Year is marked by the new moon and lasts for 15 days. During this time, families gather to clean their homes and decorate them with red lanterns, scrolls containing auspicious symbols, and couplets with poetic phrases to bring good luck.
Statistics show that over 20% of the world's population celebrate Chinese New Year, making it the largest annual human migration on Earth. Millions of people travel back to their hometowns to reunite with family and enjoy traditional activities. This year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it's expected that around 1.7 billion trips will be made during the holiday period.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Chinese New Year is the animal zodiac system. Each year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals according to a legend. These animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The upcoming year is the Tiger year, which is believed to bring bravery, protection, and good fortune.
Another essential part of Chinese New Year is the food. Besides the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, many other dishes have symbolic meanings. For example, dumplings resemble ancient Chinese ingots and therefore represent wealth; fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, while noodles signify longevity.
Red envelopes, also known as hongbao, are a must-have during Chinese New Year. It's a tradition to give children and unmarried adults hongbao containing money as a way to wish them good luck and fortune.
If you have the opportunity to join in the festivities, expect loud explosions and colorful displays of fireworks on Chinese New Year's Eve. According to a legend, loud noises and bright colors cast away evil spirits and bring joy to people's lives.
On the fifteenth and final day of Chinese New Year, the celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival. People hang lanterns outside their houses and go out to admire the festive decoration and solve riddles written on the lanterns.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a unique and vibrant festival that has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is a time for families to come together, for good food, good fortune, and good cheer. Whether you are of Chinese descent or not, it is undoubtedly worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
"Chinese New Year Begins When" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year Begins
Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in China and around the world. This celebration lasts for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls between mid-January to mid-February. It is an occasion for families to gather together and enjoy festive food, decorations, and various cultural activities. But when does it really begin?
The Preparations
Before the arrival of Chinese New Year, there are a lot of preparations that people do. It starts with cleaning their homes from top to bottom to brush off any bad luck that may have accumulated in the past year. They also hang up red banners and posters with popular phrases in Chinese characters like happiness and prosperous, symbolizing good luck and fortune for the coming year.
Aside from home preparations, people also buy new clothes, decorate with red lanterns and couplets, and stock up on food and drinks to entertain guests. The preparation itself can take several weeks, but it's all worth it because it is believed to bring good luck and fortune throughout the year.
New Year's Eve
The real celebration starts on the eve of Chinese New Year which is also known as the Reunion Eve. This night is typically spent with family, enjoying a huge feast together – called the ‘New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner.’ Everyone in the family will reunite around the table, enjoying traditional foods including dumplings, fish and glutinous rice cakes. In addition, each Chinese family prepares a Christmas-like stocking of their own called Hong Bao.
Red envelopes filled with money are gifted to the children to start the new year out right. After dinner, people often stay up late, playing games, setting off fireworks, and watching the CCTV Gala, one of China’s most-watched television shows that features performances from celebrities and showcases Chinese culture. The show continues until midnight when it officially becomes New Year’s Day.
The First Day of Chinese New Year
The first day of Chinese New Year is the beginning of the year of a different zodiac sign, according to the 12-year cycle. The zodiac signs include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. On the first day, people visit their relatives and friends, exchange greetings by giving red envelopes filled with money, and eat lucky foods such as fish, dumplings, and rice cakes to bring prosperity to the new year.
The Fifteenth Day of Chinese New Year
The last day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar. Homes are decorated with colorful lanterns, and people carry them in the streets to celebrate the end of the festival. It is also traditional to eat Tang Yuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet stuffing, which symbolizes togetherness and harmony.
Conclusion
In summary, Chinese New Year is an essential holiday in China, celebrated for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar. Preparations start weeks before the arrival of New Year’s Eve, where they have the grand feast called the ‘New Year’s Eve Reunion Dinner.’ The celebration usually lasts until the fifteenth day, known as Lantern Festival. People exchange greetings, eat lucky foods and hang up red decorations to evoke prosperity, blessings and good fortune.
If you are planning to visit China during this time of year, you will experience firsthand the positive atmosphere and joyful celebration that envelops entire cities. Chinese New Year is the perfect opportunity to appreciate Chinese culture and traditions in all its glory.
Chinese New Year Begins When: A Comparison of Regional Celebrations
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is the most important annual holiday in China. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year and usually falls between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar. While the festival is celebrated throughout the country, different regions have their unique customs and traditions that make this festive time an exciting and diverse occasion.
North versus South: Different Eating Habits for the Biggest Feast
The New Year's Eve feast, or reunion dinner, is the most significant meal during the celebration. In northern China, dumplings are a must-have dish because they symbolize wealth and prosperity. It is customary for family members to gather and make dumplings together on New Year's Eve before consuming them at midnight.
South China, on the other hand, has a preference for seafood and poultry for their New Year feast. Classics comprise braised abalone, steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce, and crispy-skinned roasted duck. These foods associate happiness, good fortune, and abundance, making them an essential element of the feast.
| Region | Celebration Duration | Main Food | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | 7 days | Dumplings | Fireworks, temple fairs, lion and dragon dances |
| South | 15 days | Seafood, poultry | Flower markets, dragon boat races, street parades |
Seven versus Fifteen Days: Length of Celebration
In northern China, the official holiday lasts for seven days, starting from the New Year's Eve until the sixth day of the new year. During this time, people in the region typically go to temple fairs where they can purchase handicrafts, enjoy traditional performances, and eat various street foods. Lion and dragon dances are also common during this period, symbolizing good luck and driving away evil spirits.
The south usually celebrates the Spring Festival for a total of fifteen days, which is a time for family reunions and visiting relatives. Besides the New Year's Eve feast, they also have regular gatherings and dinners on subsequent days. Flower markets, dragon boat races, and street parades are some of the main activities during this extended period.
Red versus Gold: Colors that Bring Luck and Wealth
Red is the dominant color during the Chinese New Year. It is known to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. Many decorations such as paper cuts, posters, and lanterns are in red. Furthermore, giving red envelopes with money inside to children is particularly popular among adults.
Gold, on the other hand, signifies wealth and prosperity. People hang gold decorations such as golden ingots, coins, and statues to enhance their financial prospects for the coming year.
Conclusion
Whether you are celebrating in the North or South of China, one thing is for sure – the vibrant traditions and customs of Chinese New Year ensure that it is an immensely joyful occasion. The nuances in regional celebrations only add to the richness of this holiday, making it a unique and diverse festival. As we approach the Lunar New Year, let us embrace the spirit of this holiday, cherish our loved ones, and look forward to a prosperous year ahead.
Tips and Tutorial: Chinese New Year Begins When
Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions of people worldwide. Also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, it typically falls between late January and mid-February. This year, the Chinese New Year begins on February 12, 2021, marking the start of the Year of the Ox. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Chinese New Year’s traditions and customs, as well as how to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
History and Beliefs
The Chinese New Year is steeped in history and tradition. It's believed that during this time, deities would journey to earth to bless the land and bring good fortune for the coming year. With the arrival of the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year began to be celebrated at this time, with customs and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Preparations for the New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year typically begin weeks in advance. Homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove any negativity from the previous year, and lucky decorations like red lanterns, couplets, and Fu (lucky) characters are put up. Shopping for new clothes, food, and gifts is also a big part of the festivities. Traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes are prepared and enjoyed with family and friends.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is typically the most important night of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Families gather together for a festive meal and watch the CCTV New Year's Gala on television, which features music, dance, and comedy performances. At midnight, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year. Children receive red envelopes filled with money from their elders, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
The First Day of the New Year
On the first day of the Chinese New Year, people usually visit family and friends to exchange greetings and well-wishes for the new year. In some regions, dragon and lion dances are performed in public places to bring good luck and happiness. Families also often visit temples to pray for good fortune, health, and wealth.
The Fifth Day of the New Year
The fifth day of the Chinese New Year, known as “Po Wu, is a day when people stay home to avoid bad luck. According to legend, the God of Wealth visits on this day, so it's considered unlucky to travel or leave your home empty-handed.
End of New Year Celebrations
Fifteen days after the start of the Chinese New Year, the festivities come to an end with the Lantern Festival. This is a colorful celebration that involves hanging lanterns, solving riddles, and eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls). It's a time for families to come together and enjoy the closing of the holiday season.
Celebrating Chinese New Year at Home
If you're celebrating Chinese New Year at home, there are many ways to incorporate traditional customs and rituals to make the holiday feel special. Try wearing red clothing, which is considered lucky, and hang up decorations like red banners and paper-cuttings. Cooking traditional foods like dumplings and rice cakes can also help bring the festival spirit to your home.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an important part of Chinese New Year traditions. Giving red envelopes filled with money to children, known as “hongbao,” symbolizes good fortune and wealth. Another popular gift is the “tangerine” or “orange,” which symbolizes luck and happiness. Wrapping gifts in red paper or using red ribbon is also believed to be auspicious.
Learning About Chinese New Year
If you're interested in learning more about Chinese New Year, there are many resources available online. You can read up on Chinese culture, watch videos of lion and dragon dances, or listen to traditional music. Learning about the customs and traditions associated with this festival can help you appreciate its significance and celebrate it with greater understanding.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, togetherness, and hope for the future. Whether you're celebrating with family and friends or marking the occasion at home, incorporating traditional customs and rituals can make the holiday feel more special. We hope this article has provided some valuable insights into the history and meaning of this important festival and offered some practical tips on how to celebrate it.
Chinese New Year Begins When: A Guide to the Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. It is also known as the Spring Festival and marks the beginning of the lunar new year. The date of the festival varies each year as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2021, the Chinese New Year begins on February 12th, ushering in the Year of the Ox.
The festival lasts for 15 days, with different traditions and customs associated with each day. It is also celebrated not only in China but also in other Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, and even in western countries with significant Chinese communities.
So, when does Chinese New Year begin? The date of the festival is determined by the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. The first day of the new year falls on the first new moon between January 21st and February 20th.
Preparations for the festival usually begin a few weeks before the actual date. This includes thorough house cleaning, shopping for new clothes and decorations, and cooking food for the feast on the eve of the new year.
The eve of Chinese New Year, also known as reunion dinner, is the most important meal of the year for many Chinese families. It is a time for family members to come together and enjoy traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cakes. Red decorations are put up everywhere, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
On the day of Chinese New Year, people traditionally wear red clothes to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. They also give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck.
The first day of the new year is also a time for people to visit their relatives and friends, exchange greetings, and enjoy various activities such as dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and fireworks.
The second day of the new year is traditionally reserved for married daughters to visit their parents. It is also known as the birthday of all dogs, and people will often buy treats and toys for their pets. The fifth day is known as the Day of Po Wu, which is believed to be unlucky, and people may stay at home to avoid any accidents or mishaps.
On the 15th day of the lunar new year, also known as the Lantern Festival, people release lanterns into the sky to symbolize letting go of the old and welcoming the new. It is also a time for eating glutinous rice balls, also called yuanxiao, and solving riddles written on lanterns.
The Chinese New Year holiday is a time for family reunions, joyous celebrations, and paying respect to ancestors and deities. It is also a time for reflection and setting intentions for the new year ahead.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year begins when the first new moon appears between January 21st and February 20th. The festival lasts for 15 days and is marked by various traditions and customs. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and wishing for good fortune in the new year.
If you're celebrating Chinese New Year this year, we wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Ox!
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year Begins When
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20.
When Does Chinese New Year Begin?
Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which varies each year. In 2021, it falls on February 12th.
What Are the Traditions of Chinese New Year?
There are several traditions associated with Chinese New Year. Some of the most prominent ones include having a big family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, cleaning the house to sweep out bad luck, giving red envelopes filled with money to children, and setting off fireworks to ward off evil spirits.
How Long Does Chinese New Year Last?
Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, from the first day of the lunar calendar to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.
What Are the Zodiac Animals and What Is the Sign for 2021?
The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals, each representing a year in a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2021 is the Year of the Ox.
How Is Chinese New Year Celebrated Around the World?
Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China, but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. The celebrations often include dragon and lion dances, parades with lanterns, and cultural performances.
Why Is the Color Red So Important During Chinese New Year?
The color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture and symbolizes prosperity and happiness. During Chinese New Year, people often decorate their homes with red lanterns and wear red clothes to attract good luck and ward off evil spirits.