Ring in the Lunar New Year: Top Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018
Are you looking to celebrate Chinese New Year 2018 in style? Look no further, as we've got the ultimate guide to help you ring in the Year of the Dog with traditional festivities and modern twists.
Firstly, join in on the biggest event of the season - the lion dance parade! Watch as dancers dressed in impressive lion costumes roam the streets, accompanied by the sound of drums and cymbals. This age-old ritual is meant to bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
If you're feeling creative, make your own red lanterns to decorate your home! Red is a lucky color in Chinese culture, and is believed to ward off evil spirits. You can also write wishes on them and hang them up for an added personal touch.
Another must-do tradition is giving out red envelopes, or hongbao, filled with money to family and friends. This act symbolizes passing on good fortune and blessings for the new year.
Don't forget the food! Indulge in dumplings, fish, and noodles, which represent wealth, prosperity, and longevity respectively. You can also opt for trendy fusion dishes like Chinese pizza or noodles made with rainbow-hued vegetables for a modern twist.
Take a break from the festivities and educate yourself on the history and significance behind the holiday. Did you know that the Chinese New Year celebration dates back over 3,500 years? Or that it is the longest holiday in China, spanning 15 days?
As the night falls, light up some fireworks (if they're legal in your area, of course) to chase away evil spirits and welcome in the new year with a bang. Just be sure to follow safety precautions and consider eco-friendly alternatives like LED lights.
To involve the younger generation, organize a scavenger hunt with a Chinese New Year theme. Hide red envelopes or small trinkets around the house and set clues based on Chinese culture. This is a fun way to keep kids engaged while teaching them about the holiday.
For those who can't celebrate with loved ones in person, consider sending them greetings via social media or digital cards. In this day and age, there are plenty of options to choose from and it's a thoughtful way to show you care.
And finally, end the festivities on a sweet note with tangyuan, sticky rice balls filled with sweet paste. The round shape symbolizes family reunion and unity - the perfect way to conclude the Chinese New Year celebration.
With these tips and tricks, you're ready to have a memorable and meaningful Chinese New Year 2018. Embrace the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday and make it a year to remember!
"How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2018" ~ bbaz
The Chinese New Year is a special time of the year for millions of people around the world, as it marks the start of a new lunar cycle. The celebrations vary from region to region, but some traditions are common across all cultures. This year, the Chinese New Year begins on February 16th, and festivities will continue for up to two weeks. Whether you're of Chinese descent or not, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and enjoy this festive occasion. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Clean your house
According to Chinese tradition, cleaning your house before the New Year is a sign of renewing life for the coming year. It's believed that if you clean up your house before the New Year arrives, it will sweep away all the bad luck from the previous year and pave the way for good fortune in the new year. This also includes getting rid of clutter and throwing away broken or unused items.
Decorate
One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by decorating your home with traditional Chinese decorations. Red is the dominant color during the Chinese New Year, as it symbolizes good luck and happiness. You can hang red lanterns, put up couplets (poems written on red paper), decorate your home with flowers such as plum blossoms, and use Chinese knots as decorative items.
Cook a special meal
Food is an essential part of the Chinese culture, especially during festivals. During the New Year, it's customary to prepare dishes that symbolize good luck, prosperity, and happiness. Some popular foods include dumplings, noodles, fish, spring rolls, and sweet rice cakes. If you want to experience some authentic Chinese cuisine, try making some traditional dishes like jiaozi, tangyuan, or niangao.
Wear red
Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, so wearing red clothes during the New Year is a common practice. Besides, it's also seen as a sign of celebration and joy. You can wear a red outfit, or add some red accessories, such as a scarf, hat, or socks, to your wardrobe.
Give red envelopes (Hongbao)
In Chinese culture, it's customary to give red envelopes (also known as hongbao) as gifts during the New Year. Generally, married couples and elders give red envelopes with money to young children or unmarried siblings. The amount inside the envelope is usually an even number, as it's considered a symbol of good luck.
Watch performances and parades
Different cities have their unique way of celebrating the New Year, such as dragon and lion dances, acrobatics, and fireworks shows. You can look for performances and parades in your local area or watch them on TV. These events are not only entertaining but also provide an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and traditions.
Send greetings and wishes
Sending greetings and wishes is a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate the New Year. You can send a Chinese New Year's greeting to your Chinese friends or colleagues, wishing them a happy and prosperous new year. You can use popular phrases like “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year), “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Congratulations and prosperity), or “Nian Nian You Yu” (May you have abundance every year).
Learn some Chinese traditions and beliefs
The Chinese culture is rich with traditions and beliefs that go beyond the New Year. If you're interested in learning more about them, there are a few things you can do. For example, you can learn how to play traditional Chinese games like Mahjong, try out some Chinese calligraphy, or learn about feng shui – the art of arranging living spaces to create balance and harmony.
Share the experience with others
The spirit of the New Year is all about togetherness and sharing. If you have friends or family members who celebrate the Chinese New Year, invite them over for a meal or accompany them to a festive event. Sharing the experience with others will make it more memorable and enjoyable.
Reflect on the past year
The Chinese New Year marks the end of one lunar year and the beginning of another, so it's an excellent time to reflect on the past year's events and accomplishments. Take some time to think about what you've achieved over the past year and set new goals and resolutions for the coming one. This will help you start the new year with a positive mindset and renewed energy.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a festive occasion that's celebrated across the world by millions of people. Whether you're of Chinese descent or not, it's a great opportunity to learn about Chinese traditions and beliefs, have some fun, and spread happiness and positivity. Follow these suggestions, and you're sure to have a memorable and enjoyable New Year!
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison of Traditions
The Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese people. Based on the lunar calendar, the holiday usually falls between late January and mid-February. It marks the start of a new year and represents a time of hope, renewal, and family reunions.
Red and Gold Decorations
Red and gold are the quintessential colors of Chinese New Year as they represent good fortune. Homes and streets are adorned with decorations such as red paper lanterns, couplets, and banners with blessing messages written in calligraphy. The color gold is also prominently used for decorations, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
| Keywords | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Red and gold decorations | In my opinion, the decorations are one of the most exciting parts of Chinese New Year. They create a lively and festive atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. |
Family Reunions and Feasting
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, where all family members gather to enjoy a special feast. A typical feast includes dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, and each dish has its symbolic meaning, usually related to wealth, good luck, and family harmony.
| Keywords | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Family reunions | The emphasis on family reunions during Chinese New Year is crucial and heart-warming. I believe it strengthens family bonds and provides the opportunity for people to come together and share memories. |
| Special feast | I find it interesting how each dish has its symbolic meaning. It adds another layer of depth to the celebration and allows people to understand the cultural significance behind the cuisine. |
Lion and Dragon Dance
The Lion and Dragon dance is a traditional cultural performance that is usually held in public places such as parks or streets. The lion dance is performed by two people wearing a lion costume, and the dragon dance performed by a group of people holding a long, colorful dragon. It is believed that the dance helps to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity.
| Keywords | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Lion and Dragon dance | The Lion and Dragon dance is one of my favorite parts of Chinese New Year. It's an exciting and dynamic performance that showcases China's rich cultural heritage. |
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations. It is believed that the loud noise from the firecrackers scares away evil spirits and bad luck. In recent years, many cities have banned fireworks due to safety concerns, but they are still a significant part of the festivities in rural China.
| Keywords | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Fireworks and firecrackers | I have mixed feelings about fireworks and firecrackers. While they add excitement to the celebration, I think safety should be a priority, particularly in urban areas where high-rise buildings can pose a risk. |
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, or Hongbao in Chinese, are small red envelopes with cash that are given as gifts during Chinese New Year. It is customary for adults to give red envelopes to unmarried children to bring them good luck and blessings for the new year.
| Keywords | Opinion |
|---|---|
| Red envelopes | In my opinion, red envelopes are a fun way to spread joy and prosperity during the festival. It's also an excellent way for children to learn about generosity and sharing. |
Conclusion
Overall, Chinese New Year is a time of hope, renewal, and family reunions. The tradition has evolved and adapted over the years, but the core values of good luck, wealth, and family harmony remain at the heart of the celebrations. Whether it's through the decorations, food, lion dance, or red envelopes, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this festive time of year.
How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in China. It lasts for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th. This celebration is full of traditions, colors, and symbolism. In this article, we will provide some tips and ideas on how to celebrate Chinese New Year 2018.
Cleaning Your Home
Cleaning your home before Chinese New Year is a very important tradition. This is because cleaning sweeps away any bad luck from the previous year and makes room for good luck to come in. You should clean your entire home before New Year's Eve but avoid cleaning on New Year's Day as it is considered bad luck.
Decorating Your Home With Red Color
Red is the main color of Chinese New Year. Decorating your home with red decorations such as red lanterns, couplets, and banners is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity. Hanging red paper cutouts on windows and doors with auspicious phrases written on them is also another way to decorate your home for the Chinese New Year.
Preparing Traditional Foods
Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year. Traditional dishes like dumplings, rice cakes, fish, and spring rolls are typically prepared and eaten during this celebration. Dumplings symbolize wealth, rice cakes symbolize a higher position or promotion, and fish symbolizes surplus and abundance.
Reunion Dinner
A reunion dinner, also known as Nian Ye Fan, is held on New Year's Eve and is a time for family members to gather and enjoy a feast together. This is considered the most important meal of the year, and it usually includes a vast and diverse selection of dishes.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, or Hongbao, are small red packets containing money, which are given to children during Chinese New Year. This tradition is meant to bring good luck and wealth to the receivers, and it is also a way for adults to show their care and affection towards children.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are an integral part of Chinese New Year. Setting off fireworks symbolizes warding off evil spirits and attracting good luck. However, please be cautious while setting off fireworks and follow safety precautions to avoid accidents and injuries.
Watching Dragon and Lion Dance Performances
Dragon and lion dances are ubiquitous during Chinese New Year. These performances involve acrobatic movements, music, and eye-catching costumes. The dragon dance symbolizes power, strength, and good luck, while the lion dance symbolizes bravery and protection.
Visiting Relatives and Friends
Another tradition during Chinese New Year is visiting relatives and friends. This is a time for individuals to express their gratitude and affection towards others. Greeting others with “Guo Nian Hao,” which means Happy New Year is a great way to show your respect and well wishes.
Wearing New Clothes
Wearing new clothes during Chinese New Year is another tradition that symbolizes looking forward to a new beginning and a fresh start. Red is the preferred color for clothing as it signifies happiness, luck, and prosperity.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a great way to learn about Chinese culture, beliefs, and traditions. It is a time for family members to gather, express their gratefulness, and share their wishes for the new year. With these tips, you can now celebrate Chinese New Year 2018 in style and a lot of luck. Happy New Year!
How to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2018
As one of the most significant events in Chinese culture, Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to join in with the festivities and celebrations taking place around the world. Whether you’re Chinese or not, there are plenty of ways to participate in the festivities and learn more about this vibrant holiday.
1. Learn about the significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year, usually between late January and mid-February. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is celebrated by over 20% of the world’s population. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year, and traditions vary among different regions of China. To truly appreciate the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year, education is essential.
2. Decorate your surroundings
Red is a prominent color during Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good fortune and ward against evil spirits. Hang red banners and lanterns, decorate your home with flowers and display Chinese calligraphy art pieces to set a festive mood. Add some clues of tradition and culture to your celebration.
3. Host a Reunion Dinner
The family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve is one of the most essential parts of the Chinese New Year ritual. Traditionally, families in China gather for a meal that features a variety of symbolic dishes, including fish, dumplings, and glutinous rice cake. Hosting a reunion dinner can be a way to share Chinese culture with friends and family members while enjoying delicious cuisine.
4. Give Red Envelopes
Hongbao or red envelopes are traditionally filled with money and given to children, unmarried adults, and sometimes even seniors as a sign of good luck and blessings. These small red packets usually contain amounts in even numbers, as odd numbers are considered unlucky.
5. Attend a Parade
Many cities, both inside and outside China, hold grand parades to welcome the new year. Spectacular dragon and lion dance performances are often accompanied by loud, energetic drums, cymbals, and fireworks displays that light up the streets. This tradition of parading is one of the most joyful and exciting events of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
6. Watch Spring Festival Gala
Spring Festival Gala is an annual gala show broadcasted by China Central Television (CCTV) on the eve of Chinese New Year. This event features celebrity singers, dancers, and skits. The program has become an important part of Chinese New Year culture, and it attracts millions of viewers both in China and globally. It is a great way to explore contemporary Chinese culture and entertainment.
7. Wear traditional Chinese costumes
Wearing traditional clothing like the colorful cheongsam or tang suit, becoming pretty as a flower or handsome as a hero could be fun and enjoyable. Wearing traditional clothes will undoubtedly elevate the festive atmosphere, just remember not to dress them incorrectly as some clothes can have significant cultural connotations.
8. Play traditional Chinese Games
Playing traditional Chinese games like mahjong, dumpling making, Chinese chess, and other games can be fascinating ways to discover and experience Chinese culture. They are a great way for people to bond and have fun while learning about Chinese traditions. Often accompanied by music and stories, their fascinating aspects will surely be delighted.
9. Reset Yourself
Abandon the negative energy and leave behind the troubles of the past year with a fresh start and a new perspective. Chinese New Year is a perfect time to set new intentions, to discover yourself by looking in and out internally, and high your spirits without losing the sense of gratitude.
10. Spread Love and Prosperity
The Chinese New Year festivities are all about spreading love, joy, and prosperity to friends and family members. Remember this core concept and try to assist elderly or poverty-stricken neighbors, share a moment with them, and be compassionate during the New Year season. It will undoubtedly shine upon their day and bring contentment into your heart.
Celebrating Chinese New Year is fascinating and exciting. It is also an excellent way to discover and learn about fascinating Chinese culture by participating in various customs and traditions that have passed down from generations. By following the above tips, you can spice up your celebration and reap the rewards of a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Thank you for reading! We hope you got great ideas to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2018. May your year be filled with love, wealth, health, and happiness.
How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2018 - People Also Ask
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in Chinese culture. It falls on a different date each year according to the lunar calendar and usually takes place from late January to mid-February.
What are the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year is a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts, and indulge in festive food. Some customs and traditions include:
- Decorating homes with red lanterns and banners, symbolizing luck and prosperity.
- Cleaning the house before the New Year to remove bad luck and make way for good luck.
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing good fortune.
- Enjoying a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve with family.
- Watching firework displays or dragon and lion dances to ward off evil spirits.
What should I wear during Chinese New Year?
It is traditional to wear new clothes, preferably red, during Chinese New Year to symbolize a new beginning and good luck for the coming year. Some people also wear traditional Chinese clothing, such as a qipao or changshan.
What are some popular Chinese New Year foods?
Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, and many foods have symbolic significance. Some popular dishes include:
- Dumplings or jiaozi, which resemble money and bring wealth.
- Spring rolls, which look like gold bars and symbolize prosperity.
- Nian gao, a sweet sticky rice cake representing a higher income or position.
- Fish, served whole with head and tail, representing abundance and surplus.
How do I wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year?
Common greetings for the holidays include Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year) and Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you prosperity). It is also common to exchange oranges or tangerines, which symbolize good luck and wealth.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a colorful and joyous celebration that offers an opportunity to reunite with loved ones and usher in prosperity and good fortune. With these tips, you can enjoy this festival to the fullest. Happy Chinese New Year!