The Ultimate Guide: How Long Does Lunar New Year Last?
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays not only in China but also in many Southeast Asian countries. The festival marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar, and it is celebrated with various customs and traditions that date back thousands of years.
But how long does Lunar New Year last?
The Lunar New Year celebration typically lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar, which is usually in late January or early February. During this period, families gather to share meals and exchange gifts, and people participate in various activities and events.
Are you wondering why Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days?
Well, according to Chinese mythology, the festival originated from the legend of Nian, a fierce beast that would come out of hiding on the first day of the new year to attack people and animals. It was believed that the beast was afraid of loud noises and the color red, so people would decorate their homes with red lanterns and set off fireworks to scare away the beast. The celebrations lasted for 15 days because it was believed to be the length of time needed to ward off the beast for good.
Nowadays, Lunar New Year celebrations have evolved into a much grander affair, with parades, dragon dances, and other cultural performances taking place across the world. In China, businesses shut down for a week or longer, so people can travel to their hometowns and spend time with their families.
Do you want to know some interesting Lunar New Year facts?
During the celebration, it is customary to wear red clothes, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is also tradition to clean the home before the new year begins to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year. The Lunar New Year ends with the Lantern Festival, where people light and release lanterns into the night sky.
But why is Lunar New Year important?
Lunar New Year is not just a time for celebration; it is also a time for reflection and renewal. It is a time to honor one's ancestors and to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year. It is a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and culture.
So, how can you celebrate Lunar New Year?
Even if you are not of Chinese or Southeast Asian heritage, there are many ways to participate in Lunar New Year celebrations. You can visit a local Chinatown or attend a Lunar New Year festival in your area. You can also try making traditional dishes such as dumplings, or give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good luck.
In conclusion, Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, and it is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal. Whether you are of Chinese heritage or not, there are many ways to participate in the festivities and learn about another culture. Keep this article in mind as February approaches, and enjoy the wonders of Lunar New Year!
"How Long Does Lunar New Year Last" ~ bbaz
The Lunar New Year is a prominent cultural event that takes place across several countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore, among others. It is a time of celebration and festivities that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Festivities often involve cultural rituals such as dragon dances, lantern displays, and fireworks shows.
When Does The Lunar New Year Start?
The Lunar New Year usually starts between late January to mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. This year, the Lunar New Year starts on February 12 and marks the transition from the Year of the Rat to the Year of the Ox.
The Lunar New Year is celebrated for different lengths of time, depending on the culture and tradition of the country. In general, it lasts for around two weeks, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The length of the Lunar New Year is also impacted by factors such as travel arrangements, which are common during the festivities.
China
In China, the Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and is celebrated for 15 days. The celebration begins on New Year's Eve with a family reunion dinner. The following days are filled with activities such as visiting relatives, temple fairs, and performing traditional rituals like setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits.
Lantern Festival is the final day of the Lunar New Year celebrations in China. The day is marked by colourful lantern displays, dragon dances, and fireworks shows.
Vietnam
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. Tet is a seven-day festival that guarantees a long break from work, where families visit each other's homes and perform traditional rituals together. During Tet, people clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare traditional foods.
The last day of Tet, known as Tết Nguyên Tiêu, or the First Full Moon Festival, marks the end of the festivities and is celebrated with colourful lantern displays and lion dances.
Korea
In Korea, Lunar New Year, also known as Seollal, is celebrated for three days. Seollal is known as a time to honour ancestors and families spend time preparing ancestral rituals, visiting extended family, and sharing traditional foods.
The final day of Seollal is marked by a game called Yut Nori, where families gather together and play a board game to predict their fortune for the year ahead.
Singapore
In Singapore, Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, is a grand affair that is celebrated for 15 days. On the first day, families visit each other and wish each other prosperity and good fortune. Throughout the course of the festivities, people perform traditional rituals such as lighting incense, ancestor worship, and giving out red packets filled with money.
The Lunar New Year celebrations in Singapore conclude with the Chingay Parade, which is a large-scale street parade with colourful floats and performances.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is a highly significant event across Asia and is celebrated with great fanfare and festivities. It is a time of togetherness, tradition, and hope for the year ahead. While the duration may vary by location and culture, the underlying spirit of celebrating renewal, prosperity and good luck is universal to all Lunar New Year celebrations around the world.
Lunar New Year: How Long Does It Last?
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore. This celebration is rich in cultural and religious traditions and is marked by various customs, such as lion dance, fireworks, red envelopes, and special foods. One of the things that people often wonder about Lunar New Year is how long it lasts. In this article, we will explore the length of Lunar New Year and its different phases.
What Is Lunar New Year?
Before we dive into the duration of Lunar New Year, let's first understand what it is. Lunar New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar, which calculates time based on the cycles of the moon and sun. Unlike the Western solar calendar, which starts on January 1 and has 365 days (or 366 in a leap year), the lunar calendar starts on the first new moon between January 21 and February 20 and has 12 or 13 months. Each year is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac, and there are 12 animals in total, such as Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
When Does Lunar New Year Begin and End?
The exact dates of Lunar New Year vary from year to year because of the differences between the lunar and solar calendars. Generally, Lunar New Year falls between late January and mid-February in the Gregorian calendar.
The table below shows the dates of Lunar New Year for the past and future years:
| Year | Date of Lunar New Year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | January 25 |
| 2021 | February 12 |
| 2022 | February 1 |
| 2023 | January 22 |
| 2024 | February 10 |
As you can see, Lunar New Year lasts for one day, which is the actual New Year's Day, but it is also celebrated during a 15-day period, which is called Chunyun in Chinese, or Spring Festival travel season. This 15-day period is divided into three phases: the Little Year (also known as the Preliminary Eve), the New Year's Day (also known as the First Three Days), and the Lantern Festival (also known as the Last Five Days). Let's look at each phase in more detail.
The Little Year
The Little Year, also known as the Preliminary Eve or Xiaonian in Chinese, starts about a week before Lunar New Year and is a time for preparations and rituals. During this phase, people clean their homes, buy new clothes and decorations, make offerings to their ancestors and gods, and put up couplets and red paper cuttings on their doors and windows. The Little Year also includes some traditional events, such as the Kitchen God Festival, which is when people honor the deity that watches over their household, and the Reunion Dinner, which is a big feast that families have on New Year's Eve.
The New Year's Day
The New Year's Day, also known as the First Three Days or Guonian in Chinese, is the most important day of Lunar New Year. It is when the animal of the year officially changes and people greet each other with blessings and gifts. During this phase, people also visit their relatives and friends, participate in temple fairs and cultural activities, and watch dragon and lion dances. The First Day is considered the least auspicious day, so people often stay at home and avoid cleaning, crying, or scolding.
The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Last Five Days or Yuanxiao Jie in Chinese, is the last phase of Lunar New Year. It starts on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which is also called the Lantern Festival Day. During this phase, people hang lanterns, eat sweet glutinous rice balls called tangyuan, guess lantern riddles, and watch dragon and lion dances again. The Lantern Festival marks the end of Spring Festival and the beginning of a new year.
Conclusion
So how long does Lunar New Year last? Technically, it lasts for one day, which is the New Year's Day, but it is also celebrated during a 15-day period, which is marked by various customs and traditions according to different phases. The Little Year is for preparations and rituals, the New Year's Day is for blessings and gatherings, and the Lantern Festival is for joy and farewell.
Whether you are celebrating Lunar New Year or not, it is always interesting to learn about different cultures and their festivities. Lunar New Year is an occasion that highlights the diversity and richness of Asian heritage and brings people together in the spirit of hope, happiness, and harmony.
How Long Does Lunar New Year Last: Tips and Tutorials
Introduction
Lunar New Year is an important festival celebrated by many Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Korea. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, it is a time to reunite with family, honor ancestors, and wish for prosperity in the coming year. While the exact dates may vary, generally, Lunar New Year falls between late January and mid-February following the lunar calendar. In this article, we will share some tips and tutorials on how to celebrate and how long does Lunar New Year last.1. The Duration of Lunar New Year
Unlike Western New Year, Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, although the celebrations may start before or after the official date. The festivities usually begin with the New Year's Eve reunion dinner and end with the Lantern Festival, which is the 15th day of the first lunar month. During this period, people visit relatives and friends, exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck, and enjoy traditional food and decorations.2. Preparing for the Celebration
To fully embrace the Lunar New Year spirit, it's essential to prepare well in advance. Here are some tips:- Clean and decorate your house: It's believed that cleaning your house before Lunar New Year will sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. You can also decorate your house with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious symbols.
- Buy new clothes: Wearing new clothes during Lunar New Year is said to bring good luck and positive energies. Choose something red or gold, which are considered lucky colors.
- Stock up on food and drinks: Lunar New Year is a time for feasting, so make sure you have enough food and drinks to share with your guests. Prepare traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes.
- Plan your itinerary: If you're traveling or visiting relatives during Lunar New Year, make sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance. Take note of the public holidays and transportation schedules.
3. Traditional Customs and Activities
During Lunar New Year, there are many customs and activities that people engage in. Here are some examples:- Giving red envelopes: Red envelopes filled with money, or hongbao, are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good fortune.
- Watching lion and dragon dances: Colorful lion and dragon dances are performed on the streets to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits.
- Setting off firecrackers: Firecrackers are believed to scare away bad luck and welcome good luck.
- Making dumplings: Making and eating dumplings, or jiaozi, is a popular tradition, especially on New Year's Eve.
- Visiting temples: Many people visit temples and pray for blessings and good fortune during Lunar New Year.
4. The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations. It is named after the lanterns that are lit and displayed to celebrate the first full moon of the year. People also eat sweet glutinous rice dumplings, or tangyuan, and solve riddles written on lanterns.Conclusion
Overall, Lunar New Year is an exciting and significant festival that lasts for 15 days. It is a time to connect with family, honor traditions, and wish for good fortune. By following these tips and engaging in the customs and activities, you can fully embrace the Lunar New Year spirit and have a joyful celebration.How Long Does Lunar New Year Last?
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Lunar New Year! This is the time of the year when people of Chinese descent all over the world gather with their families to celebrate the start of a new lunar cycle. Celebrations usually involve food, games, gifts, and fireworks displays. The Lunar New Year is also called Spring Festival, Tết in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea. But how long does Lunar New Year last? In this post, we will explore the duration of the Lunar New Year festivities and the significance of each day.
The Lunar New Year is not celebrated on a specific date like the Western New Year. Instead, it is based on the lunar calendar, which is determined by the phases of the moon. The date of the Lunar New Year varies from year to year, but it falls between January 21 and February 20, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year, Lunar New Year falls on February 12, 2021, marking the beginning of the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac.
The Lunar New Year celebrations last for 15 days and culminate with the Lantern Festival. Each day has a special meaning and significance. Here’s a breakdown of each day:
Day 1: The first day of the Lunar New Year is the most significant day of all. It is believed that whatever happens on this day sets the tone for the rest of the year. Most people spend the day with their families, visiting relatives, and friends. The first day is also a time for ancestral worship, where families pay respect to their ancestors.
Day 2: The second day is reserved for married daughters to visit their parents and bring them food and gifts.
Day 3-4: These are often considered the unlucky days of the Lunar New Year. It is believed that arguments and fights are more likely to happen during this time. Traditionally, people avoid socializing, visiting relatives, or doing anything important on these days.
Day 5: This day is known as Po Wu or businesses’ start-up day. People will return to work and pray for good fortune and prosperity in their businesses.
Day 6-7: These days are reserved for visiting the homes of relatives, friends, and colleagues to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals.
Day 8: The eighth day is known as “Bai Tian Gong” or the birthday of all dogs. It is a day to show appreciation and gratitude to man’s best friend.
Day 9: This is the day when people pray to the Jade Emperor, who is believed to be the ruler of the heavens, for good luck and prosperity.
Day 10-11: These days are for family reunions and spending time together enjoying a sumptuous feast. Some families also visit temples or go on hikes to enjoy scenery during this time.
Day 12-13: These are days where people prepare for the Lantern Festival by making lanterns and hanging them in their homes. There are also parades and performances during this time leading up to the grand finale of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Day 14: On this day, people usually stay at home and rest after all the festivities leading up to the Lantern Festival.
Day 15: The last day of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the famous Lantern Festival. People decorate their houses and streets with colorful lanterns and light up fireworks to mark the end of the festivities.
In conclusion, the Lunar New Year celebrations last for 15 eventful days, with each day representing a different meaning and significance. From ancestral worship to making lanterns, visiting relatives to exchanging gifts, and enjoying sumptuous meals to lighting up fireworks displays, everyone celebrates in their unique way. We hope this post has shed more light on what to expect during the Lunar New Year and more importantly, how long it lasts. Let’s all embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year and wish everyone happiness, health, and prosperity in the coming year.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Lunar New Year!
How Long Does Lunar New Year Last?
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional Chinese holidays. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between mid-January and mid-February.
How long does Lunar New Year last?
Lunar New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days in most East Asian countries.
Day 1: New Year's Day
It is the most important day of the festival, where people typically wear new clothes, visit family and friends, exchange greetings and gifts, and have a big feast together.
Day 2 to 5: Family Visits and Cultural Activities
These days are reserved for visiting extended family members and participating in cultural activities such as dragon and lion dances, lantern festivals, and temple fairs.
Day 6 to 10: Work Resumes
Most businesses and government offices resume work on the sixth day of the festival. However, festivities continue, and people still gather to socialize and enjoy the holiday season.
Day 11 to 15: Lantern Festival
The final days of the festival feature the Lantern Festival, where people light and release lanterns into the sky and participate in various activities.
Conclusion
In summary, Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days and is celebrated with various customs and traditions. It is a time for family gatherings, cultural activities, and enjoying the holiday season.