Chinese New Year 2021: When Does It Start and How to Celebrate?
When Does The Chinese New Year Start?
Are you curious when the Chinese New Year starts? Well, you're in the right place! Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is an important holiday celebrated in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. This festivity falls on a different date each year, following the Chinese lunar calendar which has been in use since ancient times.
What Is The Chinese Lunar Calendar?
The Chinese lunar calendar, also known as the agricultural calendar, dates back to 1046 BCE. It is based on cycles of the moon's phases and the solar year, giving it several unique features such as leap months and intercalary days. Unlike the Gregorian calendar followed by most countries, which is based solely on the movement of the sun, the lunar calendar is linked to the agricultural cycle and reflects the changing seasons.
When Is The Chinese New Year 2022?
The Chinese New Year 2022 falls on February 1st, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. The celebrations usually last for fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival. The lunar new year is celebrated not just in China, but also in many other East and Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea to name a few.
What Are The Chinese New Year Traditions?
The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, delicious feasts, gift-giving, and cleaning house to welcome good fortune. The focus is on driving away evil spirits and bad luck and attracting wealth and prosperity. People decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and posters with auspicious messages. They also set off fireworks to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the arrival of a new year.
What Are The Zodiac Animals And Their Meanings?
The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. The animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its unique characteristics and symbolic meanings which influence people's personalities and fortunes depending on the year they were born.
How Is The Lunar New Year Celebrated?
The Chinese New Year celebrations kick off with the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, where families gather to enjoy a big feast of traditional dishes. Red packets with money inside are gifted to children and single adults to bring good luck. In the days that follow, people visit temples, exchange greetings, and participate in various cultural activities such as dragon and lion dances, and the famous Spring Festival Gala, which is televised nationally.
What To Expect During The Chinese New Year?
If you're traveling to China or other countries during the Chinese New Year, be prepared for busy streets, crowded transport, and high prices. Many Chinese people take advantage of the holiday to travel, so expect trains, planes, and roads to be jam-packed. However, it's a great opportunity to witness and experience their rich culture and traditions firsthand.
In Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is an exciting and colorful time steeped in tradition and customs. Understanding its significance and how it's celebrated can help you appreciate the vibrant culture of China and other Asian countries. So mark your calendars for February 1st, 2022, and join the celebrations!
Have you ever celebrated the Chinese New Year? What are some of your favorite traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
"When Does The Chinese New Year Start" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the biggest celebrations in China. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world, and marks the beginning of the lunar new year. The date of the Chinese New Year varies every year depending on the Chinese lunar calendar, so it is important to know exactly when it starts if you plan to celebrate.
The Lunar Calendar
Unlike the western Gregorian calendar which follows the movement of the sun, the Chinese lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon. Each month is considered a lunar month, and each year has 12 lunar months, making it approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year. This means that the date of the Chinese New Year falls on a different day every year.
Calculating the Date
The date of the Chinese New Year is calculated using a complex system of astronomical calculations and traditional Chinese culture. It usually falls between January 21st and February 20th, but can also fall on other dates depending on the alignment of the sun and moon.
Chinese Zodiac
Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to Chinese tradition, your zodiac sign depends on the year you were born, and each animal has different characteristics associated with it.
Traditions of the Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. It is also a time for wearing new clothes, decorating with red lanterns and banners, and giving out red envelopes filled with money to children. Fireworks and dragon and lion dances are also common during the festivities.
Preparations for Chinese New Year
In the weeks leading up to the Chinese New Year, families will clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. They will also prepare traditional foods such as dumplings, glutinous rice cakes, and fish as symbols of abundance and prosperity.
Chinese New Year's Eve
The Chinese New Year's Eve is the most important night of the year, where families gather for a reunion dinner. It is believed that this meal should include fish and dumplings, and be eaten at exactly midnight. After dinner, families will stay up late playing games and telling stories until the early hours of the morning.
Festivities
The Chinese New Year celebrations can last anywhere from 1–15 days depending on family traditions and regional customs. During this time, there are parades, temple fairs, and other cultural events to celebrate the lunar new year. People will also wear new clothes and decorate their homes with auspicious symbols to bring good luck and fortune.
Final Thoughts
The Chinese New Year is an important time for millions of people around the world. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and to welcome in the new year with hope and joy. Knowing the date of the Chinese New Year is essential if you plan to celebrate, so be sure to mark your calendars!
When Does The Chinese New Year Start?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. It is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Chinese culture, and the date of celebration varies each year. In this article, we will compare and discuss the different factors that affect the start of the Chinese New Year.
Lunar Calendar vs. Solar Calendar
The Chinese calendar is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. It has 12 months, and each month starts on the day of the new moon. The Lunar New Year starts on the first day of the first lunar month, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar.
In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar based on the cycles of the sun. It has 365 days in a non-leap year and 366 days in a leap year. Since the two calendars are not synchronised, the date of the Lunar New Year shifts slightly each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Date Calculation
To calculate the date of the Chinese New Year, several factors are taken into account:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Solar term | The start of the spring season, known as Li Chun. It usually falls on February 4 or 5 on the Gregorian calendar. |
| Yin Yang | The balance between the positive (yang) and negative (yin) energies. The first day of the first lunar month is considered to have equal yin and yang, and therefore a propitious day for new beginnings. |
| Animal zodiac | The 12-year cycle of animal signs, with each year represented by a different animal. 2022 will be the Year of the Tiger. |
Regional Differences
Although the Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, there are regional differences in the customs and traditions. For example, in northern China, it is customary to eat dumplings (jiaozi) on New Year's Eve, while in southern China, it is more common to eat rice cakes (nian gao). In addition, different regions have their own unique ways of celebrating the festival, such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and lantern festivals.
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The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, and the exchange of gifts and red envelopes containing money. It is also a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the coming year. The festival is steeped in symbolism and superstition, with many customs designed to bring good luck and avoid bad luck. For example, cleaning the house before the New Year is believed to sweep away any bad luck from the past year, while wearing red clothing and decorating the house with red banners and couplets is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Cultural Significance
The Chinese New Year has great cultural and historical significance. It is believed to have originated during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE) as a way to honour ancestors and deities. In addition to being a time for family reunions and feasting, it is also a time for spiritual renewal and respect for tradition. The festival lasts for 15 days, with each day having its own significance and customs.
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As a non-Chinese person, I find the Chinese New Year to be a fascinating and vibrant festival. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of China, and a reminder of the importance of family, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. I appreciate the symbolism and meaning behind the various customs, and the sense of community and belonging that the festival brings. Overall, the Chinese New Year is a celebration of life, hope, and the endless potential for new beginnings.
When Does The Chinese New Year Start?
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is an important festival in Chinese culture. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. It is the most important celebration for Chinese people all over the world. The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year, and it is based on the lunar calendar.The Lunar Calendar
The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon. A lunar month is 29.5 days long, which means that a lunar year is 354 days long. This is shorter than the solar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the sun and is 365 days long. The lunar calendar is widely used in Asia for festivals and other celebrations.The Chinese Zodiac
There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and each animal is associated with a year in the lunar calendar. The animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to legend, the order of the animals was determined by their arrival at a meeting called by the Jade Emperor.The Date of the Chinese New Year
The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year. It falls between January 21st and February 20th of the Gregorian calendar. The exact date is determined by the position of the moon. The Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar calendar and ends on the fifteenth day, which is also known as the Lantern Festival.Preparations for the Chinese New Year
Preparations for the Chinese New Year start weeks before the festival. People clean their homes to get rid of bad luck and decorate them with red lanterns, banners, and other decorations. Red is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, and it symbolizes good luck.Traditions During the Chinese New Year
During the Chinese New Year, families gather together for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. They also give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good fortune. People also light firecrackers and fireworks to ward off evil spirits.Food During the Chinese New Year
Food plays an important role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Many traditional dishes are eaten during the festival, including dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. The dishes are often symbolic, such as fish, which represents abundance, and dumplings, which represent wealth.The Year of the Rat
The Chinese New Year in 2020 is the Year of the Rat. Rats are associated with prosperity, intelligence, and quick thinking. People born in the Year of the Rat are believed to be ambitious, creative, and resourceful.Celebrations Around the World
The Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in other parts of the world. It is a public holiday in many countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Cities with large Chinese populations, such as San Francisco and London, also hold parades and festivals to celebrate the holiday.Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is an important festival in Chinese culture. It falls on a different date each year and is based on the lunar calendar. Preparations for the festival begin weeks before, and families gather together to celebrate with food, traditions, and decorations. The Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in other parts of the world, and it is a time for joy, family, and good fortune.When Does The Chinese New Year Start?
If you're planning a trip to China or interested in Chinese culture, understanding traditions and holidays is critical. One of the most well-known celebrations in the country is the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. It's a time of reunion, feasts, gifts, decorations, and fireworks. Knowing When Does The Chinese New Year Start is essential as it follows a lunar calendar and varies from year to year.
The Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. It usually begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and lasts 15 days. Each year of the Chinese zodiac is associated with one of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Therefore, the Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival because it marks the end of winter and the coming of spring.
In 2021, the Chinese New Year will start on Friday, February 12, and finish on Friday, February 26. The Year of the Ox will replace the Year of the Rat. According to the Chinese horoscope, people born in the Year of the Ox are diligent, reliable, honest, and patient. They have a strong sense of responsibility, modesty, and loyalty, but they can also be stubborn, conservative, and inflexible.
In China, many customs and superstitions surround the Chinese New Year. People believe that what happens during the festival will affect their luck and prosperity in the whole year. Therefore, they take certain actions or avoid certain things to attract good fortune and avoid bad luck. For example, they clean their houses before the New Year's Eve to sweep away the bad spirits and welcome the good ones. They also decorate their homes with red paper cutouts, couplets, lanterns, and flowers, all in auspicious patterns and colors.
One of the most important traditions during the Chinese New Year is the family reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. It's a time for all family members to gather, eat, and talk about their lives. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families may have to celebrate separately or virtually this year to avoid gathering and traveling.
Another popular custom is giving red envelopes filled with money, called hongbao, to children and unmarried adults. The red color symbolizes prosperity and happiness, while the amount of money should be an even number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals. Moreover, people set off fireworks and firecrackers at midnight on New Year's Eve to scare away the evil spirits and welcome the new year with joy and noise.
Besides China, many other countries and regions with significant Chinese populations also celebrate the Chinese New Year, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The festival has become a global event that showcases Chinese culture and connects people worldwide.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a vibrant and meaningful festival that represents the essence of Chinese values, traditions, and beliefs. Knowing When Does The Chinese New Year Start is essential for planning your itinerary and experiencing the local customs. As a visitor, you can participate in the festivities by trying the dumplings, watching the dragon dance, wearing red clothes, and sending greetings in Mandarin. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
When Does The Chinese New Year Start
People also ask about Chinese New Year
1. What is Chinese New Year?
2. When does Chinese New Year start?
3. How long is Chinese New Year celebrated?
4. What is the origin of Chinese New Year?
5. What are the customs of Chinese New Year?
Answer
1. What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated for 15 days with special foods, family gatherings, and fireworks to mark the start of the new year according to the Lunar Calendar.
2. When does Chinese New Year start?
The exact date of the Chinese New Year varies every year as it is based on the lunar calendar. But it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2022, it will begin on February 1st and end on February 22nd.
3. How long is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the New Year's Eve until the Lantern Festival which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
4. What is the origin of Chinese New Year?
The origin of Chinese New Year dates back to the Shang Dynasty (17th-11th century BC). It was originally a way to honor ancestors and ward off evil spirits. The Chinese New Year became an official holiday during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).
5. What are the customs of Chinese New Year?
- Cleaning the house before New Year's Eve to sweep away bad luck
- Fireworks and firecrackers to scare off evil spirits
- Eating traditional New Year foods like dumplings and fish for auspiciousness
- Giving Red Envelopes with lucky money to children and unmarried adults
- Wearing new clothes and cutting hair for a new beginning
- Reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve
- Decorating homes with red lanterns, couplets, and Chinese characters for good luck