Discover the Traditions and Significance of Chinese New Year 2019
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most celebrated festival in China and other countries with large Chinese communities.
Are you curious about how the Chinese New Year is celebrated around the world? Would you like to know the significance of the Year of the Pig? Well, you have come to the right article!
Firstly, let's talk about the date. Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year because it follows the lunar calendar. In 2019, it will begin on February 5th and end on February 19th.
Did you know that the Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days? That's almost twice the length of Christmas season!
The festival is full of customs and traditions. One of the most famous traditions is the red envelope. On New Year's Eve, married couples and elderly people give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good fortune.
In addition to red envelopes, red decorations are also essential for Chinese New Year. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and is believed to ward off evil spirits. So, don't be surprised if you see lots of red lights, lanterns, and banners during the New Year period.
Another important custom during Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner. On New Year's Eve, families gather together to share a big feast and enjoy spending time with one another. It's like Thanksgiving and Christmas rolled into one!
Now, let's talk about the Chinese zodiac. Each year is represented by an animal of the zodiac, and 2019 is the Year of the Pig. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the pig are kind, honest, and loyal, but can also be stubborn and lazy.
Speaking of animals, did you know that Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival? That's because it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In fact, many people travel back to their hometowns for Chinese New Year, creating the world's biggest annual human migration!
Unfortunately, some traditional Chinese customs have been declining in recent years due to modernization. However, with the help of technology, more people are now able to take part in the celebrations even if they can't physically go home. Thanks to live streaming, people all over the world can watch the Chinese New Year Gala held by China Central Television.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is not just a holiday for Chinese people, but a time to celebrate family, reunion, and new beginnings. Whether you're an expat in China or a curious traveler, this festival is definitely worth experiencing.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the festivities and wish everyone a prosperous Year of the Pig!
"What Chinese New Year Is 2019" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most important festivals for people in China. It takes place on the first day of the Chinese Lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is the time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the upcoming year.
The Year of the Pig
Chinese New Year 2019 marks the beginning of the Year of the Pig, which is the last animal in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. According to Chinese astrology, the pig is a symbol of wealth and good fortune. People born in the Year of the Pig are believed to be sincere, honest, and hardworking.
Preparations
The festivities of Chinese New Year begin weeks in advance. Houses are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away any ill-fate accumulated over the past year, making way for good luck and prosperity. People buy new clothes, decorate their homes with lanterns, and prepare special foods. The color red, which represents happiness and luck, is the dominant color throughout the celebration.
New Year's Eve Reunion Dinner
On the New Year's Eve, families gather for a big feast known as the reunion dinner. For many Chinese people, this is the only time of the year when they can reunite with their extended family members. The meal typically includes fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and other traditional dishes that symbolize longevity, prosperity, and good fortune.
Lion and Dragon Dance
During the festival, streets and public places come to life with colorful performances of the lion and dragon dance. These lively dances are performed by troupes of people wearing elaborate costumes and masks. The performers move rhythmically to the beat of drums, cymbals, and gongs, while people crowd around them, cheering and clapping.
Red Envelopes
One of the most popular customs of Chinese New Year is giving red envelopes, or Hongbao, which contain money. Married couples, parents, and elders give these envelopes to children and unmarried adults as a way of wishing them happiness, good health, and prosperity in the coming year.
Fireworks
The use of firecrackers and fireworks is an integral part of Chinese New Year. The loud noise they make is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. At midnight on New Year's Eve, people set off fireworks to welcome the new year with a bang.
The Lantern Festival
Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. On this day, people hang paper lanterns in various shapes and colors outside their homes. Some cities even hold big lantern festivals, where thousands of lanterns are displayed, adding a mystical and magical touch to the celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Chinese New Year is a time for communities and families to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. It is a vibrant and colorful festival that is steeped in tradition and full of meaning. Through the age-old customs, Chinese people wish each other good luck, success, and prosperity. So, if you ever get the chance to experience Chinese New Year, don't hesitate to join the festivities and immerse yourself in this unique and fascinating culture.
What Chinese New Year Is 2019
The Basics of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration in China and is celebrated across the world by the Chinese community. The date of Chinese New Year changes every year, as it follows the lunar calendar – this year it falls on February 5th. Unlike Western New Year, which lasts just one day, Chinese New Year celebrations last for fifteen days. The festival traditionally marks the start of the spring season, which is why it is also known as the Spring Festival.
Red is the Color of Chinese New Year
Red is the color of good luck in China, so it is no surprise that it features heavily in Chinese New Year celebrations. Houses are decorated with red lanterns, red couplets and red paper cutouts. People will wear red clothes and give red envelopes filled with money to children, as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
The Importance of Family Reunions
One of the most important elements of Chinese New Year is family reunions. People will travel across the country to return home to their families to celebrate together. In Chinese culture, respect for elders and ancestors is very important, and so these celebrations are an opportunity for younger generations to pay their respects to their elders and family traditions.
Food and Drink
Chinese New Year is a time for delicious food and drink. Families will prepare a feast of traditional Chinese dishes to eat together and share in the celebrations. Dumplings, fish and rice cakes are popular dishes. Drinking and toasting with rice wine or Chinese baijiu is a key part of the festivities.
The Legend of Nian and Fireworks
According to legend, a monster named Nian would terrorize villages at the start of every year. The villagers discovered that he was afraid of the color red, loud noises and flashing lights. So, when Chinese New Year arrived each year, they would light fires, use fireworks and decorate their homes with red paper cutouts to keep Nian away. These traditions continue today, with firework shows being a key part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Zodiac Sign of the Pig
2019 is the year of the pig, according to the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the pig are said to be loyal, honest and good-natured. The pig is the twelfth animal in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Comparison to Western New Year
| Chinese New Year | Western New Year |
|---|---|
| Celebrated over 15 days | Celebrated for one day (New Year's Eve) |
| Follows the lunar calendar | Follows the Gregorian calendar |
| Focus on family reunions and traditions | Focus on parties and socializing |
| Red is the color of good luck | No specific color theme |
| Fireworks shows are a key part of celebrations | Fireworks shows are common but not a key part of celebrations |
While there are some similarities between Chinese New Year and Western New Year, such as celebrating new beginnings and marking the end of one year and the start of another, there are also many differences. Chinese New Year is much more focused on family and tradition, while Western New Year tends to be more about parties and socializing.
The Future of Chinese New Year
As China's economy and global influence continue to grow, so too does the celebration of Chinese New Year. It is estimated that over 1.5 billion people around the world will celebrate Chinese New Year in 2019. With the advent of social media platforms such as WeChat and Weibo, the festival has become more accessible and visible to people across the world, who have started to become interested in and engage with Chinese New Year traditions and culture.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a vibrant and colorful celebration, marked by family reunions, traditional food and drink, fireworks shows and a focus on good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. As we enter the year of the pig, it is worth taking note of this important holiday and learning more about Chinese culture and traditions.
What Chinese New Year Is 2019
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. It usually falls on a different date each year, as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2019, Chinese New Year falls on February 5th and marks the start of the Year of the Pig.The Year of the Pig
Each year in the Chinese zodiac cycle is represented by one of twelve animals, and the pig is the twelfth animal. People born in the Year of the Pig are considered to be kind, honest, loyal, and friendly. They are also known for being generous and having good fortune.Preparations for Chinese New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year typically begin weeks in advance. This includes cleaning the house from top to bottom, decorating with red and gold decorations, preparing traditional foods, and buying new clothes for the entire family.New Year's Eve Dinner
New Year's Eve dinner, or Nian Ye Fan in Mandarin, is one of the most important events during Chinese New Year. Families gather together to enjoy a feast, which typically includes dishes that symbolize good luck and fortune. Popular dishes include fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and sweet rice cakes.The Color Red
The color red is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits during Chinese New Year. People decorate with red lanterns, banners, and clothing. Children often receive hongbao, or red envelopes filled with money, from their elders during this time as well.Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is the fifteenth and final day of Chinese New Year celebrations. It is traditionally celebrated by lighting and releasing paper lanterns into the sky. The Lantern Festival is also a time for people to enjoy sweet rice dumplings filled with sesame paste or bean paste.Dragon Dancing
Dragon dancing is a popular performance during Chinese New Year. A group of people use a long dragon costume made of poles and fabric to mimic the movements of a dragon, often accompanied by loud drumming and cymbals. The dragon dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune.Taboos
There are several taboos surrounding Chinese New Year, including sweeping the floor, cutting hair, and arguing. Sweeping the floor during Chinese New Year is believed to sweep away good luck, while cutting hair is thought to cut off prosperity. Arguing is avoided as it is believed to bring bad luck.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a vibrant and festive time that celebrates tradition, family, and good fortune. From the preparations to the final Lantern Festival, the holiday is full of meaningful rituals and customs. Whether you are Chinese or not, the holiday's vibrant celebrations offer something for everyone to enjoy.What Chinese New Year Is 2019
Gong xi fa cai! It’s that time of the year again where we celebrate Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most significant traditional holiday in China and celebrated in other Asian countries.
This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 5, 2019, and marks the beginning of the Year of the Pig. According to the zodiac cycle, the pig is associated with good luck, abundance, and diligence. People born in the Year of the Pig are believed to have a beautiful personality, good fortune, and a happy life.
The celebration starts on the eve of Chinese New Year, which is called Chú xì or Chinese New Year’s Eve. It is the reunion dinner, where family members travel from different parts of the country to sit together and enjoy a sumptuous feast. At midnight, fireworks brighten up the sky, and firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits.
The first day of the Chinese New Year is called Yuan dàn or The Day of the Origin. On this day, people visit their relatives and exchange red envelopes containing money as a form of blessing. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and symbolizes joy and prosperity.
The 15th day of the Chinese New Year is called Yuan xi or Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Spring Festival. People light lanterns and walk down the streets, enjoying lion and dragon dances, and eating glutinous rice balls, a traditional Chinese dessert.
The Chinese New Year celebrations last for about 15 days, during which street markets, temples, and tourist attractions throughout China are decorated with red flags and banners. The atmosphere is lively, and it is a perfect time to experience Chinese culture and traditions.
One of the most famous events in China during the Spring Festival is the annual Chunwan or The Spring Festival Gala. It is a four-hour-long variety show featuring singing, dancing, comedy skits, and magic shows. The program includes popular celebrities, comedians, and singers, and is watched by millions of people around the world.
Another common tradition during Chinese New Year is to wear new clothes, especially red attire, which is believed to bring good fortune. Chinese people also clean their homes thoroughly before the Lunar New Year to dispel any bad luck and make way for good luck.
Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, and the Spring Festival is no exception. Several traditional dishes are prepared during this time, such as dumplings, rice cakes, hot pot, and fish. Each dish has its symbolic meaning, such as prosperity, good health, and happiness.
As China becomes more globalized, Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide, with festivities being held in major cities around the world. It is an excellent opportunity to experience Chinese culture and participate in cultural events and activities.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a vital event in Chinese culture, signifying new beginnings, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. This year’s celebration marks the start of the Year of the Pig, representing good fortune, abundance, and diligence. As we usher in the Lunar New Year, we hope that it brings joy, good health, and prosperity to all.
Gong xi fa cai! May you have a wonderful Chinese New Year!
What Chinese New Year Is 2019?
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday in China and it is also known as the Lunar New Year. It is celebrated across different Asian countries including China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Malaysia. It begins on the first day of the lunar calendar and the celebrations usually last for 15 days.
When is Chinese New Year 2019?
Chinese New Year 2019 falls on Tuesday, February 5th. It is the year of the pig according to the Chinese zodiac.
What are some traditions during Chinese New Year?
- Cleaning the house before the New Year's Eve to sweep away bad luck
- Decorating with red Chinese lanterns and couplets, as red symbolizes good luck and prosperity
- Preparing a feast on New Year's Eve with traditional dishes like dumplings and fish
- The giving and receiving of red envelopes (red packets) filled with money as a traditional gift
- Setting off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits
- Watching dragon and lion dances performed on the streets
What does the year of the pig represent?
According to the Chinese zodiac, the year of the pig represents wealth, fortune, and prosperity. It is believed that people born in the year of the pig are honest, loyal, and kind-hearted.
How long do Chinese New Year celebrations last?
Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. During this time, families gather for meals, visit relatives and friends, and participate in various activities and events.