When Is Chinese New Year 2018? Dates, Traditions, and Celebrations
Are you ready for the biggest celebration in China? Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it is a time of happiness, family reunions, and traditions. Mark your calendars now and get ready to usher in the Year of the Dog – the Chinese zodiac sign that symbolizes loyalty, honesty, and bravery.
The Chinese New Year 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th, and it is considered the most important festival in China. It is also known as Spring Festival, and it lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar. During this time, people participate in various customs, such as giving red envelopes with money to children, eating dumplings, and setting off fireworks.
Did you know that there are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac cycle and each year is associated with one of them? The order goes like this - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Every year, the zodiac animal changes, and it is believed that it influences the personality traits of people born in that year.
Speaking about personality traits, people born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal, friendly, and kind. However, they can also be stubborn and hot-tempered at times. If you are born in the Year of the Dog, you are in luck because 2018 is your year!
As Chinese New Year draws closer, people start to prepare by cleaning their homes and decorating them with red lanterns, couplets, and Fu (Fortune) characters. The color red is considered lucky in China and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
The reunion dinner is the highlight of the Chinese New Year's Eve. Families gather together to enjoy a feast full of delicious dishes that carry special meanings, such as longevity noodles, fish, and sweet rice balls. It is also a time for exchanging gifts and expressing gratitude to each other.
But the celebration doesn't stop there. During the 15-day festival, various events take place, such as temple fairs, lion and dragon dances, and the famous CCTV New Year's Gala. These activities offer an exciting glimpse into Chinese culture and attract millions of people from all around the world.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations. In fact, it is known as the Spring Festival in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, and it is a public holiday in these places.
If you are planning to visit China during Chinese New Year, it is essential to make preparations well in advance. The holiday is a busy time, and transportation can be crowded and expensive. However, witnessing the festivities first-hand can be an unforgettable experience that you will treasure forever.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time to cherish traditions, honor family ties, and embrace new beginnings. The joy and warmth of this festival can be felt all around the world and brings people together in the spirit of unity and harmony. So, mark your calendars, get your red decorations ready, and welcome the Year of the Dog with open arms!
"When Is Chinese New Year 2018" ~ bbaz
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional holidays celebrated by millions of people worldwide. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and represents a time for family reunions, feasts, and cultural ceremonies. The date of the Chinese New Year varies each year, following the lunar cycle, but it typically falls between late January and mid-February. In 2018, Chinese New Year will be on Friday, February 16th.
The Year of the Dog
Each year in the Chinese zodiac is represented by an animal sign, and this determines the characteristics and traits of people born in that year. 2018 is the year of the Dog, which symbolizes loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Other years in the Dog cycle include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, and 2006. According to the Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Dog are honest, reliable, and have a strong sense of justice.
Preparations for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate with friends and family, and preparations usually begin weeks before the actual holiday. One popular tradition is the cleaning of the houses, also known as sweeping the dust. This is seen as a way of getting rid of bad luck and welcoming new opportunities. Another important custom is the purchase of new clothes. Red is the primary color during the festivities as it represents good luck, prosperity, and happiness. Many people also buy red decorations, such as lanterns, couplets, and banners, to adorn their homes.
Food and Festivities
On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, which is considered the most important event during the holiday. It is a time to share love, gratitude, and delicious food. Some of the most popular dishes include dumplings, fish, rice cake, sweet rice balls, and spring rolls. Noise-making activities are also common during the festivities, such as lighting fireworks or firecrackers, which people believe can scare away evil spirits.
The 15-day celebration of Chinese New Year comes to an end with the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On this day, people light lanterns, enjoy cultural performances, and eat sweet glutinous rice balls. The festival represents a time to share joy, blessings, and hopes for the future.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a beautiful reminder of the importance of tradition, culture, and family. It is a time to come together, share joy, and reflect on the past while welcoming new opportunities and challenges. Whether you celebrate it with loved ones or learn about the customs from afar, Chinese New Year is a fascinating and meaningful holiday for all.
When Is Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison
Introduction: Understanding the Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries with significant Chinese populations. The festival usually falls between late January and mid-February and marks the start of a new lunar year. In Chinese culture, it is believed that each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals, and people born in that year inherit certain personality traits and characteristics associated with that animal. The festivities last for 15 days, during which people participate in numerous traditions and customs to attract good luck and ward off evil spirits.Chinese New Year Dates: Comparing the Lunar Calendar and Gregorian Calendar
While the date of Chinese New Year varies every year, it generally falls between January 21 and February 20. This is because the Chinese follow a lunisolar calendar that takes into account both the phases of the moon and the position of the sun. The Chinese New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ends on the full moon 15 days later. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar – which is used in most Western countries – follows a solar calendar that is based on the Earth's revolution around the sun. As such, it is a fixed calendar system where each year is composed of 365 or 366 days.Table 1: Chinese New Year Dates from 2017-2020
| Year | Chinese New Year Start Date | Animal Sign |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | January 28 | Rooster |
| 2018 | February 16 | Dog |
| 2019 | February 5 | Pig |
| 2020 | January 25 | Rat |
Preparations for Chinese New Year: Comparing Customs and Traditions
Chinese New Year preparations usually start weeks before the actual date of the festival and involve a range of customs and traditions that vary from region to region and from family to family. Some of the most common practices include cleaning the house thoroughly to sweep away bad luck, decorating the home with red paper cutouts, couplets, and lanterns to attract good fortune, and cooking special dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes to symbolize wealth, prosperity, and happiness. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, exchange gifts and red envelopes filled with money, and set off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.Table 2: Key Preparations for Chinese New Year
| Custom/Tradition | Meaning/Significance | Variations by Region/Family |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Removes bad luck from the previous year and prepares the home for good luck in the coming year | Different cleaning rituals and practices depending on local traditions and beliefs |
| Decoration | Attracts good fortune, happiness, and success through the use of red, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity | Varies by region/family; can include paper cutouts, couplets, lanterns, and other decorations |
| Cooking | Symbolizes abundance, wealth, and prosperity for the coming year | Different dishes and ingredients specific to each region and family |
| Reunion Dinner | A tradition that allows families to come together and reinforce their cultural identity and values | Food served can vary by region and family |
| Gift Giving | Symbolizes well wishes for the recipient and strengthens social bonds and relationships | Red envelopes or hongbao can contain different amounts of money depending on age, relationship, and status |
| Fireworks/Firecrackers | Expels evil spirits and bad luck using loud noises and bright lights | Can be banned or restricted in certain regions due to safety concerns |
Opinion: The Importance of Cultural Traditions in Chinese New Year
As a virtual assistant, I cannot give opinions, but as an AI language model, I can suggest that celebrating and preserving cultural traditions like Chinese New Year can have numerous benefits for individuals and communities. These celebrations help reinforce cultural identity, provide a sense of belonging and meaning, and offer opportunities for social cohesion and interaction. They also enable individuals and families to connect with their heritage and pass down important values and practices to future generations. Thus, it is important to respect and appreciate the rich cultural diversity that exists within our global community and to recognize the significance and value of traditions like Chinese New Year.Conclusion: Celebrating Chinese New Year in 2018
As Chinese New Year approaches, millions of people around the world are preparing to ring in the Year of the Dog with colorful parades, lion and dragon dances, family gatherings, and other festivities. By understanding the dates, customs, and traditions associated with Chinese New Year, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and meaningful celebration. Whether we are of Chinese descent or simply interested in experiencing new cultures, we can all learn something valuable from the customs and traditions that define Chinese New Year and reflect the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of millions of people worldwide.When Is Chinese New Year 2018? A Guide to the Festivities
Introduction: Preparing for Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and falls on a different date each year. In 2018, Chinese New Year will be observed on February 16th.For those who are unfamiliar with this festival, there are a few things that you should know in order to fully appreciate and enjoy it. Here’s a guide to help you understand Chinese New Year and what you can expect.Importance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is considered the most important holiday in China. The festival is not only celebrated in China but also in other countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.The celebrations last for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar’s first month and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. During this time, people take a break from work, visit their families, and participate in various ceremonies and traditions.Preparations for Chinese New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year begin weeks in advance. People often start by giving their homes a thorough clean, which symbolizes sweeping away any bad luck from the previous year. They also decorate their houses with red banners, lanterns, and paper cuttings with auspicious phrases written on them.Another important pre-New Year activity is shopping for new clothes and gifts. Wearing new clothes is considered good luck, and gift-giving is an essential part of Chinese culture, especially during this festival.Traditional Chinese New Year Foods
One of the highlights of Chinese New Year is the food. Traditional dishes are served at family gatherings and special feasts, each with their own auspicious meanings. Some popular dishes include dumplings (symbolic of wealth), fish (symbolic of surplus), rice cake (symbolic of progress), and longevity noodles (symbolic of a long life).The Importance of Red
The color red is closely associated with Chinese New Year. Red decorations are seen everywhere during the festival, from banners and lanterns to clothing and envelopes used to give money. This is because the color red is believed to bring good luck, fortune, and happiness.Chinese New Year Greetings and Customs
During Chinese New Year, there are certain customs that people follow, such as exchanging greetings, setting off firecrackers, and giving red envelopes. Greetings such as “Happy New Year!” and “Wishing you good fortune!” are common expressions used during the festival. Giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults is another tradition that is believed to bring good luck.Chinese New Year Around the World
Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in many other countries with significant Chinese populations. In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, streets are decorated with festive ornaments, and dragon and lion dances can be seen in parades and festivities.Conclusion: Celebrating Chinese New Year
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for joyful celebration, family gatherings, abundant feasting, and colorful traditions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in these festivities will give you a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and its rich heritage. So mark your calendars and get ready to ring in the new Lunar year!When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. The festival falls on a different date each year because it is based on the lunar calendar. The lunar new year usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th.
The celebration of the Chinese New Year is a time to reunite with family, honor ancestors, and prepare for good fortune in the coming year. The preparations for Chinese New Year start weeks before the actual day of the festival.
The celebration lasts two weeks, beginning on the eve of the lunar new year. Traditionally, families prepare a large feast on New Year’s Eve and visit temples to light incense and pray for good fortune. Red decorations are hung around homes and streets because red is believed to ward off evil spirits.
The official holiday lasts for three days, which are often extended to a week or more. During this time, people visit family and friends, exchange red envelopes filled with money, and participate in various festive activities such as dragon and lion dances, street parades, and lantern festivals.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also by Chinese communities all over the world. In fact, it is one of the biggest celebrations in many Asia-Pacific countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
In addition to its cultural significance, Chinese New Year also has agricultural origins. The festival celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring, when farmers start preparing for planting season. It is a time to give thanks, seek blessings, and pray for a bountiful harvest in the upcoming year.
Each year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac. 2018 is the year of the Dog, which represents loyalty, honesty, and sincerity. People born in the year of the Dog are said to be loyal, friendly, and prudent.
The Chinese calendar follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by a different animal. The other zodiac animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and pig.
People often believe that their zodiac year will be unlucky, so they try to avoid certain activities during that period. However, it is also considered an auspicious year because it marks a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac sign.
The celebration of Chinese New Year involves many festive foods, which symbolize luck, wealth, success, health, and prosperity. Some of the popular dishes include dumplings, fish, rice cakes, glutinous rice balls, spring rolls, and noodles.
Dumplings are a staple food during Chinese New Year because their shape resembles ancient Chinese money. Eating dumplings is believed to bring prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
Fish is another must-have dish because it symbolizes abundance and surplus. In Chinese culture, the word for fish sounds similar to the word for abundance, making it a popular choice for celebratory meals.
Rice cakes, or nian gao, are sticky sweet cakes made from glutinous rice flour. They are a traditional New Year food because their name sounds like higher year in Chinese, and eating them is believed to bring progress and a better life in the future.
Chinese New Year is a wonderful time to experience Chinese culture and traditions. It is a time to connect with loved ones and embrace new beginnings. Wherever you are, we wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year 2018!
When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated every year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Chinese New Year 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th.
People Also Ask about Chinese New Year 2018:
- What is Chinese New Year?
- What are the traditions of Chinese New Year?
- How do you say Happy New Year in Chinese?
- What zodiac animal represents the year 2018?
- What are the lucky colors for Chinese New Year 2018?
- How long does Chinese New Year last?
Answers to People Also Ask:
- What is Chinese New Year?
- Chinese New Year is a festival celebrated by Chinese people all around the world. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is a time to honor ancestors, visit relatives, and ward off evil spirits.
- What are the traditions of Chinese New Year?
- The main traditions of Chinese New Year include decorating the house with red lanterns and couplets, eating reunion dinner with family, giving red envelopes filled with money to children, and setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits.
- How do you say Happy New Year in Chinese?
- Happy New Year in Chinese is Xīn nián kuài lè (pronounced shin nee-yen qwai luh).
- What zodiac animal represents the year 2018?
- The zodiac animal for 2018 is the dog, which represents loyalty and honesty.
- What are the lucky colors for Chinese New Year 2018?
- The lucky colors for Chinese New Year 2018 are red, which symbolizes luck and happiness, and gold, which represents wealth and good fortune.
- How long does Chinese New Year last?
- Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.