Discover When Is Chinese New Year Start and Celebrate the Festivities in 2021
When is Chinese New Year start? This is a question that pops up every year as people prepare to celebrate the most important festival in Chinese culture. If you're not familiar with the lunar calendar, it can be confusing to know when the New Year officially starts. But don't worry, we've got you covered!
Firstly, it's important to understand that the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year as it follows the lunar cycle. The New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. This year, the Chinese New Year will start on Friday, February 12th.
Now, you may be wondering why the Chinese New Year is such a big deal. Well, it's not just about fireworks and red envelopes (although those are definitely highlights). The New Year is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and setting intentions for the coming year. It's also a time for delicious feasts and special traditions like cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck.
If you're planning on celebrating the Chinese New Year, there are a few things you should know. For example, the color red is considered lucky, so you'll see it everywhere during the festivities. You'll also want to stock up on dumplings, which symbolize wealth and good fortune. And if you want to really get into the spirit of things, you can wear traditional Chinese clothing like a qipao or changshan.
Another important aspect of the Chinese New Year is the zodiac animals. Each year is associated with a different animal from the Chinese zodiac, and 2021 is the Year of the Ox. People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be diligent, dependable, and hardworking. So if you're an ox, this is going to be your year!
Now, let's talk about some of the other traditions you might encounter during Chinese New Year. One of the most famous is the lion dance, where performers dance around in colorful lion costumes to scare away evil spirits. You might also see dragon dances, lantern festivals, and even fireworks displays.
Of course, this year's celebrations will look a little different due to the ongoing pandemic. Many events will be held virtually, and some traditional activities may not be possible. But don't let that discourage you - there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year safely with your loved ones.
To sum it up, the Chinese New Year is an exciting and meaningful time for people all over the world. Whether you're Chinese or not, there are plenty of ways to get involved and enjoy the festivities. So mark your calendars for February 12th and get ready to welcome in the Year of the Ox with open arms!
So there you have it - everything you need to know about when Chinese New Year starts and what it entails. We hope this article has been helpful in answering any questions you may have had. Now, it's up to you to decide how you want to celebrate this special occasion. Happy New Year!
"When Is Chinese New Year Start" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year is considered to be one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Chinese community around the world. The date of the Chinese New Year may change every year because the Chinese lunar calendar determines it.
The Chinese Lunar Calendar
The Chinese calendar is divided into twelve lunar months, and each lunar month has 29 or 30 days. A leap month is added to the Chinese calendar occasionally to synchronize it with the solar calendar. Due to this, the date of Chinese New Year varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.
When Does Chinese New Year Start?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, usually falls between January 21 and February 20. In 2022, the Chinese New Year will start on Tuesday, February 1st, and the celebrations will last for nearly two weeks until Tuesday, February 15th.
The Legend Behind Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has several interesting legends associated with it, but the most popular one is the legend of the Nian, a fierce monster who dwelled in the mountains. Nian, which means year in Chinese, would come down from the mountain every New Year's Eve to feast on the villagers' crops, livestock, and even children. One day, an old man advised people to stick red paper all over their homes, light fireworks, and make loud noises on New Year's Eve to scare the monster away. To everyone's surprise, it worked, and since then, the tradition of lighting fireworks and hanging up red decorations has carried on to this day.
Spring Cleaning Before Chinese New Year
A few weeks before Chinese New Year, families usually clean their homes thoroughly. This ritual is known as spring cleaning. They do this to get rid of the old and make way for the new. In Chinese culture, cleaning the home symbolizes the sweeping away of bad luck before the start of the New Year.
The Importance of Family Reunions During Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time when families reunite, regardless of where they live. It's customary for children to visit their parents, grandparents, and other relatives to participate in traditional customs and share a lavish feast. For many families, Chinese New Year is the only time in the year when they can all gather in one place, making it a very special and important time of year.
Traditional Foods Served During Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is all about food and feasting with family and friends. The most popular foods that are eaten during Chinese New Year include dumplings, fish, pork, noodles, spring rolls, and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls). Dumplings, which resemble old Chinese currency, are believed to bring good fortune while fish symbolizes prosperity. Noodles represent long life, while spring rolls symbolize wealth.
The Color Red
Red is a significant color during Chinese New Year as it symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity. It's customary to wear red during this festival as a way of warding off evil spirits. People decorate their homes with red paper cutouts, banners with auspicious sayings, and lanterns. The color red is seen everywhere during Chinese New Year celebrations as it represents the upbeat mood and excitement of the festivities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a fascinating and exciting festival that brings family and friends together to celebrate the start of a new lunar year. It's a time to reflect on the past year, to set goals for the New Year and wish for good fortune, health, and prosperity. Chinese New Year is an inclusive celebration that allows people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of China.
When Is Chinese New Year Start? Comparing Dates and Customs
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, observed by millions of people across China and other parts of the globe. This traditional holiday marks the start of a new lunar cycle and is marked with feasting, fireworks, and other festivities that can last for up to two weeks. Despite its universal popularity, however, there are some key differences in how Chinese New Year is celebrated in different parts of the world. In this blog post, we'll compare and contrast some of the customs and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year, exploring the similarities and differences between various regional celebrations.The Dates of Chinese New Year
The date of Chinese New Year varies from year to year, as it is determined by the lunar calendar rather than the solar calendar used in much of the Western world. Typically falling sometime between January 21st and February 20th, the exact date of Chinese New Year depends on the movement of the new moon.Regions and Dates
While Chinese New Year is a national holiday in China, it is also celebrated across many other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea. In Vietnam, the holiday is known as Tet and is celebrated according to the same lunar calendar-based schedule as in China. However, in Korea, the date of the Lunar New Year is slightly different, typically falling in late January or early February.The Customs of Chinese New Year
Along with the dates of celebration, the customs and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year can also vary depending on the region in which it is being celebrated. Here are some of the most notable customs associated with the holiday:Food
One of the most important aspects of Chinese New Year is feasting. Across China and other Asian countries, families and friends gather to share traditional dishes such as dumplings, hot pot, and fish. Each of these foods is symbolic – for example, dumplings are thought to represent wealth and good fortune.Gifts
Another common custom associated with Chinese New Year is the exchange of gifts. Families may give each other red envelopes filled with money, while children may receive toys or other small presents. In some regions, adults may also exchange gift baskets filled with traditional items like tea, snacks, or dried fruits.Decorations
To mark the arrival of the new year, many homes and businesses in Asia are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and other festive decorations. These decorations are designed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.Opinions on Chinese New Year
For many people across Asia and around the world, Chinese New Year is a beloved and eagerly anticipated holiday. From its delicious food to its colorful decorations and lively festivities, there are many things to love about this time of year. However, there are also some who argue that certain aspects of the holiday are outdated or even harmful. For example, some animal rights activists have condemned the practice of eating shark fin soup, a traditional dish often served during Chinese New Year. Similarly, some people have expressed concern that the loud fireworks used to celebrate the holiday can be harmful to the environment and to individuals with sensory sensitivities.Conclusion
Overall, Chinese New Year is a fascinating and multi-faceted holiday with many different customs and traditions. Whether you're celebrating with family and friends at home or traveling to China to experience the holiday firsthand, there's no denying that Chinese New Year is a truly special time of year. By exploring the similarities and differences between various regional celebrations, we can gain a deeper understanding of what makes this holiday so beloved and enduring.When Is Chinese New Year Start?
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant cultural events celebrated across the world. It is celebrated on a date that falls between January 21st and February 20th. This year, it will start on February 12th. In this article, we’ll explore all you need to know about Chinese New Year, including its origins, customs, and how it is celebrated.The History of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has its origins in the mythological story of Nian, a beast who used to appear at the end of every year to harm humans, especially small children. To ward off this beast, villagers would light fires, dance, and use fireworks. This practice later developed into an annual event which is now celebrated as Chinese New Year.Lunar Calendar and Zodiac Animals
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which is why its date changes each year. There are 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese Zodiac, and each year is associated with a specific animal. 2021 is the year of the Ox, which is characterized by hard work, reliability, and strength.Celebrations and Customs
Chinese New Year is celebrated for 15 days, and during this time, families come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy a feast. Red decorations can be found in almost every home and symbolize good luck and ward off evil spirits. Fireworks are also an essential part of the celebrations, and their loud noise and bright colors are said to scare away evil spirits.Preparing for Chinese New Year
In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, families take part in a thorough spring-cleaning to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. They also pay off any debts they owe as it is considered bad luck to start the new year with unpaid debts.The New Year's Eve Dinner
The New Year's Eve dinner is the most important meal of the year for many Chinese families, and often hundreds of dishes are prepared. The meal is a symbol of family unity, and everyone comes together to share in the feast.Red Envelopes
Red envelopes filled with money are exchanged as gifts during Chinese New Year. They are given to children by married couples or the elderly as a way of passing on good fortune. The amount of money in the envelope should always be an even number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals and mourning.Dragon and Lion Dance
The dragon and lion dance is a traditional Chinese performance done during Chinese New Year. Performers wear vibrant costumes and masks and dance to the beat of loud drums and cymbals. It is believed that the loud noise from the instruments, along with the dance itself, frightens off evil spirits and bad luck.The Lantern Festival
The Lunar New Year celebrations end with the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the fifteenth day of the New Year. Streets are lined with colorful lanterns, which are often in the shape of animals or flowers. Families carry lanterns with riddles written on them while enjoying sweet glutinous rice balls with family and friends.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant event in Chinese culture, and its customs and traditions have been passed down through generations. From the New Year's Eve dinner to the Lantern Festival, each custom has a special significance and adds to the festive atmosphere. So, join in the celebrations this year and experience the joyous occasion with your family and friends.When Is Chinese New Year Start?
Gong xi fa cai! It's that time of the year again when millions of people around the world celebrate Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is the most important traditional festival in China and is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world. If you're curious about when Chinese New Year starts this year, keep reading!
Based on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. However, it always falls between January 21st and February 20th in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Chinese New Year starts on Friday, February 12th, 2021.
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar new year. Each day is associated with different customs and traditions. For example, the fifth day is known as Po Wu in Mandarin, which is a day for people to stay at home to welcome the God of Wealth and avoid bad luck. Another famous tradition during Chinese New Year is the Lion Dance, where performers mimic the movements of the lion to bring good luck and fortune.
One of the most important parts of the Chinese New Year celebration is the family reunion dinner, which is traditionally held on the eve of Chinese New Year. Families gather together to enjoy a big feast and exchange gifts. It's a time for family members to catch up with one another, bond, and show gratitude for each other's love and care.
Chinese New Year is also a time for cleaning and decorating homes. Cleaning symbolizes getting rid of the old and welcoming the new. Red is the dominant color in Chinese New Year decorations as it's believed to bring good luck and fortune. Many families put up posters with Chinese couplets and images of the Chinese zodiac animals to decorate their homes.
The zodiac animals play a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Each year is associated with a different zodiac animal, and it's believed that people born in the year of that animal will have specific personality traits. 2021 is the year of the Ox, which symbolizes hard work, perseverance, and honesty.
Another famous Chinese New Year tradition is the giving of red envelopes, or hongbao in Mandarin. Red envelopes are filled with money and given as gifts to children and unmarried adults. It's a way of wishing them good luck, wealth, and happiness for the coming year. Nowadays, red envelopes can be sent electronically through online payment platforms.
Chinese New Year is a time for celebrating and spending time with loved ones, but this year, the celebration might be a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent the spread of the virus, many Chinese communities around the world have canceled public events and advised people to celebrate at home with family members only. However, this doesn't mean that the spirit of the festival has disappeared - people are still finding ways to celebrate virtually and exchange gifts and greetings online.
As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us remember the importance of family, tradition, and community. May the year of the Ox bring us all good health, prosperity, and happiness. Gong xi fa cai!
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a special time of the year where families come together to celebrate centuries-old traditions, customs and beliefs. The festivities may look different this year, but the spirit of this joyous holiday remains the same. We wish all our readers celebrating a happy new year filled with love, joy, and prosperity.
When Is Chinese New Year Start? - Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Chinese New Year and why is it celebrated?
What is Chinese New Year and why is it celebrated?
Chinese New year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It celebrates the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and marks the end of winter and the start of spring. It is a time for families to reunite, feast together, and reflect on the past year.
When does Chinese New Year Start in 2022?
Chinese New Year in 2022 starts on Tuesday, February 1st, and ends on Sunday, February 20th. It is the year of the Tiger according to the Chinese Zodiac.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year is a time for family, traditions, and symbols of good luck. Some of the common customs include:
* Cleaning and decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets* Offering sacrifices to ancestors and deities* Giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money to children and unmarried adults* Eating traditional foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes* Setting off fireworks and firecrackersWhat are some of the taboos during Chinese New Year?
There are some taboos during Chinese New Year because Chinese people believe that they can affect their luck for the rest of the year. Here are some things to avoid during the holiday:
1. Avoid cleaning or sweeping on the first day of Chinese New Year.2. Do not use sharp objects such as knives or scissors as they may cut your good fortune.3. Avoid negative words or conversations.4. Don't break anything, especially ceramics or glassware as they symbolize wealth.5. Don't wear black or white which are traditionally colors of mourning.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of year that is steeped in customs, traditions, good luck symbols, and taboos. It is a time to reunite with family and friends and start fresh for the new year. If you're interested in immersing yourself in the culture and customs, make sure to follow the dos and don'ts during this auspicious time.