Experience the Tradition and Festivities - Discover What Chinese New Year 2018 Has in Store!
Are you curious about the biggest celebration in China? Do you want to know what Chinese New Year is, and its significance? Look no further because we've got you covered. In this article, we'll give you all the essential information about Chinese New Year 2018.
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a traditional celebratory event that kicks off the Chinese lunar calendar. The holiday begins on the first day of the first lunar month, and it lasts for sixteen days until the Lantern Festival. Chinese New Year 2018 starts from February 16th and ends March 2nd.
Why is Chinese New Year 2018 such a significant event? It is a time to honor ancestors, reunite with family, and welcome luck and prosperity for the coming year. Red is a prominent color during the festival because it symbolizes good fortune and purity. Chinese people will decorate their homes with red lanterns, banners, and couplets.
Have you ever tasted Chinese New Year's food? It is a treat worth trying. Dumplings are a must-have festive dish that symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Spring rolls, rice cakes, and hot pot are also popular delicacies during Chinese New Year. According to statistics, over 1.4 billion Chinese people consume 97 billion dumplings during the festival.
Family gatherings are a crucial part of Chinese New Year. People travel back to their hometowns from different parts of the country, resulting in the world's most massive annual human migration. Are you one of those who are planning a trip? Book your transportation early to avoid long queues.
Do you know how Chinese New Year came to be? Legend has it that a monster named Nian would come out and attack villages on New Year's Eve. Later, villagers found out that Nian was afraid of loud noises, fire, and the color red. So they began using red lanterns, firecrackers, and special activities like dragon and lion dancing to scare off the monster.
If you are planning to celebrate Chinese New Year, you might want to know the lucky and unlucky things. Wearing red clothing, giving red envelopes to others, and sweeping dust with brooms are all considered good luck. However, eating porridge, using scissors or sharp objects, and leaving home are frowned upon as they symbolize bad luck and misfortune.
Have you ever received a red envelope? It is a traditional practice of giving money (mostly in even numbers) to children and unmarried adults during Chinese New Year, representing good fortune and blessings. Be sure to wish everyone Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you a prosperous new year) when you receive one.
Another exciting element of Chinese New Year is the dragon and lion dance performances. The vibrant and mesmerizing dances are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Dragon and lion dancers wear elaborate costumes and mimic the movements of these animals accompanied by cymbals, drums, and other loud instruments.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is an eventful time filled with love, joy, and tradition. It is a must-see occasion for foreigners visiting China. It is a chance to witness the lively and colorful festivities and immerse themselves in rich cultural heritage. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Chinese New Year 2018.
"What Chinese New Year Is 2018" ~ bbaz
Introduction:
Chinese New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the globe, especially in Asian countries. The Lunar New Year is a time for families and friends to gather together and celebrate a new beginning. Each year, the festival falls on different dates as it follows the lunar calendar; this year, it started on February 16th and will end on March 2nd.The Story Behind Chinese New Year:
The origins of Chinese New Year date back centuries ago and are known as the Spring Festival. According to legend, the festival began when a monster named Nian would terrorize a village every New Year’s Eve. However, one year, a wise old man suggested that loud noises and the color red would scare away the monster. After following his advice, the villagers successfully scared off the monster and henceforth began celebrating the new year with firecrackers, dragons, and the color red.Preparation and Decoration:
Days before Chinese New Year, people start cleaning their houses and decorating them with red lanterns, cutouts, flowers, and posters. They believe that cleaning will sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. In addition, they buy new clothes and offer food, fruits, and flowers to their ancestors and household gods.The New Year's Eve Reunion Dinner:
One of the highlights of Chinese New Year celebration is the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. It brings together family members from near and far to share a hearty feast. The meal consists of traditional dishes like fish, dumplings, and glutinous rice cakes. Each item has a symbolic meaning, such as fish represents prosperity, while dumplings depict wealth and treasure.Red Envelopes (Hongbao):
It is customary to give red envelopes (Hongbao) filled with money to children and unmarried adults during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the red color signifies good luck and wealth, and the money inside will bring happiness and blessings for the coming year.The Dragon and Lion Dance:
Chinese New Year celebrations are incomplete without a dragon or lion dance performance. The rhythmic beat of drums and cymbals accompanies dancers who perform acrobatic moves under the long colorful dragon or lion costume. It is believed that the dance brings good luck, fortune, and ward off evil spirits.The Lantern Festival:
The festival ends on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month with the Lantern Festival. People light up lanterns in various shapes and sizes and carry them in parades. The lanterns symbolize hope and light and are decorated with riddles written on them. Children also play games, solve puzzles, and eat sweet glutinous rice balls called Tangyuan.In Conclusion:
Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion that connects people with Chinese heritage to tradition and culture. It is a time to renew family bonds, spread joy and goodwill, and usher in new beginnings. With its unique customs, delicious food, and festive atmosphere, Chinese New Year has become a global phenomenon that attracts millions of people every year.Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday celebrated in China. Based on the Lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year, usually between late January and mid-February. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and festivities. In this article, we compare what Chinese New Year 2018 is all about compared to previous years.The Year of the Dog
Each year of the Lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which signifies loyalty, honesty, and good fortune. People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal and honest, with a strong sense of responsibility.Table comparison of Chinese Zodiac Animals for 2016, 2017, and 2018
| 2016 (Monkey) | 2017 (Rooster) | 2018 (Dog) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive qualities | Clever, active, optimistic | Honest, diligent, confident | Loyal, honest, responsible |
| Negative qualities | Impatient, impulsive, stubborn | Arrogant, selfish, attention-seeking | Inflexible, pessimistic, anxious |
Opinion: While each zodiac animal has its own unique qualities, the Year of the Dog seems to be more grounded and responsible compared to the Monkey and Rooster.
Traditions and Customs
The Chinese New Year customs and traditions vary from region to region in China. However, there are some general customs that are followed across the country. Red decorations, fireworks, and dragon dances are common sights during Chinese New Year. Families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and children receive red envelopes filled with money.Table comparison of Chinese New Year Traditions for 2016, 2017, and 2018
| 2016 (Monkey) | 2017 (Rooster) | 2018 (Dog) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorations | Red lanterns and banners | Rooster figurines and red lanterns | Dog figurines and red lanterns |
| Food | Nian gao (sweet rice cake) and dumplings | Yusheng (raw fish salad), steamed chicken, and glutinous rice balls | Spring rolls, dumplings, and fish dishes |
| Activities | Dragon and lion dances, setting off fireworks | Dragon and lion dances, temple fairs | Dragon and lion dances, lighting firecrackers |
Opinion: While some traditions remain constant, there are some variations in decorations and food depending on the zodiac animal. It's interesting to see how the dog figurine is incorporated into the festivities in 2018.
Festivities Around the World
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also in other parts of the world with a significant Chinese population. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan celebrate Chinese New Year as a national holiday. In the United States, cities like San Francisco and New York have grand parades and celebrations with traditional dragon and lion dances.Table comparison of Chinese New Year Celebrations around the World for 2016, 2017, and 2018
| 2016 (Monkey) | 2017 (Rooster) | 2018 (Dog) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Singapore: River Hongbao festival Malaysia: Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur USA: Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco | Singapore: Chinatown street light-up Malaysia: Lion dance performances USA: Fireworks displays in New York City | Singapore: Largest carnival in Gardens by the Bay Australia: Chinese New Year celebration at Sydney Opera House USA: Chinatown parade in Honolulu |
Opinion: It's great to see different countries celebrating Chinese New Year in their own ways. The Gardens by the Bay in Singapore seems like a unique venue for a New Year carnival.
Conclusion
Each Chinese New Year has its own distinct characteristics based on the zodiac animal and local customs. While some traditions remain constant, others evolve to reflect new trends and changes in society. The Year of the Dog brings a sense of responsibility and loyalty, and it's exciting to see how these qualities are reflected in the festivities of 2018. Whether celebrated in China or around the world, Chinese New Year is always a time of joy, family, and community.What Chinese New Year Is 2018
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. It is also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival and is celebrated all around the world, but especially in China and other countries with large Chinese populations. The date of Chinese New Year changes every year, based on the lunar calendar, and it falls between late January and mid-February.History and Origins
The origins of Chinese New Year can be traced back to ancient times. Legend has it that the festival began with a fight against a monster named Nian, who terrorized the villagers every year. Eventually, an old man taught the villagers how to scare Nian away by hanging red decorations and setting off firecrackers. This is why you will see red decorations and fireworks during Chinese New Year celebrations.Preparations
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually begin about a month beforehand. The house will be cleaned from top to bottom to sweep away the bad luck of the previous year. New clothes are bought, and people will get their hair cut to symbolize a new beginning. Food is also a big part of the preparations. People will buy special foods like dumplings, spring rolls, and rice cakes called nian gao.The Symbols and Meanings
The Chinese New Year is rich with symbols and meanings. Red is an important color as it represents happiness, wealth, and good fortune. Lion and dragon dances represent the power and strength of the mythical creatures. Firecrackers are used to scare off evil spirits and bring good luck. In Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with an animal sign, and 2018 is the year of the dog.New Year's Eve Dinner
On New Year's Eve, families gather for a big feast. The meal is an important event that symbolizes the uniting of families. Many traditional dishes represent hopes and blessings for the coming year. Fish represents prosperity and abundance, dumplings represent wealth, and rice cakes represent success.The Red Envelope Tradition
Giving red envelopes filled with money to children is a long-standing Chinese New Year tradition. The money is supposed to protect them from evil spirits and bring good luck. The amount of money is not as important as the gesture itself, but it should always be an odd number. Even numbers are associated with funerals and death.The Lantern Festival
The 15th day of the lunar calendar marks the end of the Spring Festival with the Lantern Festival. It is a time to light lanterns and solve riddles written on them. Eating tangyuan, which are sweet glutinous rice balls, is also a must. Families gather to enjoy the moonlight and fireworks and to watch dragon and lion dances.Celebrations outside China
Chinese New Year celebrations take place around the world, especially in countries with sizable Chinese populations like Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Major cities like New York, London, Paris, and Sydney also hold events and parades.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joy and hope, as people gather with family and friends to usher in a new year. From feasting to firework shows, it is a vibrant festival full of traditions. The rich symbolism expresses people’s hope and dreams for the year ahead. If you have never experienced a Chinese New Year before, it is definitely worth checking out.What Chinese New Year Is 2018: Celebrating the Year of the Dog
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and one of the world's biggest celebrations. The holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and it falls on a different date each year, corresponding to the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year begins on February 16th and ends on March 2nd. This year marks the start of the Year of the Dog.
The animal zodiac sign of the dog is the eleventh Chinese zodiac sign, following the rooster and preceding the pig. In Chinese culture, the dog is regarded as an auspicious animal that brings good fortune, loyalty, honesty, and protection. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to possess these qualities as well, along with sincerity, courage, and a strong sense of justice. Famous people born in the Year of the Dog include Madonna, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and Donald Trump.
Chinese New Year festivities typically last for 15 days, during which many customs and traditions are observed. Preparations for the holiday can begin weeks or even months in advance, with spring cleaning, decorations, and most importantly, food. Certain foods are considered lucky and symbolic, such as dumplings for wealth, fish for surplus, rice cakes for prosperity, tangerines for good luck, and noodles for longevity. Family reunions are a major part of the holiday, as people travel long distances to gather with their loved ones and enjoy feasts together.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for families to have a reunion dinner, also known as Nian Ye Fan. This special meal often features a variety of dishes, including the aforementioned lucky foods as well as regional delicacies. It is considered a time to show respect for ancestors and pay homage to the past while also welcoming the new year with hope and optimism.
Another important tradition is the exchange of red envelopes, or hongbao. These are small, red packets filled with money that are given from elders to younger generations as a gesture of good luck and blessings. The amount of money inside is usually in even numbers, as odd numbers are considered bad luck. Nowadays, many people send digital hongbao through smartphone apps such as WeChat.
A key element of Chinese New Year is also fireworks. The loud explosions and colorful displays are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring joy, happiness, and prosperity. However, due to concerns about air pollution, some cities in China have imposed restrictions on fireworks during the holiday season.
Overseas Chinese communities around the world also celebrate Chinese New Year with their own unique customs and traditions. In fact, Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than 20% of the world's population, making it a truly global event. Parades, dragon dances, lantern festivals, and other cultural events can be seen in cities such as San Francisco, London, Sydney, and Tokyo, to name a few.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time of renewal, reunion, and reflection. It is a time to honor the past, cherish the present, and welcome the future. Whether you are Chinese or not, there are many ways to participate in and appreciate the beauty and richness of this ancient holiday. So let us all embrace the spirit of the Year of the Dog and wish each other good health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Sincerely,
The Writers of [Blog Name]
What Chinese New Year Is 2018?
What is Chinese New Year known as?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China and for those who celebrate it around the world.
When is Chinese New Year in 2018?
Chinese New Year in 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th according to the lunar calendar.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive meal. There are also several traditions and customs that are observed during this time, such as lighting firecrackers, giving red envelopes filled with money, and cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make room for good luck to come in.
What are the zodiac animals for Chinese New Year 2018?
2018 is the year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac. The zodiac animal for the year of your birth is said to influence your personality traits, relationships, and career.
Are there any taboos during Chinese New Year?
Yes, there are several taboos that people try to avoid during the Chinese New Year celebrations, such as avoiding the use of sharp objects which could symbolize cutting ties with friends or family, not sweeping the floor on New Year's Day to avoid sweeping away wealth and good luck, and avoiding wearing black or white which are associated with mourning and sadness.
What foods are traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year?
There are certain foods that have important symbolic meanings during Chinese New Year, such as dumplings, which represent wealth, and fish, which represents prosperity and surplus. Noodles are also popular because they symbolize longevity.
Do people have to be Chinese to celebrate Chinese New Year?
No, anyone can celebrate Chinese New Year and join in the festivities! It is a time for people to come together, enjoy good food, and wish for a happy and prosperous new year.