Discovering the Start of Chinese New Year: All You Need to Know
Chinese New Year is one of the most important events for Chinese people. Known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, it is celebrated annually on a different date, based on the lunar calendar. If you are curious about when Chinese New Year begins, continue reading!
Firstly, have you ever wondered why Chinese New Year is celebrated on different dates? Well, the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, which means that it falls on a different day each year. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is solar-based and has a fixed date every year.
So, when does Chinese New Year begin this year? According to the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls on February 12th in 2021, and it will be the Year of the Ox. The celebration typically lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on the 26th of February.
As one of the world's biggest celebrations, Chinese New Year is an opportunity to understand the deep-rooted traditions and customs of Chinese culture. Did you know that the colour red plays a significant role in the celebrations? Red is considered a lucky colour in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity, happiness and good fortune.
The preparations for Chinese New Year festivities start early. In China, most people prepare by doing a thorough cleaning of their homes, which is called sweeping the dust. Sweeping represents a ritual to remove all the bad luck accumulated over the past year. It is also customary to purchase new clothes, decorate the home with red ornaments and banners featuring auspicious sayings.
One of the most exciting parts of Chinese New Year is the food. Families gather around the table to share traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish dishes, and rice cakes. In Chinese culture, each dish has a specific meaning associated with it, and it is believed to bring luck and fortune to those who eat them.
Another essential aspect of Chinese New Year is the giving and receiving of red envelopes, which are filled with money. In Chinese culture, giving someone a red envelope is a way to convey love, affection and blessings, while receiving one is a sign of good fortune.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is an exciting time for people all over the world to come together and enjoy the festivities. It's about spreading positivity, sharing traditions with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. So, if you haven't experienced Chinese New Year before, be sure to join the celebrations this year and get ready to experience a magical time!
"Chinese New Year When Does It Begin" ~ bbaz
Every year, one of the most celebrated holiday events throughout the world is the Chinese New Year. This grand festivity marks the beginning of a new lunar year, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of spring, as well as honoring family traditions and ancestors. But when does it exactly begin?
The Date
Unlike the Western new year, which is on January 1st, Chinese New Year falls on a different date in the Gregorian calendar every year. Its exact date follows a lunar calendar, so it falls on the second new moon following the winter solstice, between January 21st to February 20th.
The Zodiac Sign
Just as there are twelve months in a year, there are twelve Zodiac signs in the Chinese horoscope. Each sign corresponds to an animal’s year cycle, and is believed to influence the personality traits of those born under it. The year 2022 will be the Year of the Tiger, according to the Chinese zodiac.
Spring Festival
Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival or Chun Jie. The celebration lasts for fifteen days, starting from the new moon day to the full moon day. The first three days are considered the most important, where families reunite, share lavish meals together, exchange gifts, and enjoy cultural practices like fireworks and a dragon dance.
Chinese New Year's Eve
The evening before Chinese New Year, also known as the reunion dinner, is considered the most significant feast of the year. It’s the night when Chinese families gather around to eat dinner together, making it the busiest travel time in China as everyone tries to get home to their loved ones. The reunion dinner consists of dishes with auspicious meanings, such as fish for prosperity and dumplings for wealth.
Red and Gold
Red is the dominant color of Chinese New Year, believed to ward off evil and bring luck. The color is everywhere during the Spring Festival – in clothing, decorations, and even red envelopes that contain money as a gift. Gold symbolizes wealth and fortune, so it's also a popular motif.
The Lantern Festival
On the fifteenth day of the Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival marks the end of the celebration. People hang brightly colored lanterns in their houses and streets, making everything look more cheerful. Another common practice is to solve riddles written on lanterns, increasing the excitement of the night.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Chinese New Year is an exciting time full of customs, traditions, food, decorations, and cultural activities that unite people and bring joy to families and communities around the world. It’s a celebration that spans for two weeks, starting on a date that changes each year according to the lunar calendar and honoring a particular animal zodiac sign.
So when you see the vibrant parades, lion dancers, firecrackers lighting up the sky, and red envelopes flying around, you will know that it's an incredibly significant holiday to the Chinese people and one worth celebrating.
Chinese New Year vs Gregorian New Year: A Comparison
Introduction
The beginning of a new year is a celebrated event all around the world. In China, the lunar calendar is used to determine when the first day of the year will occur, which varies from year to year and often conflicts with the Gregorian calendar that is used in most other parts of the world. But how does Chinese New Year compare to the traditional New Year's celebrations most people are accustomed to? In this article, we will examine the differences and similarities between the two events.History and Origins
The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in October 1582, as a replacement for the Julian calendar, which had a surplus of leap years and was causing seasonal drift over time. On the other hand, Chinese New Year has been celebrated for over 4,000 years and is closely linked to the mythological beliefs and legends of ancient China. The exact origin of Chinese New Year is still unclear, but it is believed to be based on the cycle of the moon and seasonal changes.Date and Duration
The Gregorian calendar new year always begins on January 1st and lasts for one day only. In contrast, Chinese New Year typically falls between late January and mid-February and lasts for 15 days. The date is determined by the lunar calendar and usually coincides with the new moon, which marks the beginning of spring in China.Preparation and Festivities
New Year's Eve in most western countries is often a time for parties and fireworks, while Chinese New Year preparations begin weeks in advance and involve extensive cleaning, decoration, family gatherings, and gift-giving. Traditional activities during the 15-day celebration include lion and dragon dances, lantern festivals, temple fairs, and firecrackers. In recent years, the holiday has evolved to include more modern aspects such as online shopping, travel, and entertainment.Food and Drink
Celebrating the new year often involves special foods and drinks in both China and other countries. In China, it is traditional to eat dumplings, noodles, fish, rice cakes, and other symbolic dishes during the holiday. Red and gold decorations are often used to symbolize wealth and prosperity. In Western culture, champagne and other alcoholic drinks are often consumed during the countdown to midnight.Gifts and Money
In China, it is customary to exchange red envelopes filled with money, known as hongbao, with family and friends during Chinese New Year. These are considered good luck and represent blessings for a prosperous new year. In western culture, exchanging gifts, often wrapped in festive paper, is common during the Christmas season rather than the new year.Religion and Superstition
Although Chinese New Year is not officially classified as a religious holiday, many of the customs and practices during the celebration hold significant spiritual and superstitious importance. This includes visits to Buddhist and Taoist temples, the burning of incense and joss paper, and avoidance of certain foods or activities that are believed to bring bad luck. In contrast, the new year's celebrations in most western countries are secular in nature and do not have any strong ties to religion or superstition.Clothing and Fashion
The traditional dress and fashion worn during the Chinese New Year are colorful and vibrant, with red being the predominant color. This is because red is considered a lucky color and symbolizes wealth, success, and happiness. In western countries, people often wear formal attire to celebrate the new year, such as dresses and suits.Significance and Importance
While both Chinese New Year and the Gregorian new year are significant celebrations, they hold different meanings for each culture. For China, it represents a time to honor ancestors, reconnect with family and friends, and set intentions for a prosperous new year. In contrast, the new year's celebrations in most western countries tend to be regarded as an opportunity to party and have fun.Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Chinese New Year and the traditional New Year celebrated on January 1st share some similarities, they are also very different in terms of their history, duration, customs, and significance. Nevertheless, both events allow people to reflect on the past and look ahead with hope for a better future.Tips and Tutorial for Chinese New Year: When Does It Begin
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is usually celebrated across 15 days, and each day holds a different significance. Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year, and it is based on the Lunar Calendar. This article will guide you through when Chinese New Year begins and how you can celebrate it.
When does Chinese New Year begin?
Chinese New Year typically begins in late January or early February. The exact date varies each year, as it follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. In 2022, Chinese New Year will begin on Tuesday, February 1st, and end on Tuesday, February 15th.
Preparation for Chinese New Year
Celebrations for Chinese New Year typically begin weeks before the actual holiday. Families begin to prepare by thoroughly cleaning their homes to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year. They will also buy new clothes and decorations to signify new beginnings. The color red is particularly important during Chinese New Year, as it represents good fortune and prosperity. You can decorate your home with red lanterns, banners, and even red envelopes called hongbao to give away small gifts of money.
New year's eve dinner
The most important event of Chinese New Year is the New Year's Eve reunion dinner. This is a time for family members to come together and share a big meal. The types of dishes served during this dinner are typically associated with good fortune. Fish, for example, represents abundance, while dumplings represent wealth. It's also a time for exchanging gifts and offerings to ancestors.
Red Envelopes
If you are attending a Chinese New Year gathering or visiting someone's home during the holiday, it is customary to give red envelopes filled with money. This is a way of wishing others good fortune and prosperity for the New Year. The amount of money can vary depending on the relationship between the giver and receiver.
New Year's Day
The first day of the Chinese New Year is a time to pay respect to ancestors, visit with family, and enjoy traditions such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks shows, and parades. It's also a time to eat specific foods for good luck, such as rice cakes and oranges, which represent good fortune and wealth.
The 15th day of Chinese New Year
The 15th day of the Chinese New Year falls on the first full moon of the year. It is known as the Lantern Festival and marks the end of the celebrations. On this day, people traditionally light and release lanterns into the sky. They may also solve riddles written on the lanterns or eat sweet glutinous rice dumplings called tangyuan.
Celebrate Chinese New Year around the world
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but all around the world! Many cities across the globe host parades, dragon dances, fireworks shows, and other events to mark the occasion. If you're not able to travel to China, look for ways to celebrate Chinese New Year in your local community.
Key takeaways
Chinese New Year represents new beginnings, good fortune, and prosperity. It is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls in late January or early February. Traditions during Chinese New Year include thoroughly cleaning the home, decorating with red, eating certain foods for good luck, giving red envelopes filled with money, and participating in events such as dragon dances and firework shows. Chinese New Year is a time to show respect to ancestors, spend time with family, and celebrate the start of a new year.
Conclusion
Celebrating Chinese New Year can be a fun and enriching experience. Whether you're in China or celebrating in your local community, it's a time to come together with loved ones and look forward to new beginnings. We hope this tips and tutorial about when Chinese New Year begins helps you in planning and enjoying the celebrations!
When Does Chinese New Year Begin?
Gong Xi Fa Cai! The joyful Chinese New Year is just around the corner. This holiday is celebrated all over the world by Chinese people, and it is one of the most important traditional festivals of the year in Chinese culture. It usually falls between January 21st to February 20th each year on the Chinese lunar calendar. So when exactly does Chinese New Year begin?
The date of Chinese New Year varies each year, as it is based on the lunar calendar which follows the cycles of the moon. Unlike the solar calendar that is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun, the lunar calendar has only about 354 days per year. Therefore, Chinese New Year always falls on a different date relative to the Gregorian calendar which is used internationally.
In 2021, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 12th, and it will mark the beginning of the Year of the Ox. According to the Chinese zodiac, every year is associated with one of the twelve animals that represent different qualities and characteristics. The Ox is the second of the twelve zodiac signs and represents hard work, diligence, and stability. People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be dependable, honest, and patient.
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, and it is celebrated for fifteen days until the Lantern Festival. Each day has its own significance and customs, and the festival is full of symbolism and traditions that have been passed down for generations. In China, it is a time where families come together to reconnect, share meals, exchange gifts, and pay respect to their ancestors.
The celebration of Chinese New Year also involves various preparations and rituals. For instance, during the week leading up to the festival, people typically clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away any bad luck of the previous year and to welcome good fortune into their homes. They also decorate their houses with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious decorations that symbolize happiness, prosperity, and longevity.
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations as well. Certain dishes carry special meanings and are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the diners. For instance, dumplings signify wealth as their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, while fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Noodles represent longevity, and sticky rice cakes (nian gao) are eaten for good luck.
Another integral part of Chinese New Year is the traditional lion and dragon dance. These performances are often seen in Chinese communities worldwide and involve vibrant costumes and choreographed movements that depict bravery and power. The loud sound of drums, cymbals, and firecrackers can be heard during these performances, which are believed to scare away evil spirits and attract good luck and prosperity.
Finally, Chinese New Year concludes on the fifteenth day with the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated by lighting and releasing colorful lanterns into the sky. The festival symbolizes the end of the New Year celebration, and it is a time to make a wish for the coming year and to look forward to what lies ahead.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a fascinating and meaningful holiday that brings together people from all over the world to celebrate and honor their culture and traditions. Although the date of Chinese New Year changes each year, the essence of this festival remains the same: to reconnect with loved ones, to give thanks, and to welcome new beginnings. We hope you enjoyed learning more about Chinese New Year, and we wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Ox!
People Also Ask about Chinese New Year When Does It Begin
When Does Chinese New Year Start?
Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2022, Chinese New Year will start on Tuesday, February 1st.
How Long Is Chinese New Year?
The celebration officially lasts for 15 days. Starting with the New Year's Eve dinner and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.
What Is the Significance of the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year and is meant to bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
What Are the Traditions During Chinese New Year?
There are many traditions during Chinese New Year, including:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune
- Wearing red clothing for good luck
- Decorating the house with lanterns and red banners
- Exchanging red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity
- Eating traditional foods such as dumplings and glutinous rice cakes
- Setting off fireworks to scare away evil spirits
What Are the Zodiac Animals for Chinese New Year?
Each year is associated with a zodiac animal in the Chinese calendar. The 12 zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In 2022, it will be the Year of the Tiger.