When Is Lunar New Year 2018? Discover the Date for the Celebrations!
Are you ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year? This annual holiday is one of the most important celebrations in many Asian cultures. But when does it take place in 2018? Let’s find out!
The Basics
The Lunar New Year goes by many names: Chinese New Year, Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, and more. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun.
This year, the Lunar New Year falls on February 16th. That’s right around the corner, so it’s time to start preparing for the festivities!
A Time for Family
Just like Christmas or Thanksgiving in Western cultures, the Lunar New Year is a time for families to come together and celebrate. It’s a chance to honor ancestors, eat special foods, exchange gifts, and enjoy time with loved ones.
Many people travel long distances to be with family during the Lunar New Year. In fact, it’s the largest annual human migration, with millions of people traveling within China alone.
A Time for Traditions
Each culture has its own unique customs and traditions for the Lunar New Year. Here are a few examples:
- Red and gold decorations are common, as they symbolize good luck and wealth.
- Dragon and lion dances are a popular form of entertainment.
- Money may be given in red envelopes as a gift (sometimes called “lucky money”).
- Families often prepare and eat traditional foods, such as dumplings or rice cakes.
The Year of the Dog
Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. This year is the Year of the Dog. People born in the Year of the Dog (which includes 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018) are often said to be loyal, honest, and friendly.
Wishing You a Prosperous New Year
The Lunar New Year is a time of hope and renewal. It’s a chance to leave behind the troubles of the past and look forward to a brighter future. May your Year of the Dog be filled with prosperity, good health, and happiness!
Conclusion
As you can see, the Lunar New Year is a rich and vibrant holiday that is celebrated in many parts of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or experiencing it for the first time, there are plenty of ways to get involved and enjoy the festivities.
We hope this article has answered your questions about when the Lunar New Year falls in 2018. Now it’s up to you to explore all the traditions, foods, and customs of this wonderful holiday. Happy New Year!
"What Day Is Lunar New Year 2018" ~ bbaz
With the start of a new year comes the excitement of new beginnings, new resolutions and new holidays. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one such holiday. It is celebrated by over a billion people across Asia and around the world.
The Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, unlike the western Gregorian calendar, which means it falls on a different date each year. This year, the day that Lunar New Year will be celebrated on is Friday, February 16th.
The Significance of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is an important holiday in several cultures including China, Vietnam and Korea. It is celebrated for a period of fifteen days and marks the beginning of spring. During this time, families come together to share meals, exchange gifts and participate in traditional ceremonies. The holiday is steeped in history, with ancient legends and myths playing a significant role in its traditions and customs.
Traditions of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many ways across different cultures. In China, families traditionally decorate their homes with red lanterns and banners. They also clean their homes thoroughly before the start of the holiday to rid themselves of any bad luck from the previous year. Eating dumplings, fish and rice cakes are also a part of the traditional celebrations in China. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, one of the popular practices is giving red envelopes filled with money to friends and family members. In Korea, traditional folk games such as kite flying, yut-nori and shuttlecock kicking are played during the festival.
The Year of the Dog
Each Lunar New Year is represented by one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the year of that animal are believed to share certain character traits and personalities. This year is the Year of the Dog, which represents loyalty and honesty. People born in this year are believed to be loyal, friendly and faithful.
Celebrations Around the World
Lunar New Year is celebrated not only by Asians but also by other cultures across the globe. Many countries have large Chinese populations that participate in the various traditional celebrations. In the United States, for example, Lunar New Year is a public holiday in some states and is celebrated with parades, dragon dances and firework displays. In Australia, Sydney hosts one of the largest Lunar New Year festivals outside of Asia, with over a million people attending every year.
Preparing for Lunar New Year
Preparations for Lunar New Year begin weeks in advance. Families shop for new clothes and prepare traditional foods such as rice cakes and red bean soup. Many also clean their homes to get rid of any old or unwanted energy from the previous year.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is an important holiday that is celebrated across Asia and around the world. It signifies new beginnings and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. Whether it’s enjoying traditional food, exchanging gifts, or participating in cultural events, Lunar New Year provides an opportunity to come together with family and friends.
Marks your calendar and prepare for this special day, the Lunar New Year 2018 falls on February 16th. Let us welcome the Year of the Dog with joy, happiness and prosperity.
What Day Is Lunar New Year 2018: A Comparison Guide
Introduction
The Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in many East Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and South Korea. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, it is marked by colorful parades, fireworks, and traditional dining customs. For many people, Lunar New Year is an important time to reconnect with family and friends, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the new one. In this comparison blog article, we will explore the date and traditions of Lunar New Year 2018 in different countries. We will also discuss some common symbols and beliefs associated with the holiday.Date Comparison
The date of Lunar New Year varies each year, as it follows the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. In 2018, Lunar New Year falls on Friday, February 16th. However, celebrations can begin up to a week before or after the actual day.Here is a table comparing the dates of Lunar New Year 2018 in different countries:| Country | Date of Lunar New Year 2018 |
|---|---|
| China | February 16th |
| Vietnam | February 16th |
| South Korea | February 16th |
| Japan | Not celebrated |
Note:
Japan follows the Gregorian calendar and does not officially celebrate Lunar New Year. However, some Japanese communities with Chinese or Korean roots may hold small celebrations.Traditions in China
Lunar New Year is a 7-day public holiday in China, with most businesses and schools closed. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner and enjoy traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cake. Red decorations and clothing are popular, as they are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. During the first few days of the New Year, people visit their relatives and exchange red envelopes filled with money. Many also attend temple fairs and watch dragon and lion dances. On the 15th day of the lunar month, known as the Lantern Festival, people release lanterns into the sky and eat glutinous rice balls.Traditions in Vietnam
Vietnam also celebrates Lunar New Year as Tet Nguyen Dan, which lasts for 9-10 days. Like in China, people decorate their homes with red and yellow colors and prepare special foods such as sticky rice cakes and candied fruit. On New Year's Eve, families offer incense and pray for blessings at their ancestor altar. They also burn paper money and other objects as a symbolic offering to the deceased. The first few days of Tet are reserved for visiting elders and friends, wearing new clothes, and avoiding cleaning or working so as not to sweep away good luck. During Tet, many Vietnamese families play folk games and watch lion and dragon dances. On the last day of Tet, people visit pagodas and attend the Nam Giao Offering ceremony to express gratitude to heavenly spirits.Traditions in South Korea
In South Korea, Lunar New Year is called Seollal and is a 3-day holiday. Families gather to pay respects to their ancestors at home or in cemeteries, and eat traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), jeon (pancakes), and various fruits. Children often receive sebaedon, which are envelopes filled with money offered by their elders. Families may also play games like yunnori, a board game involving four sticks, or jegichagi, a game played with a shuttlecock. While there are no official parades or festivals for Seollal, some tourist attractions such as palaces and museums offer special events and performances during the holiday.Symbols and Beliefs
There are many symbols and beliefs associated with Lunar New Year, such as:- The zodiac animals: Each year is represented by an animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle of 12: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which is believed to be a time of loyalty, honesty, and protection.- Fireworks: Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is a common tradition in many Lunar New Year celebrations, as they are thought to scare away evil spirits and bad luck.- Greetings and blessings: People often exchange greetings and certain phrases to express well-wishes for the New Year. In China, people might say 过年好 (guò nián hǎo), while in Vietnam they might say Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (chook mung nam moy).- Cleaning and decluttering: It's a common belief that cleaning one's home before Lunar New Year can get rid of old energy and make way for new opportunities. However, sweeping or dusting on the first day of the New Year is considered unlucky.Conclusion
In summary, Lunar New Year 2018 falls on February 16th and is a major holiday in many East Asian countries. Traditions include family reunions, special foods, gift giving, and various cultural activities. While there might be some variations across different cultures, the significance of starting anew and wishing for prosperity and good health is a common theme. Whether you celebrate Lunar New Year or not, it's a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and appreciate the richness of diversity around the world.What Day Is Lunar New Year 2018?
Introduction
When it comes to celebrating the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, having knowledge about the details of the event is important. Knowing what day it falls, when to celebrate it, and how to prepare for it is crucial to take part in the festivity.Background
The first day of the Lunar New Year varies every year, as it is based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. The celebration of Lunar New Year typically lasts for 15 days and is one of the most significant holidays across Asia, prominently celebrated in China, Vietnam, South Korea, and other Asian countries.When is Lunar New Year 2018?
Lunar New Year 2018 will fall on the 16th of February, based on the lunar calendar. The celebration will begin on that day and will conclude on March 2, 2018.The Celebration
The Lunar New Year celebration focuses on the renewal of life, luck, and energy. It is considered a fresh start for individuals and families, welcoming good fortune while dismissing any bad luck or negative energy from their lives.Preparation and Customs
Preparation for the Lunar New Year starts weeks before the event. People consider it essential to thoroughly clean their homes and get rid of old items, buying new clothes, and decorating the house with traditional red paper-cuts and lanterns. Cooking food and sharing traditional dishes with family members is an important aspect of the Lunar New Year celebration, symbolizing family bonding and togetherness. Fireworks are also prevalent during the festive period, and giving red envelopes filled with money is a common tradition.Some Do's and Don'ts
During the Lunar New Year, people believe in certain do's and don'ts to follow, such as not wearing black or white clothing, which symbolizes mourning, washing your hair, or sweeping the floor on the first day of the New Year. It is also advised not to use sharp objects as it can be detrimental to your luck.Conclusion
The Lunar New Year marks one of the most significant cultural events in Asia, bringing friends and family together. It has an overarching impact on various parts of life from fashion and food to socialization and spirituality. While the traditional celebrations are meaningful, the holiday is continually being reinterpreted and reinvented by new generations and its geographical reach has broadened over time. Understanding the importance of Lunar New Year is crucial for everyone who wants to learn and appreciate Asian cultures.What Day Is Lunar New Year 2018?
Lunar New Year is one of the most notable events across Asia that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, the holiday is celebrated on different dates each year based on the Chinese zodiac. In 2018, the Lunar New Year falls on February 16th, and it ushers in the Year of the Dog.
The Lunar New Year festivities are often characterized by colorful parades, fireworks, family gatherings, and gift exchanges. The holiday also lasts for fifteen days, making it the longest public holiday in many Asian countries. The date of the Lunar New Year depends on astronomical calculations, which takes into account the phases of the moon and the position of the sun.
For the Chinese zodiac system, there are twelve animals, and every year is attributed to a specific animal. That’s why each year has its unique significance and is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and good luck to those born under that zodiac sign. The Dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, and it is said that people born during this year will possess the characteristics of loyalty, kindness, and honesty.
Several cities around the world prepare well in advance to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The celebrations begin with the preliminary event called Little New Year on the 23rd day of the last lunar month. Family members take a moment to clean their homes, light candles, and hang red banners in anticipation of the festivities. On the evening of New Year's Eve, families gather for a lavish feast, followed by the annual CCTV New Year's Gala, which culminates with the lighting of fireworks at midnight.
The first day of Lunar New Year is an opportunity to pay respects to ancestors and offer prayers at local temples. Well-wishers exchange festive greetings, and children receive red envelopes filled with money as a gesture of goodwill. Over the next few days, people participate in various activities such as dragon dancing, lion dancing, and lighting candles. On the last day of the Lunar New Year celebration, there is a Lantern Festival, which is celebrated by releasing hundreds of lanterns into the night sky.
With its vast array of customs and traditions, the Lunar New Year is a significant occasion celebrated by a large number of people worldwide. From Hong Kong to San Francisco, from Beijing to Sydney, cities around the world welcome the Year of the Dog with verve and enthusiasm. The amount of excitement surrounding this event is a testament to the enduring appeal and deep-seated cultural heritage that this vibrant celebration evokes in people's hearts and minds.
In conclusion, Lunar New Year is an event that celebrates the start of the lunar calendar, and it is celebrated by millions of people worldwide. In 2018, Lunar New Year falls on February 16th, signifying the beginning of the Year of the Dog. The holiday offers people in Asia and beyond the opportunity to celebrate together, share blessings, enjoy delicious foods, and participate in colorful festivities. The Lunar New Year is an excellent opportunity to partake in the rich cultural traditions and welcome a new year with fanfare.
So brace yourself for the vibrancy and warmth that comes with celebrating this auspicious occasion. May the Year of the Dog bring you happiness, good fortune, and prosperity, Gong Xi Fa Cai!
What Day Is Lunar New Year 2018?
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in many Asian countries. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasting, fireworks, and other traditional activities.
When is Lunar New Year 2018?
Lunar New Year in 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th.
Why is the date of Lunar New Year different each year?
Lunar New Year is determined by the cycles of the moon, and therefore the date varies from year to year. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, based on the first day of the new moon following the winter solstice.
How long does the Lunar New Year celebration last?
The Lunar New Year celebration typically lasts for 15 days. The first day of the new year is celebrated with family gatherings, while the following days include visits to extended family members, temple visits, and other traditional activities. The celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day.
What are some traditional Lunar New Year foods?
There are many traditional foods associated with Lunar New Year, including:
- Spring rolls
- Dumplings
- Nian gao (glutinous rice cake)
- Tang yuan (sweet glutinous rice balls)
- Longevity noodles
- Fish
What are some traditional Lunar New Year activities?
Traditional activities associated with Lunar New Year include:
- Cleaning (to sweep away bad luck from the previous year)
- Red decorations (which signify good luck and fortune)
- Fireworks (to scare off evil spirits)
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children (to bring good luck and blessings)
- Dragon and lion dances (to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits)