Interesting Facts About Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional Chinese holiday.
It is based on the lunar calendar and falls on a different date each year, usually between January 21 and February
3. The Chinese zodiac is associated with Chinese New Year, with each year represented by an animal sign. There are 12 signs in total.
People born in the year of the rat are believed to be clever and resourceful, while those born in the year of the ox are considered hardworking and honest.
The exact origin of Chinese New Year is debated, but it is said to have originated during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC).
It is a time for families to come together and celebrate. Many people travel long distances to be with their families during this holiday.
Red decorations are a common sight during Chinese New Year as red is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
The Chinese New Year celebration typically lasts for 15 days, with different traditions and activities taking place each day.
Fireworks play a significant role in the celebration, believed to scare away evil spirits.
Dumplings are a popular food during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Lion and dragon dances are performed during the festivities to bring good luck and fortune.
Giving red envelopes with money inside is a common tradition during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good wishes and blessings.
Chinese New Year is also a time to honor ancestors and deceased family members by making offerings and visiting gravesites.
Interesting Facts About Chinese New Year part 2
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and takes place on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
Lanterns in various shapes and sizes are lit and released into the sky during the Lantern Festival, creating a beautiful spectacle.
Nianhua, or Chinese New Year paintings, are hung on doors and walls to bring good luck and fortune.
Many cities around the world hold parades and festivals to celebrate Chinese New Year, attracting large crowds.
Cleaning the house before Chinese New Year is an important tradition, symbolizing the removal of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.
The Chinese character fu (?) meaning luck or fortune is often hung upside down during Chinese New Year, as the word for upside down sounds similar to the word for arrive.
The highlight of the Chinese New Year gala is the CCTV New Year’s Gala, a variety show broadcasted live on the Chinese national television network.
Many people wear new clothes during Chinese New Year to symbolize a fresh start and new beginnings.
It is considered unlucky to wash or cut your hair during the first few days of Chinese New Year, as it might wash away or cut off good luck.
Mandarin oranges are commonly given as gifts during Chinese New Year, representing good fortune.
The color gold is associated with wealth and prosperity and is often incorporated into decorations and clothing during Chinese New Year.
The Lantern Festival is accompanied by the tradition of solving riddles written on lanterns, adding an element of fun to the celebration.
The Chinese phrase gong xi fa cai is commonly exchanged during Chinese New Year, meaning wishing you prosperity or congratulations and be prosperous.
The Festival of Lanterns is celebrated in many parts of the world outside of China by Chinese communities.
The Chinese believe that wearing the color red during Chinese New Year will ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Chinese opera performances are also a popular form of entertainment during Chinese New Year, showcasing traditional music and dance.
Many temples and religious sites hold special ceremonies and prayers during Chinese New Year to seek blessings for the year ahead.
The Chinese New Year celebration in Hong Kong involves a spectacular fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
The Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco is the largest of its kind outside of Asia and attracts thousands of spectators each year.
The Chinese New Year holiday period is one of the busiest travel seasons in China, with millions of people returning to their hometowns.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated with various lantern-themed activities, such as lantern-making workshops and lantern exhibitions.
Reunion dinners are an important part of Chinese New Year, with families gathering to enjoy a feast together.
It is believed that wearing new shoes during Chinese New Year will bring you opportunities to move forward in life.
The traditional Chinese lion dance involves intricate choreography, with performers mimicking the movements of a lion to bring good luck and fortune.
Many traditional Chinese dishes are prepared during Chinese New Year, such as fish, spring rolls, and sticky rice cakes.
The phrase niu nian da ji, meaning striking it big in the new year, is often used to wish others prosperity and success in the coming year.
Many traditional Chinese snacks and sweets are made and consumed during Chinese New Year, symbolizing a sweet and successful year ahead.
The Chinese New Year celebration in Singapore is marked by the Chingay Parade, a colorful and vibrant procession featuring floats, dancers, and performers.
Chinese families often set off firecrackers at midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year and scare away evil spirits.
The traditional Lion Dance is believed to bring not only good luck but also drive away evil spirits and bless the area.
The Little New Year, a festival celebrated a few days before Chinese New Year, is thought to be a time when the Kitchen God reports to the heavens about the family’s behavior during the past year.
It is believed that opening windows during Chinese New Year will allow fortune to come in, so many people open their windows and doors at midnight on New Year’s Eve to invite good luck.