Many Asian countries celebrate the new year during this time, including Vietnam and Korea. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, holds great significance in China and various other Asian communities. It is an annual 15-day festival that commences with the new moon between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 in Western calendars, extending until the subsequent full moon. Originally, the holiday was a time for feasting, honoring household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors.
How long do the Chinese New Year festivities last?
Chinese New Year in 2024 will be observed on Feb. 10 and concludes with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 24. The celebrations span up to 16 days, with the Chinese public holiday lasting from Feb. 10 to Feb. 17.
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao (生肖), follows a 12-year cycle of animal signs and their attributes, based on the lunar calendar.
The Lunar New Year signifies the transition from one animal to another. The Year of the Rabbit, which began on Jan. 22, 2023, concludes on Feb. 9, and the Year of the Dragon begins on Feb. 10. The most recent Year of the Dragon occurred in 2012.
Preparations before the Lunar New Year
Prior to the Lunar New Year, houses undergo thorough cleaning to dispel any lingering bad luck from the previous year. It is also customary to settle any outstanding debts before the new year, symbolizing a fresh start.
Additional traditions associated with the Lunar New Year preparations include hanging spring festival couplets on doors or windows and purchasing new clothes.
New Year’s Eve
On the morning of New Year’s Eve, people clean the tombs of their ancestors before returning home. Once they have hung up Spring Festival couplets and red lanterns, it is time for the grand family reunion dinner. This banquet is considered the most significant dinner of the year, where multiple generations of extended families gather to enjoy delicious and auspicious dishes.
The specific foods served during these dinners vary between northern and southern China. Northern Chinese cuisine often includes dumplings and noodles, while southern Chinese meals heavily feature rice cakes. Traditionally, red envelopes containing money are given out, and fireworks are lit after the dinner.
Chinese New Year Traditions
Known as “hong bao” in Mandarin, these small red envelopes filled with money are given to children, family members, friends, and employees as a symbol of good luck. In Chinese culture, the color red is associated with energy, happiness, and good fortune.
Fireworks
Traditionally, fireworks are set off to celebrate the new year and scare away monsters. According to legend, this practice originated from a story about a monster named Nian, who caused great harm to villages. In response, the villagers used explosions to frighten the monster. Since then, setting off fireworks has become a Chinese New Year tradition.
Wear Red, Not White or Black
Avoid wearing black and white during Chinese New Year, as these colors are often associated with grief and mourning. Instead, opt for red and try to wear a new outfit on Chinese New Year’s Day.
Festival of Lanterns
The Festival of Lanterns takes place on the last day of the New Year celebrations, marking the end of Chinese New Year. Streets are illuminated with various types of lanterns, and poems and riddles are often written for entertainment.
