Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon occurring sometime between January 21 and February 20, according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon.

The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general.

History

The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away.

Traditions and celebration

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One popular Chinese New Year tradition is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the residence of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the holiday. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Since the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This procession involves a long, colorful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers. In addition Chinese New Year is a time to feast and visit family. Along with the celebrations, Chinese New Year is associated with a few superstitions. Breaking objects is considered a bad omen and is thought to bring bad luck. Gifting or buying new books is discouraged because the word for “book” sounds like “lose” in Chinese. Arguments and anger are avoided to ensure harmony, and sweeping or cleaning on the first day is seen as inauspicious, as it is believed to brush away good fortune.

Food traditions

Families prepare food in advance since using sharp objects on New Year’s Day is considered unlucky. Particular dishes are chosen for the hopeful meanings suggested by their names, such as carp, which represents a long life. Many traditional dishes served during this festival reflect wishes for prosperity, health, and longevity. The celebrations begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, and a whole fish is almost always present on the table because the Chinese word for “fish” sounds like the word for “surplus,” suggesting abundance will flow throughout the year. Dumplings (jiaozi), with their crescent shapes resembling ancient ingots of gold, are a must-have. Uncut long noodles are consumed to represent longevity, with the belief that eating them without breaking the strands will bring long life. Sticky rice cakes called nian gao are commonly consumed, because their name means “high year,” implying steady progress and success in whatever one pursues. Crisp, golden spring rolls mirror ancient gold bars, symbolizing wealth, and bright citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are shared because their round shape and color evoke fullness, success, and good luck.

The 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac

The Chinese lunar calendar operates on a 12-year zodiac cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Every animal in this zodiac system, which is called Sheng Xiao, is believed to have a personality that represents the year and the people born during that year. The Chinese zodiac year begins with Chinese New Year, thus changing the cycle to a new animal. In the Chinese tradition, a person’s birth year—rather than their birth month—is considered key to understanding character and fortune. For example, 2026 is recognized as the Year of the Horse.

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