The first day of Chinese New Year starts when the new moon appears between 21 January and 20 February each year.
For 2022, we will celebrate Chinese New Year on 1 February.
There are several legends and tales about the origin of this major celebration. Yet, the most believable one is that it all started when Emperor Yao ascended to the throne as a mantle leader during China’s Bronze Age.
The Emperor brought all people together to worship the Earth, the moon and the sky. Since then, the day of his inauguration was set as the starting day of the year and Chinese used to gather each year to pray.
The festivities are part of a public holiday in countries and territories with a sizable Chinese population.
Alternative names for the Chinese New Year are the following:
- Lunar New Year
- New Year Festival
- Spring Festival
The first day of Chinese New Year starts when the new moon appears between 21 January and 20 February each year.
For 2022, we will celebrate Chinese New Year on 1 February.
There are several legends and tales about the origin of this major celebration. Yet, the most believable one is that it all started when Emperor Yao ascended to the throne as a mantle leader during China’s Bronze Age.
The Emperor brought all people together to worship the Earth, the moon and the sky. Since then, the day of his inauguration was set as the starting day of the year and Chinese used to gather each year to pray.
The festivities are part of a public holiday in countries and territories with a sizable Chinese population.
Alternative names for the Chinese New Year are the following:
- Lunar New Year
- New Year Festival
- Spring Festival
According to the legend, a monster named Nian was visiting the villages every New Year’s Eve attacking the locals. Most people hide in their houses. But one brave boy fought the beast off with firecrackers.
The villagers celebrated the end of the fearful era with lots of firecrackers and the practice became a tradition continuing until today.
Firecrackers are set off at midnight to scare off bad luck and welcome the new year!
According to the legend, a monster named Nian was visiting the villages every New Year’s Eve attacking the locals. Most people hide in their houses. But one brave boy fought the beast off with firecrackers.
The villagers celebrated the end of the fearful era with lots of firecrackers and the practice became a tradition continuing until today.
Firecrackers are set off at midnight to scare off bad luck and welcome the new year!
Spring Festival typically lasts for 15 days. Chinese people spend twice as much on eating out and shopping than Americans spend on Thanksgiving.
According to the tradition, they also spend quality time with family and should stay at home for five days.
3. The largest human migration
Most Chinese who have families and relatives in rural areas of China, visit their villages to celebrate Chinese New Year with their loved ones. It is a family reunion called “chunyun,” or Spring Migration.
4. Red decorations
All Chinese families decorate their houses in red.
Red lanterns, strings of red chili peppers and red paper on windows and doors are said to bring good luck.
Children receive red envelopes with money as a gift. With these red packets, the elders transfer fortune to the youngsters.
5. Zodiac Animals define the New Year
While western horoscopes include 12 zodiacs, the Chinese have 12 animals that repeat in a cycle of 12 years.
In order, the zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Spring Festival marks the transition from one zodiac animal to the next. For example, 2021 was the year of the Ox, while the new year starting on 1st February 2022 will be the year of the Tiger.
Spring Festival typically lasts for 15 days. Chinese people spend twice as much on eating out and shopping than Americans spend on Thanksgiving.
According to the tradition, they also spend quality time with family and should stay at home for five days.
3. The largest human migration
Most Chinese who have families and relatives in rural areas of China, visit their villages to celebrate Chinese New Year with their loved ones. It is a family reunion called “chunyun,” or Spring Migration.
4. Red decorations
All Chinese families decorate their houses in red.
Red lanterns, strings of red chili peppers and red paper on windows and doors are said to bring good luck.
Children receive red envelopes with money as a gift. With these red packets, the elders transfer fortune to the youngsters.
5. Zodiac Animals define the New Year
While western horoscopes include 12 zodiacs, the Chinese have 12 animals that repeat in a cycle of 12 years.
In order, the zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Spring Festival marks the transition from one zodiac animal to the next. For example, 2021 was the year of the Ox, while the new year starting on 1st February 2022 will be the year of the Tiger.
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