The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, always falls between the 20th January and the 21st February. This is because it is based on the lunar calendar, which is a calendar system that is based on the cycles of the moon. Unlike the Georgian calendar, which is used in most Western countries and is based on the solar year, the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon.
The Lunar New Year has a long history dating back to ancient China. According to legend, a terrifying monster named Nian would emerge from the sea on the eve of the new year to prey on villagers. However, one year, an old man advised the villagers to hang red banners and light fireworks to scare off the monster. The plan worked, and from then on, people began to celebrate the new year with fireworks, red decorations, and other customs that are still observed today.
The Chinese New Year is an important time for family reunions, during the Chinese New Year. Children give their parents and grandparents good wishes for the new year and show their respect for the older generation. As well as being a time for families, it is a time to wish good luck, people make wishes for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Many people also set off fireworks and firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
The Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China! The Chinese new year is celebrated in many other countries. Some countries include: Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and many other countries across Asia. Even recently in January, the Chinese new year was held in Paris!
I am sure you have heard of the Lunar new year Zodiac signs because each year of the Chinese New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. People born in each year are believed to share certain characteristics with the animal associated with that year.
One of the most iconic symbols of the Lunar New Year is the red envelope, also known as a “hongbao” or “angpao”. These small red envelopes are filled with money and given as gifts to children, unmarried adults, and employees as a sign of good luck and prosperity. The amount of money inside the envelope varies, but it is usually an even number as odd numbers are considered unlucky.
Another of the most important aspects of the Chinese New Year is the traditional food. In China, families traditionally gather for a big feast on New Year’s Eve, which includes dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Each dish even has a symbolic meaning! For example, the dumplings represent wealth and prosperity and the fish represents plenty and surplus.
Additionally, a key feature of the New Year in China is the red dragon, The Red Dragon is a symbol of power, luck, and prosperity in Chinese culture and is an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The dragon is believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits, making it a popular symbol during the festival.
Overall , the Lunar New Year is an important cultural festival celebrated by many people around the world. With its rich history and traditions, the Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, honor ancestors, and hope for good fortune and prosperity in the year ahead.