On Saturday, February 10th, 2024, millions of people around the world will celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. It is the most important and festive occasion in the Chinese culture, marked by family reunions, delicious food, colorful decorations, and various traditions.
What is the Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao (生肖), is a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs and their attributes, based on the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year marks the transition from one animal sign to the next, and each sign has its own characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with other signs.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon, the fifth sign in the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, courage, and luck in Chinese culture. People born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be confident, ambitious, adventurous, and charismatic. Some famous dragon celebrities include Bruce Lee, Rihanna, Sandra Bullock, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
How do people celebrate the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year celebrations last for 16 days, from the New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival. However, only the first seven days are considered a public holiday in China. During this time, people travel to their hometowns to spend time with their families, exchange red envelopes with money and blessings, set off fireworks and firecrackers, and enjoy various activities and performances.
Some of the highlights of the Chinese New Year celebrations are:
- New Year’s Eve Dinner: This is the most important meal of the year, where families gather around a table full of dishes that symbolize prosperity, longevity, happiness, and reunion. Some of the common dishes include fish, dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, and glutinous rice balls.
- New Year’s Day: This is the day to welcome the new year and wish each other good luck and fortune. People often wear new clothes, especially red ones, to ward off evil spirits and attract good energy. They also visit their relatives and friends, and greet them with auspicious phrases, such as “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year), “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wish You Wealth and Prosperity), and “Nian Nian You Yu” (May You Have Surplus Every Year).
- Lantern Festival: This is the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, where people light up lanterns of various shapes, sizes, and colors, and admire the full moon. They also eat sweet dumplings called yuanxiao or tangyuan, which represent family unity and harmony.
What are some of the Chinese New Year traditions and taboos?
The Chinese New Year is not only a time of joy and festivity, but also a time of observing certain customs and avoiding certain behaviors that could affect one’s luck and fortune in the coming year. Some of the common traditions and taboos are:
- Cleaning and Decorating: Before the new year, people clean their houses thoroughly to sweep away any bad luck and make room for good luck. They also decorate their doors and windows with red paper cuttings, couplets, and lanterns, which feature auspicious words and symbols, such as “Fu” (Happiness), “Chun” (Spring), and “Shou” (Longevity).
- Giving and Receiving Red Envelopes: Red envelopes, or hongbao, are small red packets that contain money and are given to children, unmarried adults, and elders as a way of expressing gratitude, respect, and affection. The amount of money should be an even number, preferably with the number 8, which sounds like “fa” (wealth) in Chinese. It is also considered rude to open the red envelopes in front of the giver or to compare the amounts with others.
- Avoiding Negative Words and Actions: During the Chinese New Year, people should avoid saying or doing anything that could bring bad luck or offend the gods and ancestors. For example, they should not say words related to death, illness, pain, or loss, or break any objects, such as dishes, glasses, or mirrors. They should also not cut their hair, nails, or use scissors, knives, or needles, as these could cut off their good luck.
How can you join the Chinese New Year celebrations?
You don’t have to be Chinese or live in China to enjoy the Chinese New Year festivities. There are many ways you can join the celebrations and learn more about the rich and diverse Chinese culture, such as:
- Watch the Chinese New Year Gala: This is a four-hour-long variety show that is broadcasted live on the New Year’s Eve by the China Central Television (CCTV). It features music, dance, comedy, acrobatics, and other performances by famous artists and celebrities. You can watch it online or on TV, and see how the Chinese people countdown to the new year.
- Visit a Chinatown: Many cities around the world have a Chinatown, where you can find authentic Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events. You can go there and taste some of the traditional Chinese New Year dishes, buy some souvenirs, and watch the lion and dragon dances, which are believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.
- Make Your Own Lanterns and Dumplings: If you are feeling creative and adventurous, you can try to make your own lanterns and dumplings at home. You can find many tutorials and recipes online, and use materials and ingredients that are easy to find. You can also invite your family and friends to join you, and have fun together.
