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For other traditions of celebrating lunar year, see Lunar New Year.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year's Eve in Meizhou, China
Also called Lunar New Year, Spring Festival
Observed by Mainly East Asian civilizations. History The name Meizhou comes from the Mei River and plum blossom ( mei blossom China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National
Type Cultural, Religious
(Buddhist and Taoist)
Significance The first day of the Chinese calendar (lunar calendar)
2007 date February 18
2008 date February 7
2009 date January 26
Celebrations Dragon dances/Lion dances, fireworks, family gathering, family meal, visiting friends and relatives (拜年), giving red envelopes, decorating with duilian (對联). The Culture of China (traditional Chinese 中國文化 simplified Chinese 中国文化 is home to one of the world's oldest and most complex Civilizations covering a history A religion is a set of Tenets and practices often centered upon specific Supernatural and moral claims about Reality, the Cosmos Chinese Buddhism ( Pinyin fójiào refers collectively to the various schools of Buddhism that have flourished in China proper since ancient times Taoism (pronounced /ˈdaʊɪzəm/ or /ˈtaʊɪzəm/ also spelled '''Daoism''') refers to a variety of related Philosophical and Religious traditions The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, incorporating elements of a Lunar calendar with those of a Solar calendar. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. Dragon dance ( is a form of traditional Dance and performance in Chinese culture. Lion dance ( is a form of traditional Dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume In Chinese society, a red envelope or red packet (Known as Hong Bao in Mandarin Ang Pao in Hokkien and Lai See in Cantonese is a In Chinese poetry, a duìlián (对联 simplified(對聯 traditional or antithetical couplet is a pair of lines of poetry pasted on the sides of doors leading
Related to Lantern Festival, which concludes the celebration of the New Year. The Lantern Festival a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar year in the Chinese calendar.
This article contains Chinese text.
Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters. Mojibake is the happenstance of incorrect unreadable characters (garbage characters shown when Computer software fails to render a text correctly according to its associated A Chinese character, also known as a Han character ( is a Logogram used in writing Chinese (hanzi Japanese (

Chinese New Year (simplified Chinese: 农历新年; traditional Chinese: 農曆新年; pinyin: Nónglì xīnnián; literally: "Agrarian Calendar New Year") or Spring Festival (simplified Chinese: 春节; traditional Chinese: 春節; pinyin: Chūnjié) is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use The Traditional Chinese holidays have been part of Chinese tradition for thousands of years they are an essential part of Chinese culture. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. It is an important holiday in East Asia. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month (Chinese: 正月; pinyin: zhēng yuè) in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival (simplified Chinese: 元宵节; traditional Chinese: 元宵節; pinyin: yuánxiāojié). Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, incorporating elements of a Lunar calendar with those of a Solar calendar. The Lantern Festival a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar year in the Chinese calendar. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use

Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī (除夕, Chúxì in Taiwan) . Chu literally means "pass" and xi means "Eve".

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had a strong influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction. The following is a list of ethnic groups in China where "China" is taken to mean areas controlled by either of the two states using "China" in their formal These include Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, and formerly the Japanese before 1873. The Korean people are an East Asian Ethnic group. Most Koreans speak the Korean language. Mongolia (mɒŋˈɡoʊliə, literally Mongol country/nation,) is a Landlocked Country in East Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. The Kingdom of Bhutan (buːˈtɑːn is a Landlocked nation in South Asia. The Vietnamese people (người Việt or vi ''người Kinh'' are an Ethnic group originating from what is now northern Vietnam and southern China. The are the dominant Ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent of these approximately 127 million are residents of Japan In Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and other countries with significant Chinese populations, Chinese New Year is also celebrated, largely by overseas Chinese, but it is not part of the traditional culture of these countries. Singapore The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj In Canada, although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebrations and Canada Post issues New Year's themed stamps in domestic and international rates. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Canada Post Corporation ( Société canadienne des postes) is the Canadian postal operator operated as a crown corporation.

Although the Chinese calendar traditionally did not use continuously numbered years, its years are now often numbered from the reign of Huangdi outside China. Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, is a Legendary Chinese sovereign and cultural hero who is considered in Chinese mythology to be the But at least three different years numbered 1 are now used by various writers, causing the year beginning in 2008 to be 4706, 4705, or 4645. [1]

Contents

New Year dates

Main article: Chinese Astrology
Animal Branch Dates
鼠 Rat 子 Zi February 19, 1996 February 7, 2008
牛 Ox 丑 Chou February 7, 1997 January 26, 2009
虎 Tiger 寅 Yin January 28, 1998 February 14, 2010
兔 Rabbit 卯 Mao February 16, 1999 February 3, 2011
龍 Dragon 辰 Chen February 5, 2000 January 23, 2012
蛇 Snake 巳 Si January 24, 2001 February 10, 2013
馬 Horse 午 Wu February 12, 2002 January 31, 2014
羊 Sheep 未 Wei February 1, 2003 February 19, 2015
猴 Monkey 申 Shen January 22, 2004 February 8, 2016
雞 Rooster 酉 You February 9, 2005 January 28, 2017
狗 Dog 戌 Xu January 29, 2006 February 16, 2018
豬 Pig 亥 Hai February 18, 2007 February 5, 2019
Chinese New Year decoration in London's Chinatown
Chinese New Year decoration in London's Chinatown

The lunisolar Chinese calendar determines Chinese New Year dates. The Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle Each year of the 12 year cycle is named after one of the original 12 animals Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The Ox ( 牛) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. This article is about the year For the film see 2009 Lost Memories. The Tiger ( 虎) associated with good fortune power and royalty is viewed with both fear and respect Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German For the film see 2010 The Year We Make Contact. For the book see 2010 Odyssey Two. The Rabbit ( 兔) is the fourth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states 2011 ( MMXI) will be a Common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. The Dragon ( 龍) is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac Events 1576 - Henry of Navarre converts to Roman Catholicism in order to ensure his right to the throne of France. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 393 - Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor 2012 ( MMXII) will be a Leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Snake ( 蛇) (also known as the Serpent) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1355 - The St Scholastica's Day riot breaks out in Oxford, England, leaving 63 scholars and perhaps 30 locals dead 2013 ( MMXIII) will be a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Horse ( 馬) is the seventh of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Events 1429 - English Forces under Sir John Fastolf defend a supply convoy carrying rations to the army besieging Orleans from attack by the See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes 2014 ( MMXIV) will be a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Sheep ( 羊) (also known as Goat or Ram) is the eighth sign of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 197 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum 2015 ( MMXV) will be a Common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. The Monkey ( 猴) is one of the 12-year cycle of Animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Events 565 - Eutychius is deposed as Patriarch of Constantinople by John Scholasticus. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 421 - Constantius III becomes co- Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. 2016 ( MMXVI) will be a Leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. The Rooster ( 酉) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Events 474 - Zeno crowned as co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1077 - Walk to Canossa: The Excommunication of Henry IV Holy Roman Emperor is lifted 2017 ( MMXVII) will be a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Dog ( 狗) is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. Events 904 - Sergius III comes out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed Antipope Christopher. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols 2018 ( MMXVIII) will be a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. Hai ( 亥) is the twelfth sign of the Earthly Branches. Its animal representation is the Boar ( 豬) Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1576 - Henry of Navarre converts to Roman Catholicism in order to ensure his right to the throne of France. 2019 ( MMXIX) will be a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. A Chinatown is a section of an urban area with a large number of Chinese outside the majority-Chinese countries of Greater China. A lunisolar calendar is a Calendar in many Cultures whose date indicates both the Moon phase and the time of the solar Year. The calendar is also used in countries that have adopted or have been influenced by Han culture (notably the Koreans, Japanese and Vietnamese) and may have a common ancestry with the similar New Years festivals outside East Asia (such as Iran, and historically, the Bulgars lands). Han Chinese ( are an Ethnic group native to China and by most modern definitions the largest single Ethnic group in the world. The Bulgars (also Bolgars or proto-Bulgarians) were a seminomadic people probably of Turkic descent originally from Central Asia,

In the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, a date between January 21 and February 20. The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used Calendar in the world today Events 1189 - Philip II of France and Richard I of England begin to assemble troops to wage the Third Crusade. Events 1472 - Orkney and Shetland are left by Norway to Scotland, due to a Dowry payment This means that the holiday usually falls on the second (very rarely third) new moon after the winter solstice. Solstices occur twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes In traditional Chinese Culture, lichun is a solar term marking the start of spring, which occurs about February 4. The traditional East Asian calendars divide a year into 24 Solar terms (節氣 Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons

The dates for Chinese New Year from 1996 to 2019 (in the Gregorian calendar) are at the right, along with the year's presiding animal zodiac and its earthly branch. Zodiac denotes an annual cycle of twelve stations along the Ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun across the heavens through the Constellations that divide the ecliptic The Earthly Branches ( or) provide one Chinese system for reckoning Time. The names of the earthly branches have no English counterparts and are not the Chinese translations of the animals. Alongside the 12-year cycle of the animal zodiac there is a 10-year cycle of heavenly stems. The ten Celestial Stems ( sometimes known as Heavenly Stems, are the elements of an ancient Chinese cyclic character Numeral system: Jia (甲 Yi (乙 Each of the ten heavenly stems is associated with one of the five elements of Chinese astrology, namely: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle Each year of the 12 year cycle is named after one of the original 12 animals In traditional Chinese philosophy, Wood is classified as one of the Wu xing ( or the Five Elements, also translated as five phases Fire has been an important part of many cultures and religions from pre-history to modern day and was vital to the development of civilization Earth, home and origin of humanity has often been worshipped in its own right with its own unique spiritual tradition In traditional Chinese philosophy, Metal is classified as one of the Wu xing ( or the Five Elements, also translated as five phases Water has been important to all peoples of the earth and it is rich in spiritual tradition The elements are rotated every two years while a yin and yang association alternates every year. In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin and yang ( is used to describe how seemingly opposing forces are bound together intertwined and interdependent in the The elements are thus distinguished: Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, etc. These produce a combined cycle that repeats every 60 years. For example, the year of the Yang Fire Rat occurred in 1936 and in 1996, 60 years apart.

Many confuse their Chinese birth-year with their Gregorian birth-year. As the Chinese New Year starts in late January to mid-February, the Chinese year dates from 1 January until that day in the new Gregorian year remain unchanged from the previous Gregorian year. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC For example, the 1989 year of the snake began on 6 February 1989. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) The year 1990 is considered by some people to be the year of the horse. However, the 1989 year of the snake officially ended on 26 January 1990. Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) This means that anyone born from January 1 to January 25, 1990 was actually born in the year of the snake rather than the year of the horse. New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar)

Many online Chinese Sign calculators do not account for the non-alignment of the two calendars, incorrectly using Gregorian-calendar years rather than official Chinese New Year dates.

History

It is unclear when the beginning of the year was celebrated before the Qin Dynasty. Not to be confused with the Qing Dynasty, the last dynasty of China Traditionally, the year was said to have begun with month 1 during the Xia Dynasty, month 12 during the Shang Dynasty, and month 11 during the Zhou Dynasty. The Xia Dynasty ( of China is the first dynasty to be described in ancient historical records such as Records of the Grand Historian and The Shang Dynasty ( Chinese: 商[[wiktionary 朝|朝]] or Yin Dynasty ( 殷[[wiktionary 代|代]] was according to traditional sources the The Zhou Dynasty ( POJ: Chiu Tiau 1122 BC to 256 BC was preceded by the Shang Dynasty and followed by the Qin Dynasty in China. However, records show that the Zhou Dynasty began its year with month 1. Intercalary months, used to keep the lunar calendar synchronized with the sun, were added after month 12 during both the Shang Dynasty (according to surviving oracle bones) and the Zhou Dynasty (according to Sima Qian). Intercalation is the insertion of a leap day week or month into some calendar years to make the calendar follow the seasons or moon phases Oracle bones ( Chinese: 甲骨 Pinyin: jiǎgǔpiàn are pieces of Bone or turtle shell that were heated and cracked during divination Early life and education Sima Qian was born and grew up in Longmen, near present-day Hancheng Shaanxi. The first Emperor of China Qin Shi Huang changed the beginning of the year to month 10 in 221 BC, also changing the location of the intercalary month to after month 9. The Emperor of China ( refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning since the founding of the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC until the fall of Qin Shi Huang ( (259 BC – September 10 210 BC personal name Yíng Zhèng, was king of the Chinese State of Qin from 247 BCE to 221 BCE (during the Whether the New Year was celebrated at the beginning of month 10, of month 1, or both is unknown. In 104 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established month 1 as the beginning of the year, where it remains. Background birth and years as crown prince Emperor Wu was the tenth child of Emperor Jing, and was born to one of Emperor Jing's favorite Concubines, The Han Dynasty ( 206 BC–220 AD followed the Qin Dynasty and preceded the Three Kingdoms in China. This year the Chinese New Year will be on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Events 457 - Leo I becomes emperor of the Byzantine Empire. 1074 - Battle of Montesarchio in which the Prince 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common

Mythology

Hand-painted Chinese New Year's poetry pasted on the sides of doors leading to people's homes, Lijiang, Yunnan, China.
Hand-painted Chinese New Year's poetry pasted on the sides of doors leading to people's homes, Lijiang, Yunnan, China. For the river in Guangxi Province see Lijiang River. Other uses see Lijiang Lijiang City ( is a Prefecture-level city China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National

According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Years started with the fight against a mythical beast called the Nian or "Year" in Chinese. It would come and devour villagers. The villagers asked for the help of a great lion spirit, which came and attacked, then wounding Nian, which drove it away. The following year the lion was protecting the Emperor's palace so the people were left defenseless. To adapt to this, the people created a statue resembling the dragon using bamboo and cloth. This was enough to scare away Nian, creating the tradition of using the lion spirit costumes to show an important symbol of this celebration.

Public holiday

Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday in a number of countries and territories where a sizable Chinese population resides. Since Chinese New Year falls on different dates on the Gregorian calendar every year on different days of the week, some of these governments opt to shift working days in order to accommodate a longer public holiday. Also like many other countries in the world, a statutory holiday is added on the following work day when the New Year falls on a weekend.

It is also important to understand that informal celebrations, which may span a period of several weeks before and after the official holidays, are the time when many businesses operate in 'holiday mode', and generally aren't the time for making decisions or business negotiations.

Region Description
Mainland China New Year's eve and the first two days. Mainland China, Continental China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term synonymous with the area that is under the jurisdiction (Usually 7 days, including weekends. )
Hong Kong and Macau The first three days. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Macau topics. If one of the first three days is on Sunday, Chinese New Year's Eve will be listed into public holiday. For example, the first day of year 2007 (18 February) is on Sunday, Chinese New Year's Eve (17 February) is listed into public holiday.
Malaysia and Singapore The first two days. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and Singapore Sometimes the third day.
Taiwan The New Year's eve and the first three days. Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia.
Brunei and Indonesia The first day. Brunei Darussalam, (bruːˈnaɪ in English officially the State of Brunei Abode of Peace (Negara Brunei Darussalam Jawi: برني دارالسلام The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia.
South Korea The first day and the previous and following days (three days altogether) are public holidays to commemorate Seollal. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː Korean New Year, known as Seollal ( or Gujeong ( is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar.
Vietnam New Year's eve and the first three days. Vietnam (ˌviːɛtˈnɑːm Việt Nam) officially The Vietnamese celebrate Tết, on the same day as the Chinese calendar. The Vietnamese people (người Việt or vi ''người Kinh'' are an Ethnic group originating from what is now northern Vietnam and southern China. This article is about the Vietnamese holiday For the 1968 military operation that began on that holiday see Tết Offensive. The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, incorporating elements of a Lunar calendar with those of a Solar calendar. However, because of the time difference between Hanoi and Beijing (China), Tết may differ from the Chinese calendar by a day every 22nd or 23rd year. Hanoi ( Vietnamese: Hà Nội Hán Tự: 河[[wikt 内|内]], estimated population 3398889 (2007, is the Capital of Vietnam
Japan The Japanese now celebrate their New Year (shōgatsu) on 1 January, with the first three days being holidays. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. The Japanese celebrate New Year's Day on January 1 each year Before 1873 the date of the was based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar and celebrated at New Year See also New Year The Ancient Romans began their consular year on January 1st since 153 BC
Other A few countries around the world regularly issue postage stamps and numismatic coins to commemorate Chinese New Year. A postage stamp is an adhesive paper evidence of pre-paying a fee for postal services Although Chinese New Year is not institutionalized as public holiday, these countries recognize the significant number of their citizens who are of Chinese origin. Han Chinese ( are an Ethnic group native to China and by most modern definitions the largest single Ethnic group in the world. The countries and territories that do so include Australia, Canada, Christmas Island, France, New Zealand, the United States, the Philippines and other countries. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Territory of Christmas Island is a small territory of Australia located in the Indian Ocean, 2600 kilometres (1600 mi northwest of This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP

Chunyun

The period around Chinese New Year is also the time of the largest human migration, when migrant workers in China, as well as overseas Chinese around the world travel home to have reunion dinners with their families on Chinese New Year's eve. Chunyun refers to the extremely high traffic load of transportation in China around the time of Chinese New Year. At Chinese New Year a reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve where members of the family near and far get together for celebration More interurban trips are taken in mainland China in this 40-day period than the total population of China. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National This period is called Chunyun (春運 or 春运)

Festivities

“ Red couplets and red lanterns are displayed on the door frames and light up the atmosphere. The air is filled with strong Chinese emotions. In stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and other cities, products of traditional Chinese style have started to lead fashion trend[s]. Buy yourself a Chinese-style coat, get your kids tiger-head hats and shoes, and decorate your home with some beautiful red Chinese knots, then you will have an authentic Chinese-style Spring Festival. ”

—Xinwen Lianbo, January 2001, quoted by Li Ren, Imagining China in the Era of Global Consumerism and Local Consciousness[2]

The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to kin, relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits" (Chinese: 拜年; pinyin: bàinián). Xinwen Lianbo ( literally Joint News Broadcast) is a daily News programme produced by China Central Television. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use New clothings are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations. Red packets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. In Chinese society, a red envelope or red packet (Known as Hong Bao in Mandarin Ang Pao in Hokkien and Lai See in Cantonese is a See Symbolism below for more explanation.

All these festivities may vary from region to region and from family to family.

Days before the new year

On the days before the New Year celebration Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning. There is a Cantonese saying "Wash away the dirts on ninyabaat" (年廿八，洗邋遢), but the practice is not usually restricted on nin'ya'baat(年廿八, the 28th day of month 12). It is believed the cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. Brooms and dust pans are put away on the first day so that luck cannot be swept away. Some people give their homes, doors and window-panes a new coat of red paint. Homes are often decorated with paper cutouts of Chinese auspicious phrases and couplets. A couplet is a pair of lines of verse. It usually consists of two lines that rhyme and have the same meter Purchasing new clothing, shoes and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start .

In many households where Buddhism or Taoism is prevalent, home altars and statues are cleaned thoroughly, and altars that were adorned with decorations from the previous year are also taken down and burned a week before the new year starts, and replaced with new decorations. A paper effigy of the Kitchen God, the recorder of family functions, is also burned in order to report to the Jade Emperor of the family household's transgressions and good deeds. In Chinese folk religion and Chinese mythology, the Kitchen God, named Zao Jun ( literally "stove master" or Zao Shen ( literally The Jade Emperor ( or 玉帝 Yù Dì) is the Taoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell

The biggest event of any Chinese New Year's Eve is the dinner every family will have. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. It is for display for the New Year's Eve dinner. This meal is comparable to Christmas dinner in the West. In northern China, it is customary to make dumplings (jiaozi 饺子) after dinner and have it around midnight. Jiaozi ( Chinese Transliteration) gyōza ( Japanese transliteration or mandu Dumplings symbolize wealth because their shape is like a Chinese tael. Tael can refer to any one of several Weight measures of the Far East. By contrast, in the South, it is customary to make a new year cake (Niangao, 年糕) after dinner and send pieces of it as gifts to relatives and friends in the coming days of the new year. Nian gao, Rice cake, Year cake or Chinese new year 's cake is a food prepared from Glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese Niangao literally means increasingly prosperous year in year out. After the dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year. Beginning in the 1980s, the CCTV New Year's Gala was broadcast minutes before the start of the New Year. The CCTV New Year's Gala ( is arguably the premier mainland Chinese television event of the year

Chinese New Year fireworks in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
Chinese New Year fireworks in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

First day of the new year

The first day is for the welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth, officially beginning at midnight. A firework is classified as a low explosive pyrotechnic device used primarily for aesthetic and entertainment purposes Victoria Harbour is a natural landform Harbour situated between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from meat consumption on the first day because it is believed that this will ensure longevity for them. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The word longevity is sometimes used as a synonym for " Life expectancy " in Demography. Some consider lighting fires and using knives to be bad luck on New Year's Day, so all food to be consumed is cooked the day before.

Most importantly, the first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents.

Some families may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises. Lion dance ( is a form of traditional Dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume Members of the family who are married also give red packets containing cash to junior members of the family, mostly children and teenagers.

While fireworks and firecrackers are traditionally very popular, some regions have banned them due to concerns over fire hazards, which have resulted in increased number of fires around New Years and challenged municipal fire departments' work capacity. For this reason, various city governments (e. g. , Hong Kong, and Beijing, for a number of years) issued bans over fireworks and firecrackers in certain premises of the city. As a substitute, large-scale fireworks have been launched by governments in cities like Hong Kong to offer citizens the experience.

Second day of the new year

Incense is burned at the graves of ancestors as part of the offering and prayer ritual.
Incense is burned at the graves of ancestors as part of the offering and prayer ritual. Incense is composed of Aromatic biotic materials It releases fragrant Smoke when burned

The second day of the Chinese New Year is for married daughters to visit their birth parents. Traditionally, daughters who have been married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families frequently.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

Business people of the Cantonese dialect group will hold a 'Hoi Nin' prayer to start their business on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year. The prayer is done to pray that they will be blessed with good luck and prosperity in their business for the year.

Third and fourth days of the new year

The third and fourth day of the Chinese New Year are generally accepted as inappropriate days to visit relatives and friends due to the following schools of thought. People may subscribe to one or both thoughts.

1) It is known as "chì kǒu" (赤口), meaning that it is easy to get into arguments. It is suggested that the cause could be the fried food and visiting during the first two days of the New Year celebration.

2) Families who had an immediate kin deceased in the past 3 years will not go house-visiting as a form of respect to the dead. The third day of the New Year is allocated to grave-visiting instead. Some people conclude it is inauspicious to do any house visiting at all.

Fifth day of the new year

In northern China, people eat Jiǎozi (simplified Chinese: 饺子; traditional Chinese: 餃子) (dumplings) on the morning of Po Wu (破五). Jiaozi ( Chinese Transliteration) gyōza ( Japanese transliteration or mandu This is also the birthday of the Chinese god of wealth. In Taiwan, businesses traditionally re-open on this day, accompanied by firecrackers.

Seventh day of the new year

The seventh day, traditionally known as renri 人日, the common man's birthday, the day when everyone grows one year older. Renri ( Chinese zh 人日 literally Human Day)refers specially to the 7th day of zhengyue (正月 the first month in the Chinese calendar)

It is the day when tossed raw fish salad, yusheng, is eaten. Yusheng, yee sang or yuu sahng ( is a Chaozhou-style raw Fish Salad. This is a custom primarily among the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Singapore. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and Singapore People get together to toss the colourful salad and make wishes for continued wealth and prosperity.

For many Chinese Buddhists, this is another day to avoid meat.

Chinese New Year's celebrations, on the eighth day, in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.
Chinese New Year's celebrations, on the eighth day, in the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver (vænˈkuːvɚ is a coastal Richmond (ˈrɪtʃmənd}} is an incorporated city on the Pacific coast of the Canadian province of British Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page

Ninth day of the new year

The ninth day of the New Year is a day for Chinese to offer prayers to the Jade Emperor of Heaven (天公) in the Taoist Pantheon. The Jade Emperor ( or 玉帝 Yù Dì) is the Taoist ruler of Heaven and all realms of existence below including that of Man and Hell Taoism (pronounced /ˈdaʊɪzəm/ or /ˈtaʊɪzəm/ also spelled '''Daoism''') refers to a variety of related Philosophical and Religious traditions The ninth day is traditionally the birthday of the Jade Emperor.

This day is especially important to Hokkiens and Teochews (Min Nan speakers). Hoklo ( Endonym Hok-ló, Hō-ló, or Ho̍h-ló) commonly refers to those Taiwanese people who claim Han Chinese ( Hokkien For the Teochew dialect of Min Nan Chinese see Teochew dialect. The Southern Min language or Min Nan ( POJ: Bân-lâm-gú or "Southern Fujian" language refers to a family of Chinese languages Dialects Come midnight of the eighth day of the new year, Hokkiens will offer thanks giving prayers to the Emperor of Heaven. Offerings will include sugarcane as it was the sugarcane that had protected the Hokkiens from certain extermination generations ago. Tea is served as a customary protocol for paying respect to an honored person.

Fifteenth day of the new year

The fifteenth day of the new year is celebrated as Yuánxiāo jié (元宵节), otherwise known as Chap Goh Mei in Fujian dialect. Chap Goh Meh or Tzap Goh Mei ( represents the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year period as celebrated by Chinese migrant communities This article is about the People's Republic of China province Rice dumplingsTangyuan (simplified Chinese: 汤圆; traditional Chinese: 湯圓; pinyin: tāngyuán), a sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup, is eaten this day. Tāngyuán is a Chinese food made from Glutinous rice flour Glutinous rice flour is mixed with a small amount of water to form balls and is then cooked and served Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Glutinous rice ( Oryza sativa var glutinosa or Oryza glutinosa; also called sticky rice, sweet rice, waxy rice Candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns. The Lantern Festival a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar year in the Chinese calendar.

This day often marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

New year cuisine

Niangao, Chinese New Year cake
Niangao, Chinese New Year cake

Reunion dinner

A reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve where members of the family, near and far away, get together for the celebration. Nian gao, Rice cake, Year cake or Chinese new year 's cake is a food prepared from Glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese At Chinese New Year a reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve where members of the family near and far get together for celebration New Year's Eve is on December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year and the day before New Year's Day. The venue will usually be in or near the home of the most senior member of the family. The New Year's Eve dinner is very sumptuous and traditionally includes chicken and fish. The chicken ( Gallus gallus, sometimes G gallus domesticus) is a domesticated Fowl which is traditionally believed to have descended from Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two In some areas, fish (simplified Chinese: 鱼; traditional Chinese: 魚; pinyin: yú) is included, but not eaten completely (and the remainder is stored overnight), as the Chinese phrase "may there be surpluses every year" (traditional Chinese: 年年有餘; simplified Chinese: 年年有余; pinyin: nián nián yǒu yú) sounds the same as "may there be fish every year. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use "

In mainland China, many families will banter whilst watching the CCTV New Year's Gala in the hours before midnight. Mainland China, Continental China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term synonymous with the area that is under the jurisdiction The CCTV New Year's Gala ( is arguably the premier mainland Chinese television event of the year

Red packets for the immediate family are sometimes distributed during the reunion dinner. In Chinese society, a red envelope or red packet (Known as Hong Bao in Mandarin Ang Pao in Hokkien and Lai See in Cantonese is a These packets often contain money in certain numbers that reflect good luck and honorability. Several foods are consumed to usher in wealth, happiness, and good fortune. Several of the Chinese food names are homophones for words that also mean good things. Chinese cuisine ( Traditional Chinese: 中國菜 Simplified Chinese: 中国菜 originated from the various regions of China and has become widespread in

Food items

Name Description
Buddha's delight
(traditional Chinese: 羅漢齋; simplified Chinese: 罗汉斋; pinyin: luóhàn zhāi)		 An elaborate vegetarian dish served by Chinese families on the eve and the first day of the New Year. Buddha's delight, often transliterated as Luóhàn zhāi, lo han jai, or lo hon jai, is a vegetarian Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Buddhist cuisine is a kind of East Asian Cuisine which is followed by some believers of Buddhism. A type of black hair-like algae, pronounced "fat choy" in Cantonese, is also featured in the dish for its name, which sounds like "prosperity". Algae ( sing. alga are a large and diverse group of simple typically Autotrophic organisms ranging from Unicellular to Multicellular forms Fat choy ( Nostoc flagelliforme) also known as faat choy, black moss, hair moss or hair weed is a terrestrial Hakkas usually serve kiu nyuk (Chinese: 扣肉; pinyin: kòuròu) and ngiong tiu fu. The Hakkas ( Hakka language: Hak-kâ; Mandarin Chinese: Kèjiā) are a subgroup of the Han Chinese people who live predominantly Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Yong tau foo ( also spelled yong tao foo, yong tau fu, or yong tau hu) is a Chinese soup dish with Hakka origins commonly found in Singapore
Fish Is usually eaten on the eve of Chinese New Year. Fish are aquatic Vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously Cold-blooded) covered with scales, and equipped with two The pronunciation of fish (魚yú) makes it a homophone for "surpluses"(餘yú).
Jau gok (Chinese: 油角) The main Chinese new year dumpling. Jau gok ( Jyutping: jau4 gok3 English approximation "yow gok" are traditional dumplings found within Cantonese cuisine originating from Guangdong It is believed to resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots (simplified Chinese: 金元宝; traditional Chinese: 金元寶; pinyin: jīn yuán bǎo)
Jiaozi dumplings Eaten traditionally in northern China because the preparation is similar to packaging luck inside the dumpling, which is later eaten. An ingot is a material usually metal that is cast into a shape suitable for further processing Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Jiaozi ( Chinese Transliteration) gyōza ( Japanese transliteration or mandu
Mandarin oranges Mandarin oranges are the most popular and most abundant fruit during Chinese New Year – jin ju (Chinese: 金橘子; pinyin: jīn júzi) translation: golden tangerine/orange or kam (Chinese: 柑; pinyin: gum) in Cantonese. The Mandarin orange or mandarin (or mandarine) is a small Citrus tree ( Citrus reticulata) with fruit resembling the orange. The Mandarin orange or mandarin (or mandarine) is a small Citrus tree ( Citrus reticulata) with fruit resembling the orange. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use
Melon seed/Kwatji
(Chinese: 瓜子; pinyin: gwāzi)		 Other variations include sunflower and pumpkin seeds
Nian gao (Chinese: 年糕) Most popular in eastern China (Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai) because its pronunciation is a homophone for "a more prosperous year". Melon is a term used for various members of the Cucurbitaceae family with fleshy fruit Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Nian gao, Rice cake, Year cake or Chinese new year 's cake is a food prepared from Glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese ( Postal map spelling: Kiangsu) is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country Zhejiang ( is an eastern coastal province of the People's Republic of China. Shanghai ( 上[[wikt 海|海]] is the largest city in China in terms of population and one of the largest urban areas in the world with over 20 million Nian gao is also popular in the Philippines because of its large Chinese population and is known as tikoy there. Known as Chinese New Year pudding, nian gao is made up of glutinous rice flour, wheat starch, salt, water, and sugar. The colour of the sugar used determines the colour of the pudding (white or brown).
Noodles Families may serve uncut noodles, which represent longevity and long life, though this practice is not limited to the new year. Chinese noodles are an essential ingredient and staple in Chinese cuisine.
Sweets Sweets and similar dried fruit goods are stored in a red or black Chinese candy box. Chinese candy box is a traditional box used during Chinese new year for storing Candy and other edible goods
Bakkwa Chinese salty-sweet dried meat which is trimmed of the fat, sliced, marinated and then smoked for later consumption or as a gift. Bakkwa, or rougan is a Chinese salty-sweet Dried meat product similar to jerky, made in the form of flat thin sheets
Taro cakes
Turnip cakes

New Year practices

Red packets

Red packets for sale in a Taipei, Taiwan market before the Year of the Rat
Red packets for sale in a Taipei, Taiwan market before the Year of the Rat

Traditionally, Red envelopes or red packets (Cantonese: lai shi or lai see) (利是, 利市 or 利事); (Mandarin: 'hóng bāo' (紅包); Hokkien: 'ang pow' (POJ: âng-pau); Hakka: 'fung bao'; are passed out during the Chinese New Year's celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. Taro cake is a Chinese dish made from the vegetable Taro. While it is denser in texture than Radish cakes both these savory cakes made in a similar ways Turnip cake is a Cantonese Dim sum dish made of shredded radish (typically Chinese radish or Daikon) and plain Rice flour. Taipei ( Taiwanese Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-pak-chhī Jhuyin Fuhao: ㄊㄞˊ ㄅㄟˇ ㄕˋ Hakka: Thòi-pet-sṳ has been the capital of Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. In Chinese society, a red envelope or red packet (Known as Hong Bao in Mandarin Ang Pao in Hokkien and Lai See in Cantonese is a The Southern Min language or Min Nan ( POJ: Bân-lâm-gú or "Southern Fujian" language refers to a family of Chinese languages Dialects Pe̍h-ōe-jī ( POJ) ( is an Orthography in the Latin alphabet created and introduced to Fujian and Taiwan by Presbyterian The Hakkas ( Hakka language: Hak-kâ; Mandarin Chinese: Kèjiā) are a subgroup of the Han Chinese people who live predominantly It is common for adults to give red packets to children. Red packets are also known as 壓歲錢/压岁钱 (Ya Sui Qian, which was evolved from 壓祟錢/压祟钱, literally, the money used to suppress or put down the evil spirit ) during this period.

Red envelopes always contain money, usually varying from a couple of dollars to several hundred. The amount of money in the red packets should be of even numbers, as odd numbers are associated with cash given during funerals (帛金 : Bai Jin). In Mathematics, the parity of an object states whether it is even or odd Since the number 4 is considered bad luck, because the word for four is a homophone for death, money in the red envelopes never adds up to $4. In Chinese culture, certain numbers are believed by some to be auspicious (吉利 or inauspicious (不利 based on the Chinese word that the number name sounds similar to Death is the termination of the biological functions that define living Organisms It refers both to a specific However, the number 8 is considered lucky (for its homophone for "wealth"), and $8 is commonly found in the red envelopes. Sometimes chocolate coins are found in the red packets.

Odd and even numbers are determined by the first digit, rather than the last. Thirty and fifty, for example, are odd numbers, and are thus appropriate as funeral cash gifts. However, it is common and quite acceptable to have cash gifts in a red packet using a single bank note – with ten or fifty yuan bills used frequently.

The act of requesting for red packets is normally called (Mandarin): 討紅包, 要利是. (Cantonese):逗利是. A married person would not turn down such request as it would mean that he or she would be "out of luck" in the new year (無利是). While this practice is common in South China, in the North people just give cash without any cover to their sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, and children of their relatives and friends. Unlike the South, it is common for people give 50 RMB or 100 RMB or even more, odd or even numbers are not taken into consideration anymore.

New Year markets

Shoppers at a New Year market in Chinatown, Singapore
Shoppers at a New Year market in Chinatown, Singapore

Markets or village fairs are set up as the New Year is approaching. Singapore 's Chinatown is an ethnic neighbourhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese Singapore These usually open-air markets feature new year related products such as flowers, toys, clothing, and even fireworks. It is convenient for people to buy gifts for their new year visits as well as their home decoration. In some places, the practice of shopping for the perfect plum tree is not dissimilar to the Western tradition of buying a Christmas tree. A Christmas tree, Yule tree, holiday tree or Tannenbaum (fir tree is one of the most popular Traditions associated with the celebration

Fireworks

Local man setting off fireworks during Chinese New Year in Shanghai.
Local man setting off fireworks during Chinese New Year in Shanghai. Shanghai ( 上[[wikt 海|海]] is the largest city in China in terms of population and one of the largest urban areas in the world with over 20 million

Bamboo stems filled with gunpowder that were burnt to create small explosions were once used in ancient China to drive away evil spirits. In modern times, this method has eventually evolved into the use of firecrackers during the festive season. A firecracker (also known as a cracker, noise maker, banger or bunger) is a small Explosive device primarily designed to produce Firecrackers are usually strung on a long fused string so it can be hung down. Each firecracker is rolled up in red papers, as red is auspicious, with gunpowders in its core. Once ignited, the firecracker lets out a loud popping noise and as they are usually strung together by the hundreds, the firecrackers are known for its deafening explosions that it is thought to scare away evil spirits. See also Myths above. The burning of firecrackers also signifies a joyful time of year and has become an integral aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations. [3]

Firecracker ban

The use of firecrackers, although a traditional part of celebration, has over the years witnessed many unfortunate outcomes. A firecracker (also known as a cracker, noise maker, banger or bunger) is a small Explosive device primarily designed to produce There have been reported incidents every year of users of fireworks being blinded, losing body parts, or suffering other grievous injuries, especially during festive seasons. Hence, governments and authorities eventually enacted laws completely banning the use of firecrackers privately, primarily because of safety issues.

Clothing

Clothing mainly featuring the colour red is commonly worn throughout the Chinese New Year because it is believed that red will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune. In addition, people typically wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolize a new beginning in the new year.

Shou Sui

守岁(守歲) (Shou Sui) occurs when members of the family gather around throughout the night after the reunion dinner and reminisce about the year that has passed while welcoming the year that has arrived. Some believe that children who Shou Sui will increase the longevity of the parents.

一夜连双岁，五更分二年 means that the night of New Year's eve (which is also the morning of the first day of the New Year) is a night that links two years. 五更 (Wu Geng – the double hour from 0300 to 0500) is the time that separates the two years.

Symbolism

During these 15 days of the Chinese New Year one will see superstitious or traditional cultural beliefs with meanings which can be puzzling in the eyes of those who do not celebrate this occasion. There is a customary reason that explains why everything, not just limited to decorations, are centered on the colour red. At times, gold is the accompanying colour for reasons that are already obvious. One best and common example is the red diamond-shaped posters with the character 福 (pinyin: fú), or "auspiciousness" which are displayed around the house and on doors. A glyph is an element of writing Two or more glyphs representing the same symbol whether interchangeable or context-dependent are called Allographs the abstract unit they This sign is usually seen hanging upside down, since the Chinese word 倒 (pinyin: dǎo), or "upside down", sounds similar as 到 (pinyin: dào), or "arrive". Therefore, it symbolizes the arrival of luck, happiness, and prosperity.

Flowers

The following are popular floral decorations for the New Year and are available at new year markets.

Floral Decor Meaning
Peach blossom symbolizes luck
Kumquat symbolizes prosperity
Narcissus symbolizes prosperity
Chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity
Bamboo a plant used for any time of year
Sunflower means to have a good year

Icons and ornamentals

Icons Meaning Illustrations
Fish The Koi fish is usually seen in paintings. The Peach Blossom (Thyatira batis is a Moth of the family Drepanidae. The kumquats or cumquats are a group of small fruit-bearing Trees in the genus Fortunella related to the Citrus in the Flowering Chrysanthemums, often called 'mums' are a genus ( Chrysanthemum) of about 30 species of perennial Flowering plants in the family Asteraceae Bamboo is a group of Woody perennial Evergreen Plants in the True grass family Poaceae, subfamily The sunflower ( Helianthus annuus) is an Annual plant in the family Asteraceae and native to the Americas, with a large flowering (kɔɪ or more specifically (niɕikigoi literally " brocaded carp" are ornamental domesticated varieties of the Common carp Cyprinus carpio. Decorated food depicting the fish can also be found. It symbolizes surplus or having additional savings so as to have more than enough to live throughout the remaining year. It coheres with the Chinese idiom (Pinyin: niánnián yŏuyú)
Yuanbao ingots The gold yuanbao (金元宝; jīn yuánbǎo) symbolizes money and/or wealth. A sycee was a type of Silver or Gold Ingot currency used in China until the 20th century Yuanbao shaped ingots were the standard medium of exchange in ancient China.
Lanterns These lanterns differ from those of Mid Autumn Festival in general. A lantern is a Portable Lighting device used to illuminate broad areas The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, or in Chinese Zhongqiu Jie ( is a popular harvest festival celebrated by Chinese They will be red in colour and tend to be oval in shape. These are the traditional Chinese paper lanterns. Those lanterns, used on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year for the Lantern Festival, are bright, colourful, and in many different sizes and shapes.
Decorations Decorations generally convey a New Year greeting. They are not advertisements. Chinese calligraphy posters show Chinese idioms. The art of Calligraphy is widely practiced and revered in the East Asian Civilizations that use or used Chinese characters. Other decorations include a New year picture, Chinese knots, and papercutting and couplets. A New Year picture (Chinese 年[[wikt 画|画]] is an important and popular Banhua in China Chinese knotting ( is a decorative handicraft arts that began as a form of Chinese folk art in the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD in China Chinese Paper Cutting or Jianzhi (Chinese 剪纸 jiǎn zhǐ is the first type of Papercutting design since Paper was invented by Cai Lun A couplet is a pair of lines of verse. It usually consists of two lines that rhyme and have the same meter
Dragon dance and Lion dance Dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year. Dragon dance ( is a form of traditional Dance and performance in Chinese culture. Lion dance ( is a form of traditional Dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits. Lion dances are also popular for opening of businesses in Hong Kong. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders
Fortune gods Cai Shen Ye, Che Kung,etc. Cai Shen ( is the Chinese god of prosperity He can be referred to as Zhao Gongming or Bi Gan. Che Kung (車公 was originally a military commander of Song Dynasty.

Superstitions during the New Year period

The following is a list of beliefs that vary according to dialect groups / individuals.

Good luck

Bad luck

New Year parades

Origins

In 1849, with the discovery of gold and the ensuing California Gold Rush, over 50,000 people had come to San Francisco to seek their fortune or just a better way of life. The California Gold Rush (1848&ndash1855 began on January 24 1848 when Gold was discovered by James Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city Among those were many Chinese, who had come to work in the gold mines and on the railroad. By the 1860’s, the Chinese were eager to share their culture with those who were unfamiliar with it. They chose to showcase their culture by using a favorite American tradition – the Parade. Nothing like it had ever been done in their native China. They invited a variety of other groups from the city to participate, and they marched down what today are Grant Avenue and Kearny Street carrying colourful flags, banners, lanterns, and drums and firecrackers to drive away evil spirits.

Today

Today, Chinese New Year parades are annual traditions across North America in cities with significant Chinese populations. Among the cities with such parades are San Francisco,[8] Los Angeles,[9] New York City, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The City of New York Vancouver (vænˈkuːvɚ is a coastal [10] However, even smaller cities that are historically connected to Chinese immigration, such as Butte, Montana,[11] have recently hosted parades. Butte (IPA) is a city in and the County seat of Silver Bow County, Montana, United States.

Greetings

The Chinese New Year is often accompanied by loud, enthusiastic greetings, often referred to as 吉祥話 (Jíxiánghùa), or loosely translated as auspicious words or phrases. Some of the most common examples may include:

Happy New Year

simplified Chinese: 新年快乐; traditional Chinese: 新年快樂; pinyin: Xīnnián kuàilè; Hokkien POJ: Sin-nî khòai-lo̍k; Cantonese: San nin faai lok. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use Pe̍h-ōe-jī ( POJ) ( is an Orthography in the Latin alphabet created and introduced to Fujian and Taiwan by Presbyterian A more contemporary greeting reflective of western influences, it literally translates from the greeting "Happy new year" more common in the west. But in northern parts of China, traditionally people say simplified Chinese: 过年好; traditional Chinese: 過年好; pinyin: guònian hǎo instead of simplified Chinese: 新年快乐, to differentiate it from the international new year. Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use And 過年好 can be used from the first day to the fifth day of Chinese new year.

Congratulations and be prosperous

Kung Hei Fat Choi at Lee Theatre Plaza, Hong Kong
Kung Hei Fat Choi at Lee Theatre Plaza, Hong Kong

simplified Chinese: 恭喜发财; traditional Chinese: 恭喜發財; pinyin: Gōngxǐ fācái; Hokkien: Keong hee huat chye (POJ: Kiong-hí hoat-châi); Cantonese: Kung Hei Fat Choi; Hakka: Kung hei fat choi, which loosely translates to "Congratulations and be prosperous". Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Pinyin, more formally Hanyu pinyin, is the most common Standard Mandarin Romanization system in use The Southern Min language or Min Nan ( POJ: Bân-lâm-gú or "Southern Fujian" language refers to a family of Chinese languages Dialects Pe̍h-ōe-jī ( POJ) ( is an Orthography in the Latin alphabet created and introduced to Fujian and Taiwan by Presbyterian The Hakkas ( Hakka language: Hak-kâ; Mandarin Chinese: Kèjiā) are a subgroup of the Han Chinese people who live predominantly Often mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with "Happy new year", its usage dates back several centuries. While the first two words of this phrase had a much longer historical significance (legend has it that the congratulatory messages were traded for surviving the ravaging beast of Nian, although in practical terms it may also involve surviving the harsh winter conditions), the last two words were added later as ideas of capitalism and consumerism became more significant in Chinese societies around the world. In Chinese mythology, a Nian ( is a beast that lives under the sea or in the mountains Capitalism is the Economic system in which the Means of production are owned by private Persons and operated for Profit and where Consumerism is the equation of personal Happiness with the purchase of material possessions and consumption. The saying is now commonly heard in English speaking communities for greetings during Chinese New Year in parts of the world where there is a sizable Chinese-speaking community, including overseas Chinese communities that have been resident for several generations, relatively recent immigrants from Greater China, and those who are transit migrants (particularly students). English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Greater China ( is a term referring collectively to both the territories administered by the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau)

Other greetings

Numerous other greetings exist, some of which may be exclaimed out loud to no one in particular in specific situations. For example, as breaking objects during the new year is considered inauspicious, one may then say 歲歲平安 (Suìsuì píng'ān) immediately, which means everlasting peace year after year. 歲 (Suì, meaning "age") is homophonous with 碎 (meaning "shatter"), in demonstration of the Chinese love for wordplay in auspicious phrases. Similarly, 年年有餘 (Niánnián yǒuyú), a wish for surpluses and bountiful harvests every year, plays on the word yú to also refer to 魚 (meaning fish), making it a catch phrase for fish-based Chinese new year dishes and for paintings or graphics of fish that are hung on walls or presented as gifts.

These greetings or phrases may also be used just before children receive their red packets, when gifts are exchanged, when visiting temples, or even when tossing the shredded ingredients of yusheng particularly popular in Malaysia and Singapore. Yusheng, yee sang or yuu sahng ( is a Chaozhou-style raw Fish Salad.

Irreverent children may jokingly use the phrase (Traditional Chinese:恭喜發財,紅包拿來, Simplified Chinese: 恭喜发财，红包拿来) (Mandarin PinYin: Gōngxǐ fācái, hóngbāo nálái) ( Cantonese: 恭喜發財,利是逗來 ), roughly translated as "Congratulations and be prosperous, now give me a red envelope. "

Back in the 1970s, children in Hong Kong used the saying: 恭喜發財,利是逗來,伍毫嫌少,壹蚊唔愛 (Cantonese), roughly translated as, "Congratulations and be prosperous, now give me a red envelope, fifty cents is too little, don't want a dollar either. " It basically meant that they disliked small change – coins which were called "hard substance" (Cantonese: 硬嘢). Instead, they wanted "soft substance" (Cantonese: 軟嘢), which was either a ten dollar or a twenty dollar bill.

See also

References

Notes

  1. ^ See Chinese calendar for details and references. The Japanese celebrate New Year's Day on January 1 each year Before 1873 the date of the was based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar and celebrated at Korean New Year, known as Seollal ( or Gujeong ( is the first day of the lunar Korean calendar. This article is about the Vietnamese holiday For the 1968 military operation that began on that holiday see Tết Offensive. The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, incorporating elements of a Lunar calendar with those of a Solar calendar.
  2. ^ Li Ren (2003). Imagining China in the Era of Global Consumerism and Local Consciousness: Media, Mobility, and the Spring Festival. PhD thesis, College of Communications, Ohio University. Retrieved on 2007-09-13. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Edited for grammar.
  3. ^ Firecrackers Singapore
  4. ^ Book soul 1970
  5. ^ Chingay Past
  6. ^ Akbur M. , Peer (2002). Policing Singapore in the 19th and 20th centuries. Singapore Police Force, 100. The Singapore Police Force ( Abbreviation: SPF; Chinese: 新加坡警察部队; Malay: Pasukan Polis Singapura Tamil ISBN 981-04-7024-X.  
  7. ^ Can you pig it? New York goes hog-wild for Chinese New Year, New York Post, February 17, 2007. Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  8. ^ Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco
  9. ^ Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles
  10. ^ Chinese New Year Parade in Vancouver
  11. ^ A Chinese New Year Parade in Butte, Montana? Sure.

General

External links


Dictionary

Chinese New Year

-noun

  1. An annual Chinese holiday, marking the beginning of the lunar year
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