Chinese New Year is the most significant of all the Chinese holidays. Chinese people from all over the world come together to celebrate their New Year over a 15-day period. There are lots of feasts, decorations, and interesting symbolism that relate to the history of the holiday and their desire for good luck.
Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year. The day is not celebrated on January 1 but on the first day of the Chinese calendar. N. Korea, S. Korea, and Vietnam also celebrate it. Whenever we hear about any event related to China, the first thought that comes to mind is Ali Express, the biggest e-commerce company, and all the Chinese sellers spread across the world.
The Chinese New Year can change the date every other year. This is because the Chinese based their celebrations by using the lunar calendar which is a 10-month lunar calendar. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20. It marks the beginning of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar. For each year, the calendar of the Chinese is identified by one of the 12 animals in theory astrology.
It can be one of the 12 animals, such as a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each of these zodiac animals has its own unique significance in Chinese astrology.
The Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days. It starts with the Lunar New Year and ends with the Lantern Festival, which is done on the 15th evening. Each of those 15 days also has a specific meaning for the Chinese.
There is a specific day for visiting and honoring the elderly, welcoming the Chinese gods, saying prayers, staying home and not visiting, going to the market, having reunions, and visiting and dining with the family. All of those tasks must be done on a specific day. This is also included in their traditions.
During the Chinese New Year, people give red money packets to their younger friends and relatives as gifts. They say that it will bring luck to the givers if they follow this tradition. Lots of fireworks and firecrackers will be heard during the Chinese New Year. They say that these will drive away the evil spirits from the previous year.
That way, they can begin the new year in peace. There are also dragon and lion dances, banners, floral decorations, red lanterns, and many more on the 15th day. The entire Chinese community will party and celebrate together in a very colorful way.
Although we all know the Chinese New Year is celebrated in China alone, it is now being celebrated all over the world. In every part of the world, there is a Chinese community.
There are Chinese people living in the United States and Canada, as well as in China's neighboring countries like Nepal, Vietnam, Korea, and the rest of Southeast Asia.