Things You Should Know About Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, no matter how you call it, one thing is for sure, it has arrived. We live in an interconnected world, where cultures and traditions have expanded across nations; and millions of people join the celebrations. Let’s help you to better understand this yearly festival with the following facts:

1. The date of the Chinese New Year varies every year.

The Chinese New Year is established by the moon phase-based Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Therefore, the Chinese New Year date varies each year when translated to the Gregorian calendar we use in daily life, but it still falls between January 21 and February 20. 

2. The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals

Every sign in the Western astrology zodiac is assigned to months, while every Chinese Zodiac sign is given to the entire year. 

3. Decorations & symbols

The Chinese New Year’s decorations are typically red because it represents "luck" for them. Decorations come in various forms, each with their specific meaning. 

• Lanterns are believed to get rid of bad luck. They are usually hanging on the streets, buildings, and trees. 
• Door couplets contain two pieces; that’s why they are named as such.
• Putting them on both sides of the doors will provide you good wishes.
• The Chinese character Fu represents good luck and joyfulness. It is believed that when you display these signs upside down, good fortune will come into your home.
• Mandarine oranges or also called tangerines, represent abundance and prosperity. It can be a present for your friends and family aside from being a decoration. 

4. Red envelopes

These envelopes with money inside are distributed as a gift. It shows that the wealth from the older generations will be passed to the younger ones.

The kids or young individuals receive it from someone older than them, such as their parents, grandparents, friends, employees, etc. Red envelopes also come in electronic form.

5. Family reunions and street parades

Celebrating Chinese New Year lasts longer. And as such, there are a number of ways to celebrate.

Friends and family celebrate together and give/receive gifts. People didn't mind how far they could travel to be reunited with their families because of this celebration. That's why Chinese New Year is the most significant for human migration among all. 

Moreover, people love to buy food and flowers in street parades and open-air markets as they're having fun in the festive aura.

6.The dragon dance

The dragon dance is a well-known performance in street celebrations. 

The dragon represents wisdom, power, and good luck.

It is believed that performing the dragon dance drives away evil spirits and bring luck closer to you.

7. Best wishes

During the Chinese New Year celebration, wish each other good luck, health, and good fortune with every person you meet. Provide paper or electronic greeting cards to anyone who can't attend the festival.

8. Lucky numbers

This list comes to an end with 8 for a reason. 

Numbers are part of Chinese culture wherein they believe that each of them contains special meanings. 8, 6, and 9 are lucky numbers, while 4 is the opposite. Now, you already have an idea about what to do when putting cash on the red envelope.