Gōng xǐ fā cái! Or if you don’t speak Mandarin or Cantonese, Happy New Year!
What and when is Chinese New Year?
Despite being nearly two months into the new year in the west, Chinese New Year this year falls on February 16th, and is a celebration of the start of the new lunar cycle.
Every year is assigned one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and also one of five elements. Also called the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year 2018 will celebrate the transition into the Year of the Dog. Every animal in the zodiac and every element is linked to different characteristics and personality traits. People born in the Year of the Dog are thought to be communicative, serious and responsible.
Click here to find out your Chinese zodiac sign and element!
It is said that Chinese New Year began sometime around 3000 BC. The Chinese calendar is based on astronomical observations of the Sun and Moon. Because lunar and solar cycles vary, the actual date of Chinese New Year can fall on different days every year.
What do people do on Chinese New Year?
This holiday is perhaps the most important in the Chinese calendar, and so there are lots of different traditions associated with it.
- The colour red, symbolising health, wealth and fortune is often seen on everything from decorations to hong bao (envelopes filled with money given to children by their elders).
- People display tangerines, as well as, oranges to ward off bad luck and usher in happiness.
- It is a time when people thoroughly clean their house to symbolise new beginnings.
- Firecrackers are set off to ward off demons.
- Families eat traditional food such as hot pot, dumplings and communal meat dishes.
- Performances of the lion and dragon dances. In a lion dance, performers dressed in brightly coloured costumes mimic the movements of large lions. They dance and jump in the street to the loud clashes of cymbals and drums. In a dragon dance, a group of people in the street each hold a large pole above their head to support a huge silky dragon. They move it like a snake through the air making it chase pearls and dance to music.
Where to go to celebrate Chinese New Year
- London is the hub for Chinese New Year in the UK, with over 700,000 people attending annually. It the largest celebration of Chinese New Year outside of Asia! The biggest events will be on February 16th in Trafalgar Square, across Chinatown and, in the West End.
- Manchester also celebrates with events in the Arndale Centre and a Chinese food pop up market in St Ann’s Square.
- A lively street party will be happening in the Chinese Quarter in Birmingham, with lion dancing, lanterns and lots of food!
- Liverpool and Newcastle will also be hosting big events, with light shows and carnivals that are sure to delight everyone who takes part.
Wherever you live, get involved with the Chinese community as the world celebrates the beginning of the auspicious Year of the Dog!
Written by Maia H.