Hello
everyone, surely all of you have seen how spectacular Chinese New Year
celebrations in all over the world. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar
New Year, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. It
marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is steeped in rich traditions,
colorful customs, and unique practices. Here are 10 Interesting Facts About
the Chinese New Year that make this celebration so fascinating.
Chinese
New Year is often referred to as the Spring Festival in China because it marks
the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Curious? Come on, read and enjoy our post below!
Hope Wrapped by The
Excitement and Joy
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10 Interesting Facts About the Chinese New Year - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
The excitement shown at every Chinese New Year celebration is full
of meaning. Everyone who celebrates it has great hopes for better luck, health,
success in business or career, happiness, and togetherness with family and
friends in the coming year.
At this New Year’s moment, they Celebrate it with unique customs
that have been passed down from generation to generation since thousands of
years ago. Here are the interesting facts:
1. Animal Signs According to the Zodiac Cycle
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Animal Signs According to the Zodiac Cycle - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
First, In Chinese tradition, the calendar system is used by the
zodiac which symbolizes 12 animals. The animals in the Chinese zodiac symbolize
a deep connection to the country’s ancient cultural heritage, each having a
unique meaning in Chinese history, mythology, and customs. These 12 animals
are:
- Rat: The Rat zodiac
symbolizes good luck, intelligence, and flexibility. People who were born
in the year of the Rat (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032) have
character, imaginative, charming, generous, intellectual, ambitious,
opportunistic, passionate and sensitive.
- Ox: The Ox
zodiac symbolizes hard work, bravery, happiness, and peace. People
who were born in the year of the Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021,
2033) are faithful, strong, conservative, handy, and courageous.
- Tiger: The Tiger
zodiac symbolizes good changes, bravery, strength encouragement to face
difficulties. People who were born in the year of the Tiger (1950, 1962,
1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) have character, dignity, sensitivity,
competitiveness, risk-taking, jealousy, dominance, and honesty.
- Rabbit: The Rabbit
zodiac symbolizes bringing new luck, prosperity, hope, and serenity.
People who were born in the year of the Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987,
1999, 2011, 2023) have character, affectionate, sentimental, curious,
possessive, selfish, fussy, and fashionable.
- Dragon: The dragon
zodiac symbolizes good luck, strength, and health. People who were born in
the year of the Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) have
character, intelligence, enthusiasm, critical, arrogant, self-assured, and
competent.
- Snake: The Snake
zodiac symbolizes good, strategic, and stable changes. People who were
born in the year of the Snake (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)
have character, profound, wise, secretive, proud, charming, insightful,
and vindictive.
- Horse: The Horse
zodiac symbolizes passion, excitement, stability, and peace. People
who were born in the year of the Horse (1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002,
2014, 2026) have character, independent, competitive, impatient, friendly,
selfish, adventurous, and cheerful.
- Goat: The Goat
zodiac symbolizes motivation, creativity, peace, and empathy. People
who were born in the year of the Goat (1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015,
2027) have character, kind, artistic, people pleaser, and gentle.
- Monkey: The
Monkey zodiac symbolizes, enthusiastic, expresive, and good
luck. People who were born in the year of the Monkey (1956, 1968,
1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028) have character, humor, eccentricity,
talkative, sociable, and curious.
- Rooster: The
Rooster zodiac symbolizes hard work, good decisions, confidence, and
perfection. People who were born in the year of the Rooster (1957,
1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029) have character, loyal, aggressive,
protective, and diligent.
- Dog: The Dog
zodiac symbolizes dedication, loyalty, and success in career and
life. People who were born in the year of the Dog (1958, 1970, 1982,
1994, 2006, 2018, 2030) are faithful, devoted, honest, reliable, and fair.
- Pig: The Pig
zodiac symbolizes happiness, tolerance, and success in career and
life. People who were born in the year of the Pig (1959, 1971, 1983,
1995, 2007, 2019, 2031) are funny, friendly, generous, sincere, and
materialistic.
Each year is
associated with one of these animals, cycling every 12 years. People born in a
particular year are said to inherit the traits of the zodiac animal
representing that year.
As families
prepare for the New Year, it’s common to see decorations and gifts themed
around the zodiac animal of the year. This tradition ties personal identity to
cultural celebration, adding a layer of uniqueness to the festivities.
2. Excitement with Fireworks and Firecrackers
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Excitement with Fireworks and Firecrackers - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
The Chinese
New Year is often marked by the dazzling display of fireworks and the loud
crackling of firecrackers. These explosive traditions aren’t just for
entertainment—they have cultural significance. Fireworks and firecrackers are
believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
According to
legend, the loud noises and bright lights scare away the mythical beast Nian,
which was said to terrorize villages at the start of each new year. Even today,
the vibrant displays symbolize joy and hope for a prosperous year ahead.
3. Lion Dragon Dance
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Lion Dragon Dance - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
Next,
Lion and
dragon dances are iconic elements of Chinese New Year celebrations. These
traditional performances involve skilled dancers operating large, colorful
costumes that mimic the movements of lions and dragons. The lion dance
symbolizes bravery and strength, while the dragon dance is a representation of
power, wisdom, and wealth.
These
performances are typically accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, cymbals,
and gongs, creating a lively atmosphere. Communities often invite lion or
dragon dance troupes to perform at businesses or homes to bring good luck and
drive away negative energy.
4. The Red Color Dominates the Celebration
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The Red Color Dominates the Celebration - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
Red is the
primary color of the Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and
prosperity. Homes, streets, and businesses are adorned with red decorations
such as lanterns, banners, and couplets bearing auspicious messages. Even
clothing worn during the celebration often features red.
The color
red is believed to bring good fortune and protect against evil spirits. This is
why red envelopes (Hong Bao) containing money are also exchanged during the New
Year festivities.
5. Family Dinner and Special Food
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Family Dinner and Special Food - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
On the eve of New Year, gathering and eating with family is one of
the things that must be done. Bringing together family members from near and far to sharing
happiness and warmth with special dishes is a joy to welcome the New Year.
The special menu served when eating with family on Chinese New
Year’s Eve includes fried noodles (Longevity
Noodles), whole fish (symbolizing abundance), duck or chicken, soup,
roast pork, boiled egg (which is boiled with ketchup and tea), dumplings (representing wealth), spring
rolls, rice
cakes (signifying progress), basket cakes, cupcakes, fruit and vegetable
salads, candy and sweets, and much more.
And, all these menus contain meanings such as good health and long
life, success in business and career, happiness, and good luck. Sharing this meal is
a way of passing blessings to loved ones.
6. Distribute Money in Red Envelope
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Distribute Money in Red Envelope - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
Further,
a
beloved tradition during the Chinese New Year is giving red envelopes,
or Hong bao, containing money. These envelopes are typically given by
elders to younger family members, symbolizing the sharing of blessings and
wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
The amount
of money inside varies, but it is often an even number as odd numbers are
associated with funerals. The act of giving Hong bao is not only a
gesture of generosity but also a way to strengthen familial bonds.
7. The Length of the New Year's Time
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The Length of the New Year’s Time - Image Credit Pinterest Community
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Unlike the
one-day celebrations of many holidays, the Chinese New Year festivities span a
total of 15 days, starting from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival on the
15th day of the first lunar month. Each day holds unique traditions and
customs.
For
instance, the first day is reserved for visiting family and honoring ancestors,
while the seventh day is known as “everyone’s birthday” when everyone grows a
year older. The extended celebrations allow families and communities to fully
immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
8. Lantern Festival
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Lantern Festival - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
Furthermore,
the
grand finale of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the Lantern Festival.
Today, streets and homes are illuminated with colorful lanterns, often
featuring intricate designs and auspicious symbols. Families gather to admire
the lantern displays and solve riddles written on them, a tradition that dates
back thousands of years.
The Lantern
Festival also includes traditional performances like dragon dances and folk
music. Tangyuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savory fillings, are
a popular treat enjoyed during this time. The round shape of the tangyuan
represents family unity and completeness.
9. Orange Fruit as Symbols of Life and Prosperity
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Orange Fruit as Symbols of Life and Prosperity - Image Credit Pinterest Community
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Lastly, Chinese New Year celebrations are never without the
presence of Mandarin oranges. Mandarin oranges with orange skin, some
small and large, have a very sweet taste.
Besides that, mandarin oranges are believed to symbolize the
prosperity of fortune that is always growing. Some say mandarin oranges are a
symbol of life and prosperity.
These fruits
are often displayed as decorations, gifted to friends and relatives, or
included in offerings to ancestors. Their symbolic meaning adds a touch of
prosperity to the celebrations.
10. Spring Cleaning Before the
Celebration
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Spring Cleaning Before the Celebration - Image Credit Pinterest Community |
The
last, in preparation for the Chinese New Year, families engage in thorough
spring cleaning of their homes. This practice is rooted in the belief that
cleaning sweeps away bad luck from the past year and makes room for good
fortune in the new year.
However,
after the New Year begins, sweeping and cleaning are avoided to prevent
accidentally “sweeping away” the incoming luck. The tradition emphasizes the
importance of starting the year with a clean slate and positive energy.
From these 10
Interesting Facts About the Chinese New Year, we can say that is more than
just a cultural celebration; it is a time for renewal, togetherness, and hope.
From the vibrant lion dragon dances to the simple act of sharing oranges, each
tradition holds deep significance and reflects values cherished in Chinese
culture.
These 10
interesting facts highlight the richness and joy of the Chinese New Year,
making it a fascinating and meaningful celebration for millions of people
worldwide. Whether you’re enjoying the fireworks or savoring symbolic dishes,
the Lunar New Year spirit will surely leave a lasting impression.
Happy Chinese New Year!
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