Discover the Start Date of Chinese New Year 2021: Essential Information and Traditions

Are you a fan of cultural festivities? Do you love vibrant colors, delicious food, and family gatherings? Then you should be looking forward to the Chinese New Year! When does that occur in 2021, you ask? Well, keep reading to find out.

Firstly, let's take a quick history lesson. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is an ancient festival observed in countries like China, Vietnam, and Korea. It celebrates the end of winter and the start of spring, as well as honoring ancestors and deities. The dates for the Chinese New Year vary from year to year, depending on the lunar calendar.

So, when does the Chinese New Year start in 2021?

The official date for the start of the Chinese New Year is February 12, 2021. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox, according to the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac assigns different animals to each year in a twelve-year cycle, with the ox symbolizing honesty, diligence, and dependability.

But wait, there's more. The Chinese New Year doesn't just last for a day - it goes on for fifteen days! During this time, there are plenty of traditions and customs to follow. For example, families will clean their homes to sweep away bad luck, decorate with red lanterns and banners, and exchange red envelopes filled with money to wish good fortune on their loved ones.

Now, you might be wondering why the color red is so important in Chinese New Year celebrations. Here's a fun fact for you: Red is believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and happiness. So, don't be shy about donning your red jacket or buying some red decorations for your home!

Another interesting tradition during the Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner. Families will gather on New Year's Eve to share a big feast, which usually includes dumplings, noodles, fish, and other symbolic dishes. This meal is an important opportunity for families to bond and catch up with each other.

But what about those who can't travel home for the Chinese New Year due to work or distance? Well, technology has made it easier than ever to connect with loved ones from afar. Many people now use video calling apps like Zoom or WeChat to have virtual reunion dinners and stay connected despite the distance.

So there you have it - everything you need to know about when the Chinese New Year starts in 2021, and some of the traditions and customs that come with it. Whether you're already familiar with the holiday or are just discovering it for the first time, we hope you'll enjoy celebrating with your family and friends.

Don't miss out on this colorful, joyous festival - mark February 12 on your calendars and get ready to welcome the Year of the Ox with open arms!

"When Does Chinese New Year Start 2021" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a grand festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is the most important and widely celebrated festival in China, and it marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. The date of Chinese New Year varies from year to year, often falling between late January and mid-February. This article will discuss the exact date the Chinese New Year starts in 2021 and other interesting facts about the festival.

The Date of Chinese New Year 2021

What Will Be the Animal Sign for Chinese New Year 2021?

Chinese New Year 2021 will start on Friday, February 12th, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox. In Chinese culture, each year is represented by an animal sign from the Chinese zodiac. There are twelve animals in total- Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig- which rotate every twelve years.

Why Is the Date of Chinese New Year Different Every Year?

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used worldwide, the Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar. This means that the date of Chinese New Year falls on a different day every year because it depends on the cycles of the moon.

How Long Does Chinese New Year Last?

Chinese New Year festivities typically last for fifteen days, from the date of New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival. However, the first three days are the most important and are celebrated as public holidays in China. So if you're planning to visit China during this time, be prepared for large crowds and long queues at popular tourist destinations!

How Do People Celebrate Chinese New Year?

The Importance of Family Reunions

Chinese New Year is a time when families gather to celebrate and to reconnect. It's customary for people to travel long distances to be with their families during this period, causing a massive migration of people across the country. This phenomenon is known as Chunyun, or Spring Migration, and can cause a lot of congestion in transport hubs such as airports, train stations, and bus terminuses.

The Customs of the Festival

There are many customs associated with Chinese New Year, such as wearing red clothes, decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets, and setting off fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve. The color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and it's said to scare away evil spirits. Red packets containing money, called Hong Bao, are also given as gifts to children by their elders during the festival.

The Food of the Festival

Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, and many traditional dishes are prepared during the festival. Dumplings, Glutinous rice cakes (Nian Gao), fish, and spring rolls are some of the most popular dishes served during the festive season. These dishes have symbolic meanings relating to prosperity, good luck, and longevity.

The Significance of Chinese New Year

The History of the Festival

Chinese New Year has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Legend has it that the festival started with Nian, a ferocious beast that preyed on humans on New Year's Eve. To ward off the beast, villagers would put up red decorations, set off firecrackers, and make loud noises. These customs eventually evolved into the modern-day Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Significance of Spring Festival

Chinese New Year is the most important festival in China because it signifies new beginnings, and it's a time to wish for luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. During this time, people also pay tribute to their ancestors and the gods in the hope of receiving blessings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant festival in China that's celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm. The date of Chinese New Year 2021 falls on Friday, February 12th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Ox. The festivities last for fifteen days, and it's a time for family gatherings, customs, and traditions, all aimed at ushering in a new year filled with good luck and prosperity.

When Does Chinese New Year Start 2021

Introduction

Chinese New Year is a special day for the Chinese because it marks the beginning of a new year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. The date of this event changes every year since it follows the cycle of the moon. In 2021, the Chinese New Year will fall on Friday, February 12th. To celebrate the arrival of the new year, the Chinese people engage in a series of traditions and customs that symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

Background

The Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival. It is an important occasion for the Chinese because it reflects their cultural roots and heritage. This celebration has been around for thousands of years, and it has evolved over time. Nowadays, the Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China, and it is also celebrated in many parts of Asia and around the world.

The Lunar Calendar

The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most countries. The lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, which is roughly 29.5 days. As a result, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year, usually between the 21st of January and the 20th of February.

The Zodiac Animal

Each year in the Chinese lunar calendar is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac. There are twelve zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The cycle repeats every twelve years, so someone born in the year of the Rat, for example, will experience it again twelve years later. In 2021, the zodiac animal is the Ox.

Preparations

In the days leading up to the Chinese New Year, the Chinese engage in a series of preparations to welcome the new year. This includes cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and decorating with traditional ornaments, such as the Chinese character 福 (Fú) which means good fortune or happiness. They also prepare for family gatherings and cook traditional foods, such as dumplings and fish.

Celebrations

The Chinese New Year celebrations last for fifteen days, and each day has its own significance. On New Year's Eve, the Chinese have a reunion dinner with their families. It is the most important meal of the year, and it symbolizes unity and togetherness. They also set off fireworks to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. On the first day of the new year, the Chinese visit close relatives and friends, bearing gifts and well wishes. This tradition is called 拜年 (bài nián). In addition, they give red envelopes filled with money to children and young adults to bring them good luck.

Comparison Table

Here is a table comparing the date of the Chinese New Year in 2021 with the Gregorian calendar used in most countries:| Date | Lunar Calendar | Gregorian Calendar || :----------:|:-------------:|:------------------:|| February 12th | New Year's Day | N/A || February 13th | Second Day of the New Year | N/A || February 14th | Third Day of the New Year | Valentine's Day || February 15th | Fourth Day of the New Year | N/A || February 16th | Fifth Day of the New Year | N/A |

Opinion

Overall, the Chinese New Year is an important and exciting event that is celebrated around the world. It showcases the cultural richness and diversity of the Chinese people, and it provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Whether you participate in the traditions and customs or simply appreciate the festivities from afar, the Chinese New Year is a reminder of the universal values of love, unity, and prosperity.

When Does Chinese New Year Start 2021

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is an annual celebration that marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar. It's the most important and widely celebrated festival in China and across different Asian countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia with large Chinese communities. Although the date of the festival changes every year, the celebration typically lasts for 15 days. In this blog post, we will discuss when Chinese New Year starts in 2021 and what are the traditions and customs associated.

2021 – The Year of the Ox

Chinese New Year follows the lunar cycle, which means it usually falls between January 21 and February 20. This year, Chinese New Year starts on February 12, 2021, and ends on February 26, 2021. Each year is also associated with an animal sign from the Chinese zodiac, and 2021 marks the year of the Ox. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the Ox are honest, reliable, and hardworking. They are also seen as strong-willed individuals who are determined to achieve their goals.

Preparation for the Festival

The preparation for Chinese New Year usually starts a month before the festival. Families clean their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and decorate their homes with red lanterns, banners, and other decorations. Red is believed to bring good luck and happiness, so it's common to see red everywhere during the festival. People also buy new clothes, cook special meals, and make offerings to their ancestors.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is the most important part of the festival when families gather for a feast. It's a time when people express gratitude towards their ancestors, and they also believe that the gods will be there to bless them for the coming year. The dinner menu often includes fish, dumplings, chicken, and pork. Fish represents surplus and prosperity, while dumplings symbolize wealth and good luck.

The First Day of the New Year

On the first day of the New Year, people usually wake up early to greet their family members with Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means Wishing you a prosperous New Year. Children are also given red envelopes with money inside, which is believed to bring them good luck. The day is spent visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and indulging in traditional Chinese delicacies.

Fifteenth Day – The Lantern Festival

The 15th day of the New Year marks the end of the festival with the Lantern Festival. Many cities across China hold lantern parades, where hundreds of lanterns of various shapes and sizes light up the night sky. People eat sweet glutinous rice balls, called yuanxiao, which symbolize the full moon and unity.

The Importance of Family Reunions

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival because it heralds the beginning of spring. It's a time for new beginnings, well wishes, and family reunions. Family is at the heart of the celebration, and for many Chinese living overseas, it's a time to return home to spend time with their loved ones.

COVID-19 Impact

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the global travel and celebrations of the festival. In China, many people are choosing to stay at their hometowns instead of traveling to other parts of the country, while overseas Chinese are also facing travel restrictions. Nevertheless, many people have come up with innovative ways to celebrate the festival with their families virtually, including live streams and video calls.

Conclusion

In summary, Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate a new beginning with family, traditional food, and customs. The festival offers a fascinating insight into traditional Chinese culture and customs. From eating dumplings to the lighting of lanterns, the festival is full of color, sound, and symbolism. Although the COVID-19 pandemic may impact some of the celebrations, the spirit of the festival remains strong. Let us wish all our readers a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year 2021!

When Does Chinese New Year Start 2021?

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chinese New Year is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the world. It's a time of family gatherings, feasting on delicious food, honoring ancestors, and exchanging red envelopes filled with money or gifts.

The date for Chinese New Year varies each year, it usually falls between late January to mid-February. In 2021, Chinese New Year will start on Friday, February 12th, and end on February 22nd, marking the beginning of the Year of the Ox.

But why does the date for Chinese New Year change every year? It's based on the lunar calendar, which is determined by both the moon's phases and the solar year. The lunar calendar has twelve months of 29 to 30 days each, with a thirteenth month added about every three years to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year.

Another important factor that contributes to Chinese New Year's changing date is the zodiac animal that represents the year. There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, and each year is associated with one of them. According to legend, the order of the zodiac was determined by the animals' arrival at the Jade Emperor's palace to celebrate the New Year. For instance, in 2020 we celebrated the Year of the Rat, while in 2021 we are welcoming the Year of the Ox.

Traditionally, people start preparing for Chinese New Year weeks and even months in advance. They clean their homes from top to bottom, cook special dishes, buy new clothes, decorate their homes with red lanterns and posters, and make paper cutouts with auspicious symbols.

On New Year's Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner and welcome the New Year with fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and the sound of firecrackers. Red is a prominent color in Chinese culture as it's believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. Hence, you'll often see people dressed in red clothing and decorations everywhere during this festival.

One of the most iconic symbols of Chinese New Year is the red envelope, also known as Hongbao in Mandarin. It's a traditional gift given by adults to children or unmarried relatives as a token of good luck and blessings. The amount of money in the envelope varies depending on the giver's relationship with the recipient and their financial situation.

Besides being a time for family reunions and joyous celebrations, Chinese New Year is also steeped in fascinating customs and traditions that date back centuries. For example, on the fifth day of the New Year, people celebrate the birthday of the God of Wealth and hope for prosperity and fortune in the coming year.

Another significant custom is the practice of giving an offering of oranges or tangerines to friends and family members as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Oranges are considered auspicious because their round shape represents completeness and the bright orange color resembles gold.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time-honored tradition that is celebrated with great pomp and gusto in many parts of the world. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience Chinese culture, try delicious food, marvel at colorful displays, and wish your friends and loved ones a happy New Year!

Soo Heng Restaurant wishes everyone a Happy Chinese New Year 2021. May the Year of the Ox bring joy, happiness, health, wealth, and prosperity to you and your family. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

When Does Chinese New Year Start 2021?

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important traditional holiday in China. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year and is a time for families to gather together, enjoy special meals, and exchange gifts.

When does Chinese New Year Start 2021?

The Chinese New Year date changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. In 2021, Chinese New Year Day falls on Friday, February 12th, 2021. However, the celebrations traditionally last for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.

Why is Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year is celebrated to honor ancestors and deities, and to begin the new lunar year with a fresh start. The holiday is also steeped in superstition and symbolism, so many customs and traditions are followed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

What are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year?

There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, including:

1. Cleaning the house before the New Year to sweep away bad luck
2. Decorating with red items to bring good luck and fortune
3. Giving red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors for good luck
4. Enjoying family reunion dinners on New Year's Eve
5. Setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits
6. Watching lion dances and dragon dances for good luck
7. Eating traditional foods like dumplings and fish for good fortune

Is Chinese New Year a Public Holiday?

Yes, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in many countries with large Chinese populations, including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan. In some countries, it is also a public holiday for everyone, such as in Vietnam and South Korea.