Discover When Chinese New Year 2018 Is Celebrated: A Guide to Dates, Traditions, and Festivities!
When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
If you're wondering when the most important holiday in China will be celebrated this year, the answer is February 16th, 2018! But what is the Chinese New Year exactly? And why is it so important?
Well, for starters, the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is celebrated by over a billion people around the world, making it one of the most significant cultural events on the planet.
But what makes this holiday truly unique is its time-honored traditions and fascinating legends. From cleaning your house to scare off evil spirits to exchanging red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck, every aspect of Chinese New Year has deep meaning and significance.
One of the most beloved customs of the holiday is the grand feast held on New Year's Eve with family and friends. This meal is not only an opportunity to bond and share your blessings but also to enjoy delicious dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes that are specially prepared for the occasion.
Another vital part of Chinese New Year is the animal zodiac sign that corresponds to each year. In 2018, we will welcome the Year of the Dog, which is considered to be a lucky and auspicious year for those born under this sign.
But how did Chinese New Year come about, and who started celebrating it in the first place? According to legend, the holiday began thousands of years ago during the reign of Emperor Yao, who instituted a calendar based on the cycles of the moon. Ever since then, Chinese people have been celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Nowadays, Chinese New Year is celebrated not just in China, but also in various parts of the world. It's incredible to think that millions of people worldwide will be gathering with their loved ones, sharing delicious food, and exchanging greetings and good wishes during this season.
Moreover, New Year's Day and the surrounding days are packed with lively events such as lion dances, dragon parades, and firework displays in various cities. These celebrations add to the electric atmosphere that is a hallmark of the Chinese New Year.
So if you're interested in exploring different cultures, tasting new foods, or attending exciting events, don't miss out on Chinese New Year 2018! With so much to experience and learn, it's an opportunity of a lifetime.
In conclusion
We hope you found this article informative and engaging. From learning about Chinese New Year's rich history to exploring its fascinating customs, we believe that this year's celebration should not be missed. So mark your calendars and get ready to welcome the Year of the Dog in style!
"When Is Chinese New Year 2018?" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world. This year, it falls on February 16th and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog.
The Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time of family gatherings, delicious food, and vibrant festivities that last for over two weeks. It is considered one of the most important holidays in China and is celebrated in many other countries with significant Chinese populations, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
According to Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a different zodiac animal which tells a lot about an individual's personality traits and predicts their fortune for the coming year. The 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year is the Year of the Dog.
Preparations for Chinese New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year begin weeks in advance. People start by cleaning their homes and decorating them with colorful paper lanterns, lucky red banners and couplets that convey auspicious wishes. Another significant tradition is the reunion dinner where families come together to enjoy delicious food as well as each other's company on New Year Eve.
Red Envelopes and Firecrackers
Another popular tradition is giving out red envelopes filled with money to children and younger relatives as a symbol of good luck. Additionally, people set off firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck. The streets are filled with the sounds of fireworks on the New Year's Eve.
Spring Festival
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival as it signifies the arrival of spring. It lasts for 15 days and culminates with the Lantern Festival which falls on the fifteenth day of the lunar month. It is customary to eat yuanxiao, a sweet glutinous rice dumpling, during the Lantern Festival.
Public Holidays
Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China and many other countries as well. Schools and offices are closed for at least a week, and some businesses may remain closed for up to a month so that people can celebrate with their families and loved ones.
Celebrations around the World
Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in many parts of the world. In cities like San Francisco, New York, and Sydney, elaborate parades featuring colorful lion dances and dragon performances are held. Celebrations also include live entertainment, cultural performances, food fairs, and other activities that showcase the Chinese culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant cultural celebration that unites communities around the world. It is a time to reconnect with family, remember old traditions, and welcome the new year with good food, great company, and a lot of festive cheer.
When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 16, 2018, marking the start of the Year of the Dog. In this blog article, we will compare Chinese New Year celebrations in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, discussing the similarities and differences.The Date
As mentioned above, Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. However, in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, the date varies every year, as it is calculated based on the Gregorian calendar. For example, in 2019, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 5.Year | Date |
---|---|
2017 | January 28 |
2018 | February 16 |
2019 | February 5 |
Preparation
In all three regions, people start preparing for Chinese New Year well in advance. This includes cleaning the house thoroughly, buying new clothes, and purchasing traditional decorations such as red lanterns and posters with auspicious phrases. In China, companies give their employees a week off work to celebrate the festival, while in Taiwan and Hong Kong, it is a public holiday lasting one or two days.Food
Food plays a vital role in Chinese New Year celebrations. In mainland China, families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, feasting on traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cake. In Taiwan, a similar dinner is held, but there may be more emphasis on vegetarian food due to the influence of Buddhism and Taoism. In Hong Kong, many people opt to eat out at restaurants rather than cook at home.Fireworks
One of the most spectacular aspects of Chinese New Year celebrations is the fireworks display. In mainland China, fireworks are set off throughout the night of New Year's Eve, creating an incredible spectacle across the country. Taiwan and Hong Kong also have impressive displays, with many people gathering in public places to watch.Gifts
Giving gifts is another important part of Chinese New Year. In China, it is customary to give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults. The amount of money should be an even number, and the total should not include the number four, which is considered unlucky. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, gifts such as fruit and snacks are more common, though red envelopes are still given to children.Entertainment
During the holiday period, there are many entertainment options available to people in all three regions. In mainland China, it is common to watch the CCTV New Year's Gala, a variety show featuring singing, dancing, and comedy skits. In Taiwan, temples hold special events where visitors can receive blessings, and parades and lion dances are popular in some areas. In Hong Kong, the International Chinese New Year Night Parade is a major event, featuring colorful floats, performers, and marching bands.Superstitions
There are many superstitions associated with Chinese New Year, some of which differ depending on the region. For example, in China, it is believed that sweeping the floor on New Year's Day will sweep away good luck. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, it is customary to light incense and burn paper offerings for deceased relatives.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and tradition across China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. While there are some differences in how it is celebrated in each region, the core values of family, food, and good fortune remain the same. Whether you are in China or abroad, Chinese New Year is a time to come together with loved ones and look forward to a prosperous year ahead.When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in China and is celebrated by Chinese people all around the world. Also known as the Spring Festival, this holiday is based on the lunar calendar and falls on a different date each year. In 2018, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 16th.
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and expressing hopes for good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. The holiday is celebrated over 15 days, starting with the New Moon on the first day of the lunar New Year and ending with the Full Moon on the 15th day.
The Chinese Zodiac
Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with an animal from the Chinese zodiac - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2018 is the year of the Dog.
How Is Chinese New Year Celebrated?
There are many traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year. Red decorations are hung throughout homes and public spaces to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Families gather for a big feast on New Year's Eve, often featuring fish, dumplings, and other traditional foods. Children receive red envelopes filled with money, and fireworks and dragon dances are common sights during the holiday.
Preparing for Chinese New Year
If you're planning on celebrating Chinese New Year, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, don't wear black or white clothing, as these colors are traditionally associated with mourning. Red, however, is a lucky color and is often worn during the holiday. Also, be sure to clean your home thoroughly before the New Year arrives - this is known as sweeping out the old to make way for good luck in the coming year.
Traditional Foods
In addition to feasting on New Year's Eve, there are several traditional foods that are eaten during the holiday. Dumplings, which are shaped like ancient Chinese gold and silver ingots, symbolize wealth and prosperity. Fish, meanwhile, is a homophone for surplus in Chinese and is believed to bring abundance in the coming year. Other common foods include rice cakes and sticky rice balls filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Greetings and Phrases
If you're celebrating Chinese New Year with friends or family, it's important to use the proper greetings and phrases. The most common greeting is Kung Hei Fat Choi, which roughly translates to Congratulations and be prosperous. You can also say Xin Nian Kuai Le, which means Happy New Year.
Wrapping Up
Chinese New Year is a vibrant and joyous holiday that celebrates the coming of spring and the hope for a prosperous new year. Whether you're participating in traditional customs or simply enjoying Chinese cuisine, this holiday is a fun and celebratory time for people around the world.
So, don't forget to mark February 16th on your calendar - it's time to welcome in the year of the Dog!
When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
As one of the most significant celebrations in China, Chinese New Year is a time for families to reunite, honor ancestors, and usher in good luck and fortune for the upcoming year. Every year, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Chinese communities around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. To help you understand more about this traditional holiday, here's a breakdown of when Chinese New Year falls this year, as well as the customs, symbols, and practices typically associated with the occasion.
The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. It usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th, which is the Year of the Dog according to the Chinese zodiac. The lunar calendar is followed by many East Asian countries, but it should be noted that not all celebrate the Lunar New Year in the same way or even at the same time.
To prepare for Chinese New Year, families often clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune to enter. Decorations featuring auspicious symbols such as red lanterns, hanging couplets with lucky sayings, and posters of the zodiac animal for the year also feature heavily in celebrations. Some popular dishes that people prepare for New Year's Eve dinner include dumplings, fish, noodles, and hot pot. Eating together as a family is another important aspect of the festival.
The New Year is also associated with giving and receiving red envelopes containing money from older family members to younger ones as a symbol of good luck and fortune. Businesses also often give these to their employees to appreciate their hard work throughout the year.
During the Spring Festival (the 15-day period encompassing Chinese New Year), people engage in various customs and traditions to attract blessings for the new year. For example, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people refrain from sweeping or throwing out garbage as they believe doing so could sweep away good luck. Fireworks are also a popular sight during this time, as they are believed to scare off evil spirits that could harm families and crops. On the 15th day, known as the Lantern Festival, people will carry lanterns and parade through towns and cities, while some would choose to light lanterns in the sky to symbolize good luck and bright futures.
Despite its name, Chinese New Year is not only celebrated by Chinese people but also many other ethnic groups who embrace the traditional holiday. Countries such as Singapore and Malaysia host grand parades and cultural shows to showcase the diversity and richness of their cultures. However, with the ongoing pandemic, many celebrations have moved online or toned down to reduce the spread of the virus.
To sum it up, Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16th, which is the Year of the Dog. It's crucial to note that adhering to cultural traditions and celebrating major holidays are an important part of maintaining cultural identity and heritage. As such, we must also respect and embrace our differences in culture as a means of promoting diversity and fostering mutual appreciation.
May this Chinese New Year bring you joy, peace, and prosperity! Happy Chinese New Year 2018!
People Also Ask: When Is Chinese New Year 2018?
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday celebrated in China. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is also known as the Spring Festival.
When does Chinese New Year 2018 start?
Chinese New Year 2018 starts on Friday, February 16th.
How long does Chinese New Year last?
Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
Some popular Chinese New Year traditions include:
- Cleaning the house before the holiday to symbolize sweeping away bad luck from the previous year
- Giving red envelopes filled with money to children, signifying good fortune for the year ahead
- Enjoying big family gatherings and feasts with traditional foods such as dumplings and fish
- Setting off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits
Why is the date of Chinese New Year different every year?
The date of Chinese New Year changes every year because it is based on the lunar calendar which follows the cycles of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries, the lunar calendar has 12 months that are 29 or 30 days long and an extra month is added every two to three years to keep up with the solar calendar.
What animal represents Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and friendly.
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