When Is Lunar New Year 2018: Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating the Year of the Dog!
When is Lunar New Year 2018? This celebration, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the biggest and most important festivities in the world. It marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle and is celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people around the globe. Are you curious about this holiday and want to learn more about its history and traditions? Then, keep reading!
Lunar New Year 2018 will be on Friday, February 16th. This year, we enter the year of the Dog, which is the 11th animal in the zodiac and represents loyalty, protective instincts, and intelligence. Did you know that the zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years? If you were born in 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006, you were born in the year of the dog!
Preparations for Lunar New Year start weeks in advance. Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck from the past year, decorate their houses with red banners and lanterns to bring good fortune, and buy new clothes to wear for the occasion. Red envelopes filled with money, called hongbao in Mandarin, are given as gifts to children, single adults, and employees to bring prosperity in the new year.
The Lunar New Year's Eve dinner is a multi-course feast shared with family members. Some traditional dishes include dumplings, noodles (symbolizing long life), and fish (representing abundance and prosperity). During the meal, it's common to toast with rice wine and exchange wishes for health, wealth, and happiness.
On the first day of the new year, people traditionally visit relatives and friends to offer well wishes. They might say Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin) or Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese), which translate to Congratulations and be prosperous. It's also customary to light fireworks and firecrackers to scare off evil spirits. Did you know that the loud noises of fireworks were also believed to bring good luck by waking up the deities of heaven and earth?
If you're planning to celebrate Lunar New Year 2018, there are plenty of events taking place in cities around the world. From parades with dragon and lion dances to dumpling-making workshops, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and join in the festivities. In China, the holiday is observed for a week, while other countries might have shorter celebrations. Regardless of the length, the Lunar New Year is a time for reunion, reflection, and renewal.
In conclusion, Lunar New Year 2018 falls on February 16th and marks the beginning of the year of the Dog. The holiday is celebrated by millions of people with meals, gifts, visits to family and friends, fireworks, and parades. If you want to learn more about the history, traditions, and rituals of this fascinating event, join in the festivities and connect with your community. May the year of the Dog bring you joy, prosperity, and good fortune!
"When Is Lunar New Year 2018" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Lunar New Year is a significant event celebrated by various Asian cultures. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. The date of celebration varies each year and often falls in late January or early February. It is a time for families to gather, exchange gifts, eat traditional food, and pray for good luck.
The Year of the Dog
Chinese zodiac sign marks each Lunar New Year, and for 2018, it is the year of the Dog. The Chinese people associate the dog with loyalty and honesty, characteristics that match the highest forms of respect in their culture. People who were born under this sign are believed to be hard-working, loyal, and honest.
The Historic Evolution of Lunar New Year
The origin of the Lunar New Year can be traced back to historical Chinese legends and stories. It originated from an ancient myth that a monster named Nian who would raid Chinese villages every 12 years. One day, an old man scared Nian away by wearing red clothing and lighting firecrackers. Villagers then used this knowledge when Nian was due to arrive again, and it never came back. That’s why they use firecrackers and wear red clothing to ward off any evil creature.
Why Is the Date Different Every Year?
The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which consists of twelve lunar months in a year of 354 days. As a result, the date of the Lunar New Year changes annually. The Gregorian calendar, which most countries in the world use, follows the rotation of the sun.
Celebration Traditions
The Lunar New Year is celebrated with many colorful customs and traditions. Before the day, there is the house cleaning in preparation for the festival. One of their beliefs is to usher in the gods of wealth and prosperity. After that, families reunite with their members to partake in a festive meal served on New Year's Eve.
There is a tradition whereby red envelopes or “ang pao” with money inside are given to children during the festival days. It signifies good luck and is also a common gift when visiting friends and relatives during this time. In China, it is customary for married couples to give “Hongbao” to unmarried ones.
Date of Lunar New Year 2018
The Lunar New Year 2018, the year of the Dog, falls on Friday, February 16th.
Countries Celebrating Lunar New Year
The following countries mark the Lunar New Year: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Philippines, among others.
Interesting Facts about Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for fifteen days, with each day of specific significance. Dragon and lion dances are an integral part of the festival celebration, often accompanied by lanterns and firecrackers.
It is believed that what you eat on Lunar New Year’s Eve can affect your fortune in the coming year. Dumplings signify wealth since they look like gold nuggets, fish represent prosperity while noodles signify a long life ahead.
Conclusion
The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant and long-awaited events in many cultures around the world. It brings together families and symbolizes new beginnings, good health, and prosperity. The date of celebration changes every year, and in 2018, it falls on February 16th, marking the start of the year of the Dog.
When Is Lunar New Year 2018: Comparing Celebrations Around the World
Introduction
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a traditional holiday celebrated in many Asian countries. This year, it falls on Friday, February 16, according to the lunar calendar. It is a time for families to gather, enjoy special meals, exchange gifts, and participate in cultural activities. Although the customs may vary by country, the Lunar New Year is an occasion for joy, reflection, and renewal.China
China is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Lunar New Year tradition, dating back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE). Today, the 15-day festival is one of the most important holidays in China, with millions of people traveling to be with their loved ones. The first day, known as Spring Festival, is marked by fireworks, dragon dances, and gift-giving. Each day has a specific significance, such as worshiping ancestors, eating dumplings, or visiting relatives. Red is a prominent color in decorations, representing good luck and fortune.Taiwan
Taiwan also follows the Lunar New Year tradition, with some unique customs such as releasing sky lanterns, eating tangyuan (sweet rice balls), and watching lion dances. One interesting event is the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, where participants dress in protective gear and set off fireworks to ward off evil spirits. The celebration lasts 12 days, and many people take time off from work or school to visit family.Vietnam
In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is called Tet, and it is celebrated for seven days. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by flower markets, street fairs, and parades featuring flags, banners, and lion dancers. Some popular foods include bánh chưng (glutinous rice cake) and candied fruits. A unique custom is the cleaning of the house before New Year's Eve, to sweep away bad luck from the old year.South Korea
South Korea celebrates the Lunar New Year for three days, known as Seollal. It is a time for family reunions, ancestral rites, and sharing traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup). Children often receive money or blessings from their elders, and they play games such as yutnori (a board game) and jegichagi (hacky sack). The holiday is also marked by special performances and festivals, such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.Singapore
Singapore has a diverse population that represents many cultures, including the Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. Therefore, the Lunar New Year is celebrated in various ways, such as dragon boat races, lion dances, and open-air bazaars. The festive atmosphere is spread throughout the island, from Chinatown to Marina Bay Sands. Another custom is the exchange of mandarin oranges, which symbolize prosperity and good luck.Comparison Table
| Country | Celebration Duration | Popular Foods | Customs |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 15 days | Dumplings, spring rolls, niangao (sticky rice cake) | Fireworks, red decorations, giving red envelopes with money |
| Taiwan | 12 days | Tangyuan, pork chop rice, oyster omelette | Releasing lanterns, firecrackers, beehive fireworks |
| Vietnam | 7 days | Bánh chưng, candied fruits, dried nuts | Cleaning the house, ancestor worship, visiting friends and family |
| South Korea | 3 days (Seollal) | Tteokguk, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), jeon (savory pancake) | Ancestral rites, playing traditional games, cultural performances |
| Singapore | 15 days | Bak kwa (grilled meat), pineapple tarts, steamed fish | Lion dances, dragon boat races, mandarin oranges exchange |
Opinions and Conclusions
As you can see from the comparison table, the Lunar New Year is celebrated in various ways across different countries, depending on their cultural heritage and regional customs. Regardless of the differences, however, the underlying spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and hope for a better future is universal. Each year, people around the world look forward to the Lunar New Year as a time to reflect on the past, cherish the present, and welcome the future with open hearts.In my opinion, the Lunar New Year is not only a celebration of Asian culture, but also a reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. It is an opportunity to learn from each other, appreciate our differences, and find common ground in our aspirations for peace, prosperity, and happiness. Whether you are Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, or from any other background, I wish you a happy and meaningful Lunar New Year 2018!When Is Lunar New Year 2018?
Introduction
Lunar New Year is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in many Asian cultures. It's based on the lunar calendar, also known as the Chinese calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. This means that the date of the Lunar New Year varies each year, unlike the Western New Year, which falls on January 1st. In 2018, Lunar New Year falls on February 16th, marking the start of the Year of the Dog.History and Significance
The Lunar New Year originated in China and has been celebrated for over 4,000 years. It's traditionally a time to honor ancestors and deities, as well as pray for good fortune and health for the upcoming year. The holiday typically lasts for around 15 days, with various customs, rituals, and festivities taking place during this period.The Zodiac Cycle
Each year in the lunar calendar is named after one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac cycle. These animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to legend, the order of the zodiacs was determined by the Jade Emperor, who invited the animals to compete in a race. The order in which the animals arrived at the finish line would determine their position in the zodiac cycle.Activities and Traditions
During Lunar New Year, families typically gather together for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. This meal is seen as the most important gathering of the year, and it's customary to serve symbolic foods that represent things like prosperity, longevity, and good luck. Other traditional activities include visiting temples, giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults, and lighting firecrackers and lanterns.The Color Red
The color red plays a significant role in Lunar New Year celebrations. It's believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck and prosperity. You'll find that many decorations, clothing, and even the envelopes used for gifting money are red during this holiday.When to Celebrate Lunar New Year
As mentioned earlier, the date of Lunar New Year varies each year. This is because the lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, which is shorter than the solar year that we typically use in the Western world. In 2018, the Lunar New Year falls on February 16th, but it can range from January 21st to February 20th depending on the year.Ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated all around the world, especially in countries with large Chinese populations like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. If you're interested in celebrating Lunar New Year, there are several ways you can do so. Firstly, you can attend local festivities, such as dragon and lion dances, parades, and cultural performances. Secondly, you can try traditional Lunar New Year foods, such as dumplings, rice cakes, and fish. Finally, you can participate in cultural activities like calligraphy, paper cutting, and making lanterns.Celebrate Responsibly
Whether you're joining in on the parties or hosting your own Lunar New Year celebration, it's important to remember to celebrate responsibly. This means respecting cultural traditions and customs, being mindful of excessive drinking, and being safe with fireworks and other potentially hazardous objects.Conclusion
Lunar New Year is a time for family, friends, and community to come together and celebrate the start of a new year. With its rich history, colorful traditions, and exciting festivities, it's no wonder that it's one of the most beloved holidays in many cultures around the world. Whether you're observing Lunar New Year for the first time or you're a seasoned veteran, we hope that this article has given you some helpful tips and insights into the celebrations. Happy Lunar New Year!When Is Lunar New Year 2018: Everything You Need to Know
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in Asia. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world and marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle, the lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon and typically falls between late January and mid-February. In 2018, Lunar New Year falls on February 16th.
Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving thanks. It is a time to celebrate the past and look forward to the future. The festival lasts for 15 days and is filled with many customs and traditions.
One of the most important customs of Lunar New Year is cleaning the house before the festival. This symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making way for good luck and fortune. People also decorate their homes with red lanterns and couplets with good wishes for the coming year. The color red is considered lucky and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Lunar New Year is also a time to give and receive gifts. Many people exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Children often receive new clothes or toys, and families come together to enjoy traditional foods such as dumplings, rice cakes, and fish.
Another important tradition is the reunion dinner held on Lunar New Year's Eve. This meal is a time for families to come together and enjoy each other's company. It is often the biggest meal of the year and is filled with symbolic dishes such as whole fish, which represents abundance and prosperity, and dumplings, which symbolize wealth and good fortune.
Lunar New Year is also a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Many people visit temples or ancestral graves to pay respects to their ancestors and seek blessings for the year ahead. In some cultures, people decorate their homes with auspicious symbols such as oranges and tangerines to bring good luck and protection.
Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2018 is the year of the dog, which symbolizes loyalty and honesty. People born in the year of the dog are believed to be loyal, friendly, and honest.
Lunar New Year is celebrated differently in various parts of Asia. In China, the festival is a public holiday and is celebrated for seven days. In Singapore, Lunar New Year is a public holiday for two days, while in Vietnam, it is celebrated for three days. Regardless of how it is celebrated, the spirit of Lunar New Year remains the same – a time for family, food, and good fortune.
In conclusion, Lunar New Year is an important traditional festival that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Whether you celebrate Lunar New Year or not, it is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions.
We wish all our readers a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
When Is Lunar New Year 2018?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a crucial festival celebrated by many Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore. Lunar New Year 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th.
People Also Ask about Lunar New Year 2018
1. What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is the celebration of the start of the New Year based on the lunar calendar. It is one of the most significant holidays in many Asian countries.
2. How long does Lunar New Year last?
Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, starting from the first day of the new lunar year. The last day of the celebration is the Lantern Festival.
3. What are some traditions during Lunar New Year?
Traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, hanging red lanterns and banners to symbolize good fortune, giving red envelopes filled with money to children, and eating special dishes like dumplings and fish.
4. Is Lunar New Year a public holiday?
It depends on the country. In China, Lunar New Year is a public holiday, and businesses close for at least three days. In other countries, it may not be recognized as a public holiday.
5. How is Lunar New Year celebrated around the world?
Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world in various ways, but the basic themes - family gatherings, special food, and wishing for good luck - remain consistent. Parades, fireworks, and dragon dances are common in many places.
Whether it's your first time celebrating Lunar New Year or you've celebrated it your whole life, we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
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