AS vibrant red lanterns glow and various traditions take center stage this Chinese New Year, the annual celebration again gives an insight into the rich heritage behind the festive occasion woven with history, symbolism, and the promise of new beginnings.
Here are some interesting facts about Chinese New Year that make the event more fascinating:
1. It goes by other names
While most of the world knows the annual celebration as Chinese New Year, the festivities also go by other names, specifically Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. China accepts the latter name for the event because it starts from the Beginning of Spring, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In the meantime, the name Lunar New Year comes from its adherence to the Chinese Lunar Calendar rather than the Gregorian Calendar from the West.
2. Chinese New Year doesn’t have a fixed date
Unlike most international holidays like Christmas, the Chinese New Year has no fixed date. It follows the lunisolar calendar, and calculations according to it determine the date for the celebration. It begins on the new moon date, which usually appears between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. In 2024, it falls on Feb. 10 and will last for 15 to 16 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival.
3. A quarter of the world’s population celebrates Chinese New Year
As one of the most significant annual celebrations in China and other parts of Asia, around two billion people of the world’s population join the festivities during Chinese New Year in some way while honoring centuries-old traditions based on the event’s history and lore. Some Asian countries, like the Philippines, declare Chinese New Year a holiday to allow the public to participate in its revelry.
4. There’s an animal zodiac assigned to every Chinese New Year
Chinese mythology says there are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. These are, in order, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The Chinese New Year also has an associated element according to the five ones in feng shui: wood, earth, water, fire, and metal. This year, it’s the year of the wood dragon. A person’s birth year decides their zodiac animal, allowing them to predict what’s in store for the new year using feng shui.
5. Its origins reached 3,500 years ago
According to Chinese legend, which dates back 3,500 years ago, a mythical beast called Nian would visit a village yearly to attack its people. Eventually, a wise elder discovered Nian feared loud noises and the color red. These practices eventually reached modern times as people decorated their houses in red, an auspicious color in China, and set off firecrackers.
6. One significant highlight is the family reunion dinner
Besides the festivities on the streets, the family reunion dinner during Chinese New Year is the most vital part of the celebrations. As family members gather around the table, they share many dishes that people believe bring good luck. It includes fish, dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, and more. Even the ingredients must be at a certain number to invoke luck and prosperity.
7. Chinese New Year causes the world’s largest annual migration
For the family reunion dinner, the need to return home during Chinese New Year causes what’s known as the chunyun, Spring Migration, or Spring Festival Travel Rush, as people travel from thousands of miles across the globe only to be with their loved ones.
Reports claim that about 200 million people from the Chinese mainland travel long distances for the holidays, with an estimated 3.5 billion traveling in China.
8. Gift-giving is also a thing but with rules
Like most annual celebrations, gift-giving is also a tradition during Chinese New Year. However, only children and senior family members can receive these. The most common gift is a red envelope containing money. The amount can vary but should never include the number four as many believe it to be bad luck.
9. The Chinese New Year greeting is “xin nian kuai le”
Although “xin nian kuai le” translates to “Happy New Year” in Chinese, Cantonese-speaking regions like Hong Kong made “gong hei fat choy” mainstream and more common among countries that celebrate Chinese New Year. However, in Mandarin Chinese, the greeting is “gong xi fa cai,” which means congratulations on the future.
10. Honoring gods and ancestors
Besides warding off evil spirits at the beginning of a new year, the celebration is also a time for families to pay respects to their ancestors by setting up an altar with offerings. Others also light incense, place food, and burn paper items to honor their ancestors, allowing present generations to connect with their family’s heritage.
In the meantime, others also embrace the Spring Festival as it was originally meant: a ceremonial day to pray to the gods for a good planting and harvest season.
From mythical beasts to delicious dumplings, Chinese New Year offers a glimpse into a rich cultural tapestry. It’s a reminder to cherish family and embrace new beginnings.