Discover the Length of Chinese New Year 2018 - The Celebrations, Traditions, and Festivities Explained!

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday for Chinese people. It is celebrated across the globe by Chinese communities and anyone who loves Chinese culture. Chinese New Year 2018 begins on February 16th and lasts for 15 days. Are you ready to learn more about this vibrant and traditional celebration?

The Chinese New Year calendar is based on the lunar phases and features a different animal every year. 2018 is the year of the dog, which symbolizes loyalty, honesty, and friendship. If you were born in the years 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, or 2006, then you are also a dog according to the Chinese zodiac. However, don't worry if you weren't born in a dog year, everyone can enjoy the festivities.

The Chinese New Year celebrations start with the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, where families and friends gather together, eat delicious food and share happiness. People will adorn their homes with red decorations, lanterns, and couplets with auspicious phrases to welcome good luck and prosperity. Do you know why red is so important during Chinese New Year? Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad fortune.

On the first day of Chinese New Year, people go to temple fairs, wear new clothes, and exchange lucky money in red envelopes. During the second day, married daughters will visit their birth families with their husbands to pay respect to their parents. Meanwhile, the third day is when Chinese people stay at home to avoid socializing as it's regarded as an unlucky day. Are you intrigued by the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year so far?

The Chinese New Year celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the lunar month. This day is also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, where young lovers go to temples to pray for love and enjoy the beautifullanterns. Did you know that during this festival, people will also eat traditional glutinous rice balls called tangyuan? They are round and sticky, symbolizing togetherness and reunion.

If you are fortunate enough to be in China or a Chinese community during Chinese New Year 2018, then you can witness some of the grandest festivities and carnivals across the world. Cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei will have massive fireworks displays and dragon and lion dances that will leave you spellbound. Are you planning to join the celebration yet?

Chinese New Year is not just about having fun, it is also about showing respect, gratitude, and kindness. It is a time when families reconcile and make peace with one another. It is a time when communities unite and share their cultures. Have you ever wondered why we should appreciate different cultural festivals?

In conclusion, whether you are a dog or not, Chinese New Year 2018 is a fantastic occasion to learn more about Chinese culture and enjoy its unique customs and traditions. It is a time filled with joy, luck, and harmony. So, why not take part in the festivities and make some new friends along the way? By the end of it, you might even find yourself wanting to celebrate Chinese New Year every year!

"Chinese New Year 2018 How Long" ~ bbaz

Chinese New Year 2018: How Long

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant festival in China and celebrated by Chinese communities around the world. It is a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts and enjoy traditional food and customs. The festival begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February, and lasts for fifteen days.

Origins and Customs

Chinese New Year dates back thousands of years and has many legends surrounding its origins. One popular story tells of a mythical beast called Nian who would terrorize villages on New Year's Eve. People learned to scare off Nian with loud noises and the color red, hence the custom of fireworks and red decorations during the festival. Other traditions include cleaning houses before New Year's Day to sweep away bad luck, giving red envelopes with money to children (red symbolizes good fortune), and eating dumplings and fish dishes.

Year of the Dog

Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, which is believed to bring loyalty, honesty, and reliability. People born in the Year of the Dog (including 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) are said to share these traits as well as being sincere and warm-hearted.

Celebrations

Chinese New Year is a time for joyous festivities that last for several weeks. Activities range from watching dragon and lion dances, visiting temples and shrines, playing games, lighting firecrackers, and attending family gatherings. Many Chinese businesses also close for several days to allow employees to spend time with their loved ones. In China, the government declares a seven-day public holiday during the festival, which is also celebrated in Vietnam, Korea, and other countries with significant Chinese populations.

Challenges of Celebrating Abroad

For Chinese people living abroad, celebrating the New Year can be bittersweet. While they may miss their families and hometown traditions, they also have the opportunity to introduce their customs and culture to a wider audience. Many cities around the world hold parade and carnival events for Chinese New Year, featuring traditional costumes, music, and food. This not only allows Chinese communities to showcase their heritage but also promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Superstitions and Beliefs

Chinese New Year is steeped in superstitions and beliefs, some of which are still practiced today. For example, it is considered unlucky to have a haircut during the festival as this may cut off good fortune. Likewise, sweeping floors is avoided to prevent sweeping away good luck. Some people also consult fortune-tellers for predictions about the coming year and often keep lucky charms or talismans for protection.

Tourism Impact

Chinese New Year is a significant event in the tourist industry as well. Many people take advantage of the holiday to travel both domestically and abroad, often visiting popular destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore. Hotels, tour operators, and airlines all adapt their services to cater to the influx of visitors, making it an essential period for tourism revenue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, family, and tradition. The festival's longevity and popularity worldwide reflect Chinese culture's resilience and influence. Whether celebrating in China or abroad, the New Year is a chance to reflect on the past, welcome the future, and enjoy the festivities with loved ones. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Comparison: Chinese New Year 2018 How Long

Introduction

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays celebrated in many Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Each year, the festival falls on a different date as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 16, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dog. In this blog post, we will explore the cultural significance of the holiday and compare how long the festivities last in different parts of the world.

Overview of Chinese New Year Celebrations

In China, Chinese New Year is usually observed for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. The celebration begins with the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, where family members gather to share a feast. On the first day of the new year, people exchange red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Throughout the festivities, traditional activities include lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and temple fairs.

Duration of Chinese New Year in Other Asian Countries

Although Chinese New Year has its roots in China, it is also celebrated widely in other Asian countries. For example, in Taiwan, the holiday lasts for 9 days, which includes the day before and after New Year's Day. In Hong Kong, the festival is also a 3-day public holiday, ditto in Macau and Malaysia. However, in Singapore, Chinese New Year is only celebrated for 2 days, a far cry from the 15-day-long celebrations in China.

The Importance of Family Reunions

One of the key themes of Chinese New Year is the importance of family reunions. Unlike Western cultures, where New Year's Eve is often spent partying with friends, Chinese people prioritize spending time with family during the holiday. It is common for adults to return to their hometowns to spend time with their parents and siblings, especially if they work in other cities. For many Chinese people, Chinese New Year is a once-a-year opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones.

The Role of Food in Chinese New Year Celebrations

Food is a central part of Chinese New Year celebrations, with many traditional dishes symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. For example, dumplings are believed to resemble ancient Chinese silver ingots and are eaten on New Year's Eve to bring wealth in the coming year. In Southern China, it is customary to eat nian gao, a sticky, sweet rice cake said to bring good luck. Many families also prepare fish dishes since the Chinese word for fish sounds similar to the word for surplus.

Travel During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is also known as the largest annual human migration in the world, as millions of people travel home to visit their families. In the weeks leading up to the festival, transportation hubs like airports and train stations are packed with travelers. Given that the holiday falls on different dates each year, travel patterns can vary widely depending on the calendar. If Chinese New Year falls close to a weekend, for example, many people will take off several days to extend their time at home, causing heavy traffic in the days leading up to the lunar new year.

Impact of Chinese New Year on Business

Many businesses in China and other Asian countries close during the Chinese New Year holiday, resulting in decreased economic activity. For factory towns dependent on manufacturing, production often grinds to a halt as workers head home for the holiday. However, some businesses also see an uptick in sales during the festivities, particularly those selling food and gifts. Overall, experts estimate that the impact of Chinese New Year on the economy is a mixed bag, with some sectors benefiting and others taking a hit.

Comparison of Western vs. Chinese New Year Celebrations

While there are similarities between Western New Year's and Chinese New Year (both involve countdowns and fireworks), the two holidays have distinct differences in terms of traditions and cultural significance. For example, Western New Year's is celebrated on January 1st and typically involves parties with friends and resolutions for the coming year. In contrast, Chinese New Year is focused on family and involves a wide range of traditional activities, from cleaning houses to paying respects to ancestors. Furthermore, unlike Western New Year's, which lasts for only one day, Chinese New Year is a multi-day celebration that emphasizes ritual and superstition.

Cultural Significance of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is an integral part of Chinese culture, symbolizing the start of a new cycle and offering people an opportunity to start fresh. The holiday's emphasis on family, food, and tradition reflects Chinese values and beliefs, including filial piety (respect for elders) and the desire for good fortune. Furthermore, Chinese New Year has become increasingly popular around the world, with many countries holding their own festivities and events to mark the occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a holiday rich in cultural significance and tradition. While it is celebrated for different durations in different Asian countries, the core elements of the holiday remain the same: family reunions, traditional food, and symbolic activities that represent the hopes and aspirations of a new year. Whether you observe Chinese New Year in China or another part of the world, the festival is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewal.

Chinese New Year 2018: How Long?

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most significant traditional festivals that is celebrated by Chinese people. In 2018, the Chinese New Year will be on Friday, February 16th, and it will be the Year of the Dog, according to the Chinese zodiac.

The Duration of Chinese New Year

Unlike the Western New Year's Eve, which only lasts a few hours, Chinese New Year is a multi-day festival that lasts for fifteen days. The festival starts on the first day of the lunar calendar and ends on the fifteenth day, which is also known as the Lantern Festival.

The Key Dates of Chinese New Year in 2018

- February 15th, 2018: Chinese New Year's Eve, also known as Reunion Eve.
- February 16th - 18th, 2018: Chinese New Year's Day(s), the first three days of the festival
- February 19th - 24th, 2018: The days between the New Year's Day and the Lantern Festival are considered as the Chinese New Year holiday period.
- February 24th, 2018: The Lantern Festival, the last day of the Chinese New Year

Preparations for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is an important time for families to come together, so weeks prior to the festival, people will start preparing by cleaning homes, buying new clothing and decorations, and cooking festive foods. This period is also known as the Spring Cleaning, which is believed to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year.

Traditions of Chinese New Year

There are many traditions that are practiced during Chinese New Year, including:
- Red decorations: red is believed to bring good luck and happiness, so it is common to see red lanterns, banners, and clothing.
- Reunion dinner: on New Year's Eve, families will gather for a special meal to celebrate the upcoming year.
- Giving red envelopes: adults will give red envelopes filled with money to children as a symbol of good fortune.
- Fireworks: lighting fireworks is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.

Celebrations Around the World

Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries. In fact, it is the longest public holiday in China and in some other Asian countries. Some of the biggest celebrations outside of China can be found in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a very important festival for Chinese people all around the world. It is a time for families to come together, enjoy festive foods, and hope for good luck in the upcoming year. Whether you are Chinese or not, you can still participate in the celebrations by learning about the traditions and perhaps even attending local events in your area.

Welcoming the Year of the Dog: How long does Chinese New Year last?

Chinese New Year is a holiday celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It is not only the most important traditional Chinese holiday but also a time for reunion and thanksgiving, where families gather to enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, and traditional red envelopes filled with money.

But how long does this festive celebration last? In general, Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. This year, the Chinese New Year starts on the evening of February 15 and ends on March 2, 2018.

During these two weeks, there are many customs and traditions that Chinese people follow, each with its own significance and meaning. Allow me to provide you with some insights into what usually happens during each day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Day 1 - The first day is for welcoming the deities of heaven and earth and paying respects to ancestors. Many families will visit the temple to offer incense and pray for good fortune and health in the coming year.

Day 2 - The second day is considered the birthday of dogs. Legend has it that dogs were created on this day, and they have been loyal companions to humans ever since. Celebrations may include buying new clothes, eating more meat, and visiting friends and relatives to exchange greetings and gifts.

Day 3-7 – These days are for visiting friends and relatives. People tend to stay home on Day 3 as it is believed to bring bad luck if someone visits.

Day 8 – Many people stay at home on the 8th day of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Day of the Kitchen God. It is believed that the Kitchen God will report to heaven about each family's behavior, so people will offer dessert sacrifice to the Kitchen God in the kitchen, after having finished all the cooking for the New Year.

Day 9 – This day is for offering sacrifices to the Jade Emperor and having vegetarian meals. People also visit their relatives who have married into the family.

Day 10-12 – The next few days are reserved for various activities and rituals, including burning incense through the night, cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, and praying at temples for a successful coming year.

Day 13 - As it falls on the 13th day of the lunar calendar, people eat wontons at homes or local restaurants as it sounds like guan, which means to care or watch over someone.

Day 14 – Preparations are made for the Lantern Festival, such as buying lanterns, setting up fireworks, and hanging red lanterns outside homes. Family members gather for a meal and enjoy time with one another.

Day 15 - The last day of the Chinese New Year festival is the Lantern Festival. People usually go out at night with children carrying colorful lanterns and solve riddles attached to the lanterns. Watching fireworks has become traditional activity during this festival. The sky is lit up by colorful fireworks and the smell of gunpowder fills the air, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

As you can see, the Chinese New Year celebration is a complex series of events and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is a holiday steeped in tradition, spirituality, and cultural significance that continues to endure over millennia. Whether you are celebrating for the first time or have been participating in these festivities for years, it is always a time of joy and hope for the future.

So, to all of our readers, we wish you Gong Xi Fa Cai! May the Year of the Dog bring good health, wealth, and happiness to you and your family. We hope that this year brings an abundance of blessings and opportunities and that you are surrounded by love and positivity throughout the entire year.

People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2018 How Long

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar, typically in late January or early February.

What is the date of Chinese New Year 2018?

Chinese New Year 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th.

How long is the Chinese New Year celebration?

The celebration can last up to 15 days, starting from the eve of Chinese New Year until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

What are the traditional activities during Chinese New Year?

• Reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve.
• Cleaning and decorating the house with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts to signify good luck and ward off evil spirits.
• Giving lucky money in red envelopes to children and unmarried adults.
• Setting off firecrackers and fireworks to scare away bad luck.

What are some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year?

• Dumplings, which represent wealth because of their shape resembling gold or silver ingots.
• Yuanxiao, or glutinous rice balls, which symbolize reunion because they are often shared among family members.
• Nian gao, a sticky cake made from glutinous rice flour, which represents progress and success in the new year.

Why is 2018 the Year of the Dog?

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign. 2018 is the Year of the Dog because it is the Dog's turn in the cycle. People born in the Year of the Dog are thought to be loyal, honest, and faithful.