Unveiling the Festivities of Chinese New Year 2015: Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with Joy and Traditions

Are you ready to say goodbye to the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Goat? Chinese New Year 2015 is just around the corner, and it's time to get into the festive spirit!

When is Chinese New Year 2015, you ask? It falls on Thursday, February 19th this year, but the celebrations last for 15 days until the Lantern Festival on March 5th.

Did you know that Chinese New Year is the largest annual human migration in the world? In China alone, over 3.6 billion trips will be made during the festival period as families reunite and travel to their hometowns.

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with this year being the eighth animal in the sequence - the goat (also known as the sheep or ram). People born in the Year of the Goat are said to be creative, calm, and gentle.

Red is the main color of Chinese New Year, as it symbolizes good luck and fortune. You'll see red decorations everywhere from homes to supermarkets, and even on clothing worn during the festival.

Cleaning the house before Chinese New Year is a must, as it is believed to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make way for good luck. But be careful not to sweep on New Year's Day itself, as it's thought to sweep away any incoming good fortune!

Food plays a huge role during Chinese New Year, with traditional dishes like dumplings, niangao (sticky rice cake), and fish (representing prosperity) served at family reunions. Don't forget to try some tasty snacks like sunflower seeds, melon seeds, or nian gao with sweet stuffing, too!

Did you know that giving red envelopes (hongbao) with money inside is a common tradition during Chinese New Year? It's thought to bring good luck and fortune to the receiver, especially if the giver is married and has children. Don't forget to say gong xi fa cai (congratulations and prosperity) while giving the hongbao!

Dragon and lion dances are a common sight during Chinese New Year, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Stay on the lookout for these colorful performances in your local Chinatown or at larger festivals.

If you're planning to join in the Chinese New Year festivities, make sure to wear red (or at least some form of it), as it shows your respect and understanding of the traditions. And don't forget to wish everyone you meet a happy and prosperous new year!

In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2015 is a time of joy, reunion, and celebration. Whether you're Chinese or not, there's no better way to experience this rich and diverse culture than by joining in the festivities. So put on your red clothing, grab a tasty snack, and get ready to welcome the Year of the Goat with open arms!

"When Chinese New Year 2015" ~ bbaz

The Year of the Sheep

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the biggest celebration in China and is observed by Chinese communities all around the world. 2015 marks the beginning of the Year of the Sheep, which is the eighth animal in the Chinese zodiac. The festival lasts for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival.

Preparations

In the weeks leading up to Chinese New Year, people start making preparations. During this time, families clean their homes thoroughly, decorate them with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts with auspicious phrases. They also buy new clothes, particularly red ones which are considered lucky.

Food plays an important role during Chinese New Year. Families gather together to make traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and rice cakes. Oranges and tangerines are also must-haves because their round shape and golden color symbolize prosperity and good luck.

One notable tradition is the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children and unmarried adults by married couples or elders. The act is said to bring peace, fortune, and happiness to both parties involved.

New Year's Eve

Each year, CCTV hosts a massive New Year's Eve Gala that features a diverse mix of performances, skits, and appearances from famous celebrities, politicians, and athletes. It's watched by millions of people across China and has been described as one of the largest television events in the world.

At midnight, families set off fireworks and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. The spectacle creates a phenomenal scene with flashing bright colors and loud bangs that can be heard for miles around.

Day one of Chinese New Year

On the first day of Chinese New Year, people will make an effort to visit their family and friends, bringing with them small gifts and hongbao. It's also common for families to participate in celebratory activities such as lion dances, dragon dances, and temple fairs.

The Chinese are proud of their culture and heritage, and Chinese New Year is an excellent opportunity to showcase them. During this time, traditional customs such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, and making Chinese knots are practiced widely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a unique cultural celebration that offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Chinese traditions and values. From the lively firework displays and family gatherings, down to the mouth-watering cuisine, this festival offers something for everyone. It showcases the best of Chinese culture and allows people to witness how effectively traditions are passed from generation to generation.

So here's wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year! 新年快乐！

Comparison of Chinese New Year Celebrations 2014 and 2015

Introduction

The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a significant traditional holiday celebrated in China and other countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The date of the festival varies every year and is determined by the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year 2015 was celebrated from February 19 to February 25, while the Chinese New Year 2014 was celebrated on January 31. In this article, we will compare the two Chinese New Year celebrations and see what changes and similarities exist between them.

Preparations

The preparations for both Chinese New Year 2014 and 2015 were quite similar. People cleaned their houses and decorations of red lanterns and couplets were hung up. However, there were some differences in the foods prepared for the occasion. In 2014, traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cakes were served. In 2015, more people were opting for health conscious food choices, like vegetarian dishes that were made to celebrate the Year of the Sheep.

Travel

Within China, traveling during the Chinese New Year is a common tradition as families reunite for the celebrations. However, the biggest difference between the two years was in the number of people who traveled. In 2015, it was reported that over 2.8 billion passenger trips were made during the 40-day travel period, which was an increase of approximately 3.4% from the previous year.

Entertainment

Entertainment is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. In both 2014 and 2015, people watched the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, which is the most-watched program in China during the Chinese New Year. However, there were some differences in the shows that were aired. In 2014, there were more traditional performances such as acrobatics, Kungfu and opera, while in 2015, the focus was more on family-oriented performances like singing and dancing.

Shopping

Shopping is also a significant part of Chinese New Year preparations. However, with the rise of e-commerce in China, people's shopping habits have changed significantly. According to China Internet Network Information Center, online shopping during the Chinese New Year period in 2015 grew by 60% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, offline shopping increased by only 13%.

Red Envelopes

One of the most popular traditions during the Chinese New Year is the practice of giving red envelopes filled with money to children. In 2014, the total amount of money given through red envelopes was approximately 500 billion yuan, while in 2015, it increased to 600 billion yuan, representing an increase of 20%.

Fireworks

Fireworks are another crucial part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. In both 2014 and 2015, there were firework displays across the country. However, due to air pollution concerns, the government implemented stricter regulations on the use of fireworks in 2015. It was reported that the sales of fireworks were down by 37% compared to the previous year.

Tourism

The Chinese New Year holiday is also one of the busiest times for tourism in China. In 2014, more than 4.7 million tourists visited Beijing during the festival, while in 2015, it was reported that the number of tourists had dropped by around 30%. This decline was attributed to the government crackdown on officials' extravagant spending during the festival.

Mobile and Social Media

In 2014, social media and mobile usage were high during the Chinese New Year, with red envelope apps becoming popular among Chinese people. In 2015, more companies and brands began to use WeChat, China's most popular messaging app for marketing purposes during the festival. Compared to 2014, there was an increase of 150% in the number of WeChat users during 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are some similarities between the Chinese New Year celebrations in 2014 and 2015, there were also some notable differences. People's tastes and preferences have evolved over time, and the government's policies and regulations have had an impact on the celebrations. Nevertheless, the Chinese New Year remains one of the most important holidays for the Chinese people, and it continues to be a time of family reunions, traditions, and festivities.

Chinese New Year 2015: Tips and Traditions

Introduction

The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays celebrated in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. It marks the start of a new lunar year and is also known as the Spring Festival. Chinese New Year 2015 will begin on February 18th and end on March 5th.

Celebrations

Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, fireworks, and feasting. Many people take time off work to travel back to their hometowns and reunite with relatives. Homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners with auspicious phrases, and paper cutouts of animals. Firecrackers are set off to scare away evil spirits and it’s customary to eat dumplings, fish, and sweet rice cake.

The Zodiac Animals

Each year in the Chinese calendar is associated with an animal from the zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. 2015 is the Year of the Sheep. People born in the Year of the Sheep are believed to possess gentle, warm, and caring personalities.

Superstitions

Superstitions abound during Chinese New Year. For example, it’s considered unlucky to clean your house or take out the trash during the first few days of the holiday as it may sweep away good luck. It’s also recommended to wear red and avoid the color black, which is associated with mourning.

Giving Red Envelopes

One of the most anticipated Chinese New Year traditions is the giving of red envelopes filled with money. Married couples give red envelopes to their parents, unmarried individuals, and children. This gesture is believed to bring good luck and wealth to the recipients.

The Lantern Festival

The 15th day of the Chinese New Year is marked by the Lantern Festival, which involves lighting lanterns and solving riddles written on them. Eating yuanxiao or sweet glutinous rice balls is an essential part of this festival.

Tips for Celebrating

If you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, here are some tips to keep in mind:•Wear something red to show your festive spirit.•Avoid cutting your hair or washing your clothes on the first day of the holiday.•Don’t wear white or black as these are funeral colors.•Be polite and respectful to elders and senior family members.

Dos and Don’ts

Here are some dos and don’ts to follow during Chinese New Year:Do:•Give red envelopes to children and unmarried adults.•Clean your house thoroughly before the holiday begins.•Visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings.Don’t:•Use negative words or speak of death.•Demand that people work during the holiday.•Break dishes, especially porcelain ones.

In Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is a time for joyous celebration and bringing families together. Whether you’re Chinese or not, it’s a great opportunity to experience a different culture and learn about their customs and traditions. By following these tips and observing the dos and don’ts, you can be sure to have a successful and memorable Chinese New Year 2015.

When Chinese New Year 2015

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world. It usually takes place between January 21 and February 20, depending on the phase of the moon. In 2015, Chinese New Year falls on February 19th.

According to tradition, this is the time when all family members gather together to celebrate the start of a new year. It is believed that during this time, the Chinese deities are more active and present in our world. Thus, families are encouraged to spend time together, offer prayers and make offerings to their ancestors and the gods.

In China, the Chinese New Year festivities can last up to two weeks. The celebration officially starts on the eve of the New Year with a reunion dinner, where family members gather and enjoy a traditional meal. On New Year's Day, people will indulge in various activities such as exchanging “red envelopes” filled with money, setting off fireworks, watching dragon and lion dance performances, and visiting temples.

The red envelopes or “Hongbao” is a gift of money wrapped in a red envelope that Chinese people give away during Chinese New Year as a symbol of good luck and fortune. The money is usually given by married adults to children and unmarried adults. It is said that the amount of money given must end with an even number, as odd numbers denote bad luck.

Dragon and lion dance performances are common during Chinese New Year. These symbolic animals, especially dragons, signify power, wealth and good luck. Often, there will be a team of performers carrying the dragon or lion costume around, accompanied by the sounds of loud and vibrant music.

During Chinese New Year, it is also customary to visit temples to pray for blessings and good fortune. Crowds flock to temples to light incense, offer prayers and burn joss sticks. It is believed that doing so will bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and eliminate bad luck. It is an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience and witness Chinese religious practices and traditional culture first hand.

Chinese New Year also comes with many food traditions. The reunion dinner is a must-have feast for families. The meal typically includes fish, dumplings and sticky rice cakes. Dumplings represent wealth and prosperity while fish symbolizes surplus or prosperity. Sticky rice cakes, also known as “nian gao,” are considered lucky foods because they are said to have the power to bring an increase in income and status.

Another notable food item during Chinese New Year is the Mandarin orange. Mandarin oranges are a symbol of good luck and fortune. They are often given as gifts or shared during Chinese New Year celebrations.

In addition to China, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many other countries worldwide. In Singapore and Malaysia, Chinese New Year is a public holiday. In other parts of Asia and around the world, Chinatowns will be decorated with vibrant red lanterns and banners, and parades are held to usher in the New Year.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a significant celebration in Chinese culture. It is a time to reunite with family and friends, make offerings to deities, and indulge in various traditions and customs. As the celebration approaches between January 21 and February 20 (depending on the moon’s phase), we hope that everyone can take part in these festivities, either at home or abroad, whether you’re Chinese or not. Gong Xi Fa Cai (Happy New Year)!

Thank you for reading our article about Chinese New Year 2015. We hope that through this article, we have provided insight into the various customs and traditions observed during Chinese New Year. As the festivities draw closer, we encourage you to learn more about this auspicious occasion and participate in any way possible. Once again, we wish you a Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

When is Chinese New Year 2015?

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world.

When is Chinese New Year 2015?

Chinese New Year 2015 falls on Thursday, February 19th.

Why does the date of Chinese New Year change?

The date of Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which is different from the Gregorian calendar used in most Western countries. The lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, and as a result, the date of Chinese New Year varies each year. It usually falls between January 21st and February 20th.

How is Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, enjoy traditional foods and customs, and wish each other prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. Customs include cleaning the house to get rid of bad luck, hanging red lanterns and decorations, giving children red envelopes filled with money, and lighting fireworks to scare off evil spirits.

What is the Zodiac animal for Chinese New Year 2015?

Chinese New Year 2015 is the Year of the Sheep (or Goat). Each year is associated with one of the 12 Zodiac animals in the Chinese calendar, which include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. People born in the Year of the Sheep are said to be kind-hearted, creative, and gentle.