Chinese New Year Holiday 2021: Dates, Traditions and Celebrations

Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most important holidays in China. It is celebrated by millions of people around the world, and it marks the beginning of a new lunar year. Many people are curious about when this holiday takes place, so they can plan their travel, join the festivities, or send greetings to their loved ones. So, when is Chinese New Year holiday?First of all, it's worth mentioning that Chinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year. It falls on a different date every year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, which consists of 12 zodiac signs and cycles of 60 years. Each year is associated with an animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.The most common question that people ask is: When is Chinese New Year in 2022? Well, get ready to mark your calendar: Chinese New Year will start on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022, and it will last for 15 days. The first day of the Chinese New Year is also called the Chinese New Year Eve, which is the day when families gather, cook a big feast, and exchange gifts and red envelopes with money.But why is Chinese New Year such a big deal? For starters, it's the longest and most important holiday in China, where people get a long break from work, school, and other obligations. It's a time for relaxation, reflection, and reunion with family and friends. And, of course, it's a time for a lot of fun and excitement.During the 15 days of Chinese New Year, there are many traditions and customs that you can observe, depending on the region, culture, or personal preference. Here are some examples:- Cleaning: Before Chinese New Year, people clean their homes and sweep away bad luck to make way for good luck. This is called sweeping the dust.- Decorating: People put up red paper cutouts, lanterns, couplets, and posters with auspicious symbols and blessings, such as happiness, wealth, or longevity.- Eating: Food is a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and there are many traditional dishes that have special meanings, such as fish (prosperity), dumplings (wealth), rice cakes (promotion), and glutinous rice balls (family reunion).- Giving: Red envelopes with money, or hongbao, are given to children, unmarried adults, and elders as a sign of good luck and blessings. It's also customary to exchange gifts such as tea, fruits, or snacks.- Visiting: Families visit each other during Chinese New Year, especially on the first and second day, to pay respects, exchange greetings, and share meals. It's also common to visit temples, fairs, or cultural events.If you're planning to celebrate Chinese New Year, whether in China or abroad, there are some things to keep in mind. For instance, be prepared for crowds, traffic, and high prices, especially during peak travel times and popular destinations. Also, learn some basic Chinese phrases and customs to show respect and to avoid misunderstandings. And, most importantly, have an open mind, a cheerful spirit, and a healthy appetite!In conclusion, when is Chinese New Year holiday? It's on February 1st, 2022, and it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich culture, traditions, and joys of the Chinese people. Whether you're Chinese or not, young or old, rich or poor, Chinese New Year is a holiday that brings people together, promotes happiness and harmony, and encourages us to appreciate the past, live in the present, and hope for the future. So, don't miss out the chance to join the celebration and to wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year!

"When Is Chinese New Year Holiday" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday celebrated by the Chinese people worldwide. It is celebrated on various dates each year, following a lunar calendar system that doesn't coincide with the Gregorian calendar. In this blog article, we will discuss when Chinese New Year takes place and the traditions associated with it.

The Date of Chinese New Year

Unlike Western New Year, which always falls on January 1st, Chinese New Year varies every year. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2021, Chinese New Year took place on February 12th, while in 2022, it will fall on January 31st.

The Zodiac Sign for Each Year

Chinese New Year is associated with the Chinese zodiac, which is a twelve-year cycle represented by an animal. Each year is assigned an animal sign, and 2021 was the Year of the Ox. 2022 is set to be the Year of the Tiger, and those born in that year are said to be brave, confident, and competitive.

Traditions Associated With Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations start much earlier than the actual day, with preparations beginning weeks in advance. One of the most important traditions is to thoroughly clean your home, which symbolizes getting rid of bad luck from the past year. Another tradition is to decorate your home with red lanterns, streamers, and other ornaments, which signify happiness and good fortune.

Reunion Dinner

The most important part of Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, which takes place on New Year's Eve. Families gather together to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (a type of glutinous rice cake). This is a time for families to catch up, exchange gifts, and wish each other good luck for the coming year.

Red Envelopes

Another tradition associated with Chinese New Year is the giving of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money to children. These envelopes are usually decorated with auspicious symbols, and the amount of money inside should always be an even number, as odd numbers are considered unlucky.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a key part of the celebrations, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits. Chinese New Year is typically the time of the year when the most fireworks are set off in China. However, in recent years, many cities across China have banned or restricted the use of fireworks due to safety concerns and environmental reasons.

In Conclusion

Chinese New Year is an essential holiday in Chinese culture, celebrated around the world by millions of people. It is a time for families to come together, share traditions, eat delicious food, and enjoy festivities. Although the date can vary from year to year, the spirit of Chinese New Year remains the same – a time of hope, renewal, and good fortune for all.

When Is Chinese New Year Holiday?

Introduction

The Chinese New Year holiday is also known as Spring Festival in China and is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays. The holiday period lasts for around 15 days and varies each year as it follows the lunar calendar. It is a time for families to come together, feast, exchange gifts, and participate in various traditions and activities. In this article, we will compare the different dates of the Chinese New Year holiday.

The Lunar Calendar

The Chinese New Year holiday falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. Unlike the solar calendar, which has a fixed number of 365 days, the lunar calendar has 354 days. Therefore, the date of the Chinese New Year can vary from year to year.

The Gregorian Calendar

The Gregorian calendar is commonly used worldwide and is based on the solar calendar, which has a fixed number of 365 days. However, due to the difference in the lengths of the two calendars, the date of the Chinese New Year holiday falls on a different date each year.

Chinese New Year Holiday Dates

2019

In 2019, the Chinese New Year holiday fell on February 5th.

Traditions and Activities

During the Chinese New Year holiday, families traditionally clean their homes to welcome the new year and decorate with red lanterns and banners. They also prepare festive foods such as dumplings and fish. On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a dinner, often followed by fireworks to ward off evil spirits.

2020

In 2020, the Chinese New Year holiday fell on January 25th.

Impact of COVID-19

The Chinese New Year holiday in 2020 was affected by the outbreak of COVID-19, and many people were unable to travel or gather together as usual. This had a significant impact on the Chinese economy, as consumer spending during the holiday period is typically high.

2021

In 2021, the Chinese New Year holiday fell on February 12th.

Virtual Celebrations

Due to the ongoing pandemic, many Chinese New Year celebrations in 2021 were held virtually, with families and friends connecting through online platforms.

Comparison Table

Year	Gregorian Calendar Date	Lunar Calendar Date	Significance
2019	February 5th	1st day of the 1st lunar month	Year of the Pig
2020	January 25th	1st day of the 1st lunar month	Year of the Rat
2021	February 12th	1st day of the 1st lunar month	Year of the Ox

Significance of the Lunar New Year Zodiac Sign

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of twelve zodiac signs and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). It is believed that people born in a particular year will have traits and characteristics associated with that animal sign.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the date of the Chinese New Year holiday changes each year as it follows the lunar calendar. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people still celebrated virtually, and the holiday remains an important time for families to come together and participate in traditional customs.

When Is Chinese New Year Holiday?

Introduction

The Chinese New Year is one of the most awaited celebrations in the Chinese culture. It is a time for families to come together, feast, and enjoy traditions that have been passed down for generations. The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival.

What is Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the date of the celebration varies from year to year. This year, it falls on February 12th, 2021. The celebration lasts for 15 days, from the first day of the Lunar New Year to the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Preparations for Chinese New Year

The preparations for the Chinese New Year start weeks before the actual day. Families clean their homes, decorate their houses with red lanterns and banners, buy new clothes, and stock up on food supplies.

Cleaning

Cleaning is a big part of preparing for the Chinese New Year. It is believed that cleaning sweeps away bad luck and makes way for good luck to enter the house. Sometimes the cleaning may start as early as a month before the New Year begins.

Red Decorations

Red decorations are a must during the Chinese New Year. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. People decorate their houses with red lanterns, banners, and posters with auspicious phrases written on them.

New Clothes

Wearing new clothes is considered lucky during the Chinese New Year. People buy new clothes to wear on New Year's Day. Wearing red-colored clothes is especially lucky.

Food

Food plays a crucial role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Families prepare a lot of food and share it with their loved ones. Some popular dishes during this time include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, and rice cakes.

Traditions during Chinese New Year

There are various traditions associated with Chinese New Year celebrations, and here are some of them.

Red Envelopes

Red envelopes or hongbao are given out as gifts during the Chinese New Year. They are usually filled with money and given to kids and unmarried adults.

Fireworks

Fireworks are an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations. The loud noises from fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Lion Dance

The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance that is performed during the Chinese New Year. People dress up in lion costumes and dance on the streets to the beat of drums and cymbals.

Dragon Dance

The dragon dance is another traditional Chinese dance performed during the Chinese New Year. A long dragon made up of several performers dances through the streets.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and joyful celebrations in Chinese culture. It is a time for families to come together, feast, and celebrate traditions that have been passed down for generations. The preparations for the Chinese New Year can be overwhelming, but the celebrations are worth it. Happy Chinese New Year!

When Is Chinese New Year Holiday?

The Chinese New Year is among the biggest festivals in China and is celebrated with immense zeal and enthusiasm. The date of the celebration of this festival is determined by the lunar calendar, with the lunar New Year occurring on different dates each year. Being one of the country's most significant annual events, the Chinese New Year holiday is filled with many traditional practices and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Chinese New Year is also called the Spring Festival, which lasts for 15 days. Typically, the celebration starts with the New Year's Eve dinner, and from there, it continues until the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Many people start traveling towards their hometowns a few days before the starting date of the festival, and this period is famously called Chunyun or Spring Movement. On this particular day, hundreds of millions of people travel back home to celebrate with their families.

The Chinese New Year doesn't have a fixed date internationally; thus, to determine when it falls each year, we have to utilize the lunisolar Chinese calendar. So, the date of the festival may shift every year, but it often falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. The celebration typically lasts for about two weeks and ends with the famous Lantern Festival.

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in China as it marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. This day is considered the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar; hence we call it the Chinese New Year. The exact date of this celebration varies from year to year since it is based on the lunar calendar, seeing as the Chinese year follows a twelve-year cycle and each year is named after one amongst the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

The Spring Festival, as it is also known, is amongst the grandest celebrations that China hosts and runs for over two weeks. Those two weeks are jam-packed with events and festivities, like the dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and family reunions, all to celebrate the New Year. Nevertheless, preparations for the New Year starts even earlier than this; people, particularly housewives, start cleaning their homes weeks before the festival to sweep away any misfortunes.

The Chinese New Year holiday isn't just limited to China but extends to other Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more. So, apart from China, the region experiences enormous enthusiasm during this period of the year, with festive lanterns adorning the streets, vibrant parades filling the streets with life, and fireworks booming off into the sky.

In recent years, the Chinese government places an extended emphasis on the importance of their ancient traditions and cultures during the new year holidays, and with efforts to bring the younger generation closer to their customs. Apart from the colorful fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and bustling markets, traditional activities such as paper cutting, pasting couplets, and making dumplings have become essential for local families during the spring festival.

With the celebration of Chinese New Year comes a lot of traditions, stories, and legends, depending on the region. Nonetheless, one similarity between celebrations wherever you go is that it brings loved ones together to eat. In China, for instance, families prepare special dishes that hold symbolic meaning and signify good fortune. A lot of symbolism is attached to the food consumed on various days. On New Year's Eve, for instance, families often cook fish and have it as a meal because the Chinese word for fish Yu sounds similar to the words 'surplus' and 'abundance,' which symbolizes a good beginning to the New Year.

It is quite clear that Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China. It offers locals and tourists alike an opportunity to experience the country's culture, customs, and traditions firsthand during one of the country's most notably lively periods. Whether you are traveling with your family or friends, there is plenty to see and do during this period. Consequently, we suggest planning your visit to China early enough since this festive season is popular, and bookings for things like accommodation and flights fill up pretty fast.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year Holiday is a time for celebrating the start of a new lunar cycle, spending time with loved ones, and embracing rich cultural traditions. While it may not always fall at the same time, typically, it is celebrated between January 21st and February 20th each year. If you're looking to travel to China during this period, plan accordingly and be ready to witness one of the most significant and exciting festivals in the world!

Thank you for reading!

When is Chinese New Year Holiday

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important festival in China and other East Asian countries. It is usually celebrated in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

How long is Chinese New Year?

The celebrations for Chinese New Year usually last for 15 days, starting from the first day of the lunar new year and ending with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.

When is Chinese New Year in 2021?

Chinese New Year in 2021 falls on Friday, February 12th.

Is Chinese New Year a public holiday?

Yes, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China and many other East Asian countries. It is usually a week-long holiday, during which businesses and schools are closed.

What are some traditions for Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and traditional activities such as eating dumplings, giving red envelopes filled with money, and setting off fireworks. Many people also decorate their homes with red lanterns and banners with auspicious phrases.

Why is Chinese New Year so important?

Chinese New Year has a deep cultural and historical significance in East Asian countries. It symbolizes a fresh start and the hope for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

How do people greet each other during Chinese New Year?

The most common greeting during Chinese New Year is xin nian kuai le which means happy new year in Mandarin. Other greetings include gong xi fa cai which means congratulations and prosperity and hong bao na lai which means give me a red envelope.