8 Fun Facts About Chinese New Year by

Festival Duration

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:02 UTC

Chinese New year celebrations last for 15 days, This event is the celebration of starting with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ending with the Full Moon. It is the longest public holiday in China, with there being different events on each day!

The Chinese Zodiac

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:03 UTC

Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, this starts again every 12 years. Your Zodiac sign is believed to have the ability to explain your personality, career, compatibility, and fortune throughout the new year.

Red Envelopes

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:03 UTC

One of the main traditions of this festival is to give red envelopes filled with money to children and adults who are not married. Red is considered as a lucky colour in China, Red is known for symbolizing energy, happiness, and good luck. These envelopes are meant to scare off evil spirits and help provide a year of fortune.

Fireworks Tradition

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:03 UTC

Fireworks are considered an important part of the celebrations. Many believe that the loud noises scare away evil spirits and bad luck, making way for a successful and happy new year. The tradition originated from a myth about a monster named Nian, which could be driven away with loud noises.

Lion Dance

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:04 UTC

The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed during Chinese New Year for good luck. It is done by individuals that dress up in a lion costume and is believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits.

Family Reunion Dinner

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:04 UTC

A special dinner is hosted the day before the festival celebrations begin. People use this meal as an opportunity to reunite family. It is considered the most important meal of the year. It represents prosperity, love and happiness!

Cleaning Customs

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:05 UTC

Days leading up to the New Year, Chinese families give their homes a good clean. It's believed this sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. However, cleaning tools are put away on the first day to avoid sweeping away the newfound luck.

The First Visitor

lroylebsc23 — 2024-02-29 10:41:05 UTC

A common belief is that the first person to visit your home after the New Year begins is believed to impact and influence your fortune and success for the coming year. People often invite a family member or friend who is deemed lucky to be the first visitor, ensuring good luck for the household.