China new year 2021
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant traditional holiday in China and other countries with Chinese populations. Here are some key dates and facts about the Chinese New Year in 2021:
Date: February 12, 2021 (Friday)
Animal: Metal Ox (or Oxen)
Element: Metal
Zodiac Sign: The Metal Ox is the second animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. People born in the year of the Ox are said to be hardworking, diligent, and honest.
Festivities:
- The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, also known as the Reunion Dinner, is a traditional family gathering where families come together to share food and celebrate the new year.
- The Lantern Festival, which marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, falls on February 26, 2021.
- Other traditional activities include giving red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors, watching traditional lion and dragon dances, and setting off firecrackers.
Traditions:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune
- Wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start
- Giving and receiving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money
- Eating traditional foods such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake)
- Watching traditional performances such as lion and dragon dances
Travel and Celebrations:
- Many Chinese people travel back to their hometowns to spend the holiday with family and friends.
- Cities and towns across China and other countries with Chinese populations host parades, fireworks displays, and cultural performances to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
- The Chinese New Year is a peak travel period in China, with millions of people taking trains, buses, and planes to return home for the holiday.
Lucky Colors:
- Red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture.
- Gold and orange are also considered lucky colors during the Chinese New Year.
Foods:
- Dumplings (jiaozi) are a traditional food eaten during the Chinese New Year.
- Fish is also a popular dish, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
- Niangao (sticky rice cake) is a sweet treat that symbolizes progress and advancement.
Overall, the Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, traditional foods, and cultural celebrations. It's a significant holiday in Chinese culture and is celebrated by people of Chinese descent around the world.