Chinese new need to know

Here are some key things to know about Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival):

When is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar.

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration that marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. It's a time for family reunions, feasting, and giving gifts.

What are the traditions?

  1. Cleaning the house: Before the New Year, people typically clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
  2. Decorations: Homes are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts to bring good luck and prosperity.
  3. Red envelopes: Adults give red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
  4. Family gatherings: Family members come together to share meals, play games, and exchange gifts.
  5. Food: Traditional foods like dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake) are eaten during the celebrations.
  6. Fireworks: Fireworks are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing the driving away of evil spirits and bringing good luck.
  7. Lion and dragon dances: These traditional performances are meant to bring good luck and fortune.

What are the zodiac animals?

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac. The 12 animals are:

  1. Rat
  2. Ox (or Cow)
  3. Tiger
  4. Rabbit (or Hare)
  5. Dragon
  6. Snake
  7. Horse
  8. Goat (or Sheep)
  9. Monkey
  10. Rooster
  11. Dog
  12. Pig (or Boar)

What are the lucky colors?

Red is the most auspicious color during Chinese New Year, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Other lucky colors include gold, silver, and orange.

What are the common greetings?

What are some common Chinese New Year phrases?

I hope this helps you navigate Chinese New Year celebrations!