Chinese new year 2014

Chinese New Year 2014, also known as the Spring Festival, fell on January 31, 2014. It was the Year of the Wood Horse.

Here are some interesting facts and traditions associated with Chinese New Year 2014:

Zodiac Animal: The Year of the Wood Horse

• The Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
• People born in the Year of the Horse are known for their confidence, energy, and independence.

Festivities:

• The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner, also known as Reunion Dinner, is a traditional family gathering where families come together to share food and celebrate the new year.
• Lion and dragon dances were performed to bring good luck and fortune.
• Fireworks and firecrackers were lit to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
• Red envelopes filled with money were given to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Traditions:

• Cleaning the house before the new year to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
• Wearing new clothes and shoes 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) to symbolize good luck and prosperity.

Celebrations:

• The Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco's Chinatown was attended by over 100,000 people.
• The Lunar New Year Festival in New York City's Chinatown featured traditional performances, food, and games.
• The Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore's Chinatown were marked by street performances, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions.

Interesting Facts:

• The Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in China, with over 1.3 billion people celebrating.
• The Chinese New Year is also celebrated in many other countries with significant Chinese populations, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.
• The Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration, with each day having its own unique traditions and customs.