Chinese new year 2018

Chinese New Year 2018, also known as the Spring Festival, fell on February 16, 2018. It marked the beginning of the Year of the Dog according to the Chinese zodiac.

Here are some interesting facts and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year 2018:

Zodiac Sign: The Year of the Dog is the 11th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal, honest, and friendly.

Celebrations: Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration, with the first day being the most important. It's a time for family reunions, traditional foods, and cultural activities.

Traditions:

  1. Cleaning the House: Before the New Year, many Chinese people clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
  2. Wearing New Clothes: Wearing new clothes on the first day of the New Year symbolizes a fresh start.
  3. Giving Red Envelopes: Adults give red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
  4. Eating Traditional Foods: Foods like dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake) are traditional during Chinese New Year. Dumplings symbolize wealth and good luck, while fish represents abundance.
  5. Lion and Dragon Dances: These performances are believed to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits.

Festivities:

  1. Parades and Street Performances: Many cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco, and London, hosted Chinese New Year parades and street performances.
  2. Fireworks: Fireworks displays were held in many cities to mark the beginning of the New Year.
  3. Cultural Events: Museums, theaters, and cultural centers hosted Chinese New Year-themed events, including traditional music and dance performances.

Interesting Facts:

  1. Longest Chinese New Year Celebration: The longest Chinese New Year celebration was held in Macau, China, which lasted for 15 days.
  2. Largest Chinese New Year Parade: The largest Chinese New Year parade was held in San Francisco, California, which attracted over 1 million spectators.
  3. Chinese New Year in Space: Astronauts on the International Space Station celebrated Chinese New Year with a traditional meal and a call to their families back on Earth.

Overall, Chinese New Year 2018 was a time for celebration, family, and cultural heritage.