Chinese new year 2019

Chinese New Year 2019, also known as the Spring Festival, fell on February 16, 2019. It marked the beginning of the Year of the Pig, the 12th animal in the Chinese zodiac.

Here are some interesting facts and traditions surrounding Chinese New Year 2019:

Zodiac Sign: The Year of the Pig is a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and abundance.

Date: February 16, 2019

Duration: Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, ending on the 30th day of the lunar calendar.

Traditions:

  1. Cleaning the House: Before the New Year arrives, people typically 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 Chinese New Year is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
  3. Giving Red Envelopes: Adults give red envelopes filled with money to children and seniors as a symbol of good luck and blessings.
  4. Eating Traditional Foods: Families gather to share traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and niangao (sticky rice cake) to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
  5. Lion and Dragon Dances: Performers dressed in elaborate costumes perform lion and dragon dances to bring good luck and fortune.
  6. Fireworks: Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate the New Year, believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Festivities:

  1. Parades: Many cities around the world, including New York, San Francisco, and London, hosted Chinese New Year parades and festivals.
  2. Cultural Events: Museums, theaters, and cultural centers hosted Chinese New Year-themed events, including traditional music and dance performances.
  3. Food Festivals: Food festivals featuring traditional Chinese cuisine were held in many cities, offering a taste of the festive season.

Interesting Facts:

  1. Largest Chinese New Year Celebration: The largest Chinese New Year celebration was held in Hong Kong, with over 1 million people attending the parade.
  2. Longest Chinese New Year Parade: The longest Chinese New Year parade was held in San Francisco, stretching over 3.5 miles.
  3. Most Expensive Red Envelope: A red envelope filled with 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,400 USD) was given to a child in China, making it the most expensive red envelope ever given.

Overall, Chinese New Year 2019 was a joyous celebration of good fortune, prosperity, and family bonding, with people around the world coming together to mark the beginning of the Year of the Pig.