Happy Chinese New Year

written on February 22, 2011 by Tameka Taylor

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The Chinese New Year 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit and began on February 3rd.  The Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and lasts for 15 days.  That 15th day is the celebration of the Lantern Festival.  This is celebrated at night with a parade of lantern displays and children carrying lanterns.  Additionally, lots of singing and dancing occur at this time. 


A combination of the lunar and solar calendar makes the Chinese calendar.  Since the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, there is an extra month added to the calendar every few years (similar to having an extra day in leap year).  The Chinese New Year starts on a different day each year between January 21 and February 20.  Both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are seen as family time and a time of thanksgiving.  Traditionally the New Year was celebrated with a religious ceremony that honors both Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and family ancestors. Deceased family members are remembered with high regard since they are responsible for providing the foundations for the fortune and glory of the family.


Historically, China was an agricultural society where people worked all year long.  So they took a break between the harvest and planting of the seeds, which fell during the beginning of the New Year.  Similar to the Western New Year there are many traditions, folklores and rituals.  Many compare it to a combination of Western Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.  People often begin to prepare for the holiday about a month prior to it by buying gifts, decoration materials, food, and clothing.  Homes are often cleaned thoroughly to “sweep away all traces of bad luck.”  Many paint doors and windowpanes in red and decorate them with items symbolizing happiness, wealth, and longevity.  This time is also referred to as the Spring Festival since it is the beginning of spring.


New Year’s Eve is an exciting time of the holiday.  Dinner often consists of a seafood feast and dumplings representing good wishes.  Also such delicacies such as prawns for liveliness and happiness; died oysters for all things good;  fish dishes for good luck and prosperity;  Angel Hair for prosperity;  and dumplings boiled in water for long-lasting good wishes for families.  People often wear red to keep away evil spirits. After dinner families frequently play cards, board games or watch television together.  Fireworks are displayed at midnight, which many believe that the loud sounds scare off the evil spirits.


Another tradition during the new year is Chinese people age another year all at the same time.  So on the seventh day of the new year, all people in China become a year older.  Also, each year is represented by one of twelve animals.  These animals are the Chinese zodiac signs.  Which animal sign are you based on the year you were born?


While, I have shared with you some traditions and history associated with the Chinese New Year, remember that China is a large country with many different demographics and ethnicities, so some customs vary from place to place.  Be careful not to stereotype New Year traditions to every Chinese person or family.  However, one thing for sure is that the spirit of the holiday is consistent, a sincere wish of peace and happiness for both family and friends.