The most important holiday in the Chinese calendar happens to change every year. It’s not because of the need to preserve three-day weekends or other convenient timing, but because the lunar calendar dictates the beginning of each Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and the longest Chinese holiday. The widely-celebrated event is upon us once again, this year being celebrated between February 16 and March 2, with longstanding traditions marking each day. The Chinese zodiac, like its western counterpart, has 12 sections but they are represented by animals rather than the western star constellations. This year, billions around the world will be celebrating the Year of the Dog.
The Chinese New Year tradition begins with a cleansing of sorts. A “sweeping of the dust” in the home is typically the first ritual. It symbolizes renewal and putting away the past so that good fortune can then be welcomed for the Lunar New Year. All cleaning is done before the Chinese New Year actually begins. To do so during the celebration is considered taboo and could bring bad luck.
The night before the actual New Year, many families have a reunion dinner featuring dishes that symbolize good luck and health and homes are decorated with posters and red lanterns. This day is the most traveled by the Chinese, as families reunite to enjoy the food and festivities. In fact, this day represents the largest migration of humans anywhere in the world. Thanksgiving, eat your heart out.
On the day itself, which this year falls on February 16, families and friends visit one another. For married couples, the family of the husband is celebrated on the first day and the wife on the second day. For everyone, the third day is a day to rest and stay at home. The remaining days during the two-week celebration are marked by various traditions which revolve around welcoming the gods to bring fortune, cast away poverty, and celebrate humankind.
The sights and sounds of the Chinese New Year are unmistakable, with fireworks and firecrackers and the colourful dragon and lion dances among the most notable. Here’s another fun fact: On the eve of the Chinese New year, more fireworks are set off all over the world than at any other time of the year. There are many other interesting facts about the Chinese New Year that you might not be aware of.
The good news for those who aren’t able to witness the celebrations in China is that the tradition reaches all over the world. In many major cities with a substantial Chinese population, you’re sure to run into many reminders of this joyous time of year. If you’re interested in visiting some of the best places to celebrate, here is a list of cities where you can experience the Chinese New Year in all its colour and spectacle. Can you guess which city is number one? And, if you receive a red envelope with “lucky money” inside, consider yourself part of the family.