Great Chinese New Year Facts
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the celebration of the start of new life. The Chinese population celebrates it with visits to family, special meals, firework shows and giving gifts. Here are a few interesting facts to help you grasp the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year.
1. The date changes every year
Unlike the New Year that we are familiar with, the date of the Chinese New Year changes every year. This is because it begins at the new moon, which falls between 21 January and 20 February. In 2022 Chinese New Year will start on 1 February 2022, so get ready for some festivities!
2. It’s the biggest annual fireworks usage in the world
Yes, you read that right! On Chinese New Year you’ll see the biggest and grandest fireworks display in the world! China is also the producer of 90% of fireworks worldwide. As the legend of Nian (‘Year’) goes, fireworks are used to scare off monsters and evil spirits and bring good luck.
3. Red envelopes are exchanged
The colour red symbolises prosperity and good luck in the Chinese culture. On Chinese New Year it is a tradition to gift a bright, beautiful red envelope filled with money to your friends and family. Traditionally, this is done to transfer fortune from elders to youngsters, but in modern times this is also done between all relatives, bosses and employees and leaders to underlings.
4. The world’s largest annual migration
During Chinese New Year millions of people travel to their families for reunions. It is the world’s largest annual human migration, also known as the Spring Festival Travel Rush. It is estimated that 3.5 billion journeys take place in China during this period.
5. Taboos during Chinese New Year
A few activities are not allowed on New Year’s Day or during Chinese New Year. On New Year’s Day sweeping is not allowed (your wealth will be swept away), hair should not be washed (it washes your good luck away) and no porridge should be eaten (it brings poverty). During the duration of the Spring Festival no dishes should be broken (it brings bad luck), no scissors or knives should be used (it cuts away your wealth) and white and black should not be worn (these are unlucky colours).
6. Oranges and tangerines
Oranges and tangerines are displayed everywhere during Chinese New Year. Their pronunciation and the Chinese characters in the words are believed to reflect good luck and fortune. Chinese for orange, 橙 (chéng /chnng/), sounds similar to the Chinese word for success (成). Tangerine, (桔 jú /jyoo/), includes the same characters as in the Chinese word for luck, (吉 jí /jee/). Gift your Chinese friends with oranges or tangerines. They will definitely appreciate it!
Chinese New Year is celebrated by about 20% of the world’s population. The festivals and celebrations are experiences not to be missed! Colours, foods and activities during this period are not random, but contain their own meanings which have been carried forward from generation to generation.
Enjoy the Spring Festival!