Chinese New Year 2018: Discover the Element That Will Shape Your Destiny!
Chinese New Year is an important festival, celebrated by millions of people around the world on the lunar new year. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog.
What makes Chinese New Year unique is the combination of traditional customs and modern celebrations that often involve fireworks, parades, and delicious food. This festival lasts for fifteen days and is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors.
One of the most significant traditions during Chinese New Year is the giving of red envelopes, known as hongbao, which contain money as a symbol of good luck and fortune. It's also common to clean the house in preparation for the new year and to decorate with red lanterns, banners, and Chinese zodiac signs.
Did you know that each Chinese zodiac sign corresponds to a different element? This year, being the Year of the Dog, is associated with the element of Earth. In fact, the last Earth Dog Year was in 1958, so it's a rare and special occasion.
In Chinese astrology, those born in the Year of the Dog are known for their loyalty, honesty, and kindness. If you're born in the Year of the Dog, this is your year! However, for everyone else, it's still a great time to set goals and make plans for the future.
Another popular custom during Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, which is held on New Year's Eve. Families gather around tables filled with symbolic dishes such as fish, dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes. Each dish has its own meaning, such as prosperity, longevity, and happiness.
Transitioning into the new year, the first day is usually spent visiting relatives and friends and exchanging greetings of gong xi fa cai, which means wishing you prosperity. In some regions, dragon and lion dances are performed for good luck.
As the festival continues, there are many activities to participate in such as watching lantern displays, playing mahjong, and participating in temple fairs. On the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, known as the Lantern Festival, there are various festivities involving colorful lanterns and sweet rice dumplings.
Looking back on the history of Chinese New Year, it originated from the legend of Nian, a monster that would come out to eat people on New Year's Eve. However, people soon discovered that the monster was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and firecrackers. Hence, the tradition of using red decorations and setting off fireworks began.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for reflection, unity, and celebration. By following these customs and traditions, it's believed that one can attract good fortune and blessings for the year to come. With the Year of the Dog just around the corner, it's a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and embrace this festive season!
Don't miss out on experiencing Chinese New Year and all its wonders. Read on to learn more about the customs, symbolism, and origin of this beloved festival.
"Chinese New Year 2018 What Element" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year is a significant celebration for the Chinese people around the world. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, and it marks the start of the lunar calendar. Each year has a corresponding Chinese zodiac sign and element, which determines the predictions for the year ahead. The upcoming Chinese New Year 2018 falls on February 16, and it is the Year of the Dog, with the element of Earth.The Year of the Dog
The Dog symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness, and honesty in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to possess those characteristics and are known to be diligent, reliable, and friendly individuals. According to Chinese astrology, this year brings forth positivity and promise for those born under this zodiac sign, particularly in matters of relationships, career advancement, and financial stability.The Element of Earth
The element of Earth is stable, grounded, and nurturing. It represents wealth, fertility, and growth, which bodes well for many aspects of life. The Earth element signifies responsibility, stability, and practicality, traits that are useful for achieving long-term goals. This element is believed to bring balance and harmony while providing a foundation for development and progress.The Celebration
Chinese New Year is widely celebrated with colorful decorations, festive parades, lively dragon dances, and traditional meals. It is a time for family reunions and honoring ancestors. People clean their homes to sweep away bad luck from the previous year and make way for positive energies for the coming year. They also wear new clothes, exchange red envelopes filled with money, and partake in various activities such as fireworks and lighting incense sticks.Traditions and Superstitions
There are several traditions and superstitions associated with Chinese New Year that aim to bring good luck and fortune. For example, it is essential to avoid cleaning or sweeping the house on the first day of Lunar New Year as it may sweep away good fortune. People should also not use scissors or cut anything during the celebration since it may cut off all possibilities of wealth and success.The Reunion Dinner
The Reunion Dinner is a vital part of Chinese New Year celebrations where families come together to share traditional dishes, including dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, and rice cakes. The dishes have significant meanings, such as longevity, wealth, and prosperity. The dinner is a symbolic representation of unity and reinforces the importance of family ties.Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, known as “Lai See” in Cantonese or “Hong Bao” in Mandarin, are given to loved ones as part of the Chinese New Year tradition. The red color symbolizes good fortune, and the amount of money inside reflects the giver’s blessings for the recipient. These envelopes are typically given to children, unmarried adults, and employees by their employers.The Lantern Festival
Chinese New Year celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. People light candles inside colorful lanterns and hang them in public places, creating a beautiful sight. The festival also involves riddles, games, and food stalls, making it a fun and exciting event for families and friends.Conclusion
Chinese New Year 2018, the Year of the Dog and the element of Earth, promises to bring forth positivity, balance, and growth. The celebration is an opportunity to come together with family and friends, honor traditions, and embrace new beginnings. As we bid farewell to the year of the Rooster and welcome the year of the Dog, let us hope for a year filled with happiness, fulfillment, and prosperity.Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison of the Zodiac Elements
The Zodiac Cycle
The Chinese New Year is a time of celebration for millions of people around the world. It marks the beginning of the zodiac cycle, which consists of twelve animal signs and their respective elements. In 2018, the Chinese New Year falls on February 16 and is celebrated as the Year of the Dog.The Five Elements
The five elements in Chinese philosophy are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They represent different aspects of nature and are associated with different qualities and characteristics. Each element is also associated with a specific year in the zodiac cycle.Wood
The wood element is associated with creativity, growth, and vitality. It is represented by the color green and is associated with the years ending in 4 or 5. People born in wood years are said to be ambitious, adventurous, and independent.Fire
The fire element is associated with passion, energy, and strength. It is represented by the color red and is associated with the years ending in 6 or 7. People born in fire years are said to be charismatic, confident, and lively.Earth
The earth element is associated with stability, balance, and practicality. It is represented by the color yellow and is associated with the years ending in 8 or 9. People born in earth years are said to be reliable, loyal, and hardworking.Metal
The metal element is associated with clarity, order, and discipline. It is represented by the color white and is associated with the years ending in 0 or 1. People born in metal years are said to be honest, forthright, and determined.Water
The water element is associated with flexibility, intuition, and emotion. It is represented by the color black and is associated with the years ending in 2 or 3. People born in water years are said to be sensitive, artistic, and imaginative.The Year of the Dog
The Year of the Dog is represented by the earth element, which emphasizes stability, balance, and practicality. This year is likely to be marked by a sense of responsibility, duty, and loyalty. It is a time for people to focus on their relationships, family, and community.Comparison Table
The following table summarizes the key characteristics of each zodiac element:| Element | Color | Qualities | Years | Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Green | Creativity, Growth, Vitality | 4, 5 | Ambitious, Adventurous, Independent |
| Fire | Red | Passion, Energy, Strength | 6, 7 | Charismatic, Confident, Lively |
| Earth | Yellow | Stability, Balance, Practicality | 8, 9 | Reliable, Loyal, Hardworking |
| Metal | White | Clarity, Order, Discipline | 0, 1 | Honest, Forthright, Determined |
| Water | Black | Flexibility, Intuition, Emotion | 2, 3 | Sensitive, Artistic, Imaginative |
Opinion
In Chinese astrology, the zodiac elements offer insights into our personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses. They can help us understand ourselves and others better and offer guidance on how to navigate different situations and relationships. As we celebrate the Year of the Dog, let us embrace the qualities of the earth element and focus on stability, balance, and practicality. May this year bring us joy, abundance, and prosperity!Chinese New Year 2018 and Its Elements: A Guide to Celebrating
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important annual event observed in China and other countries with a significant Chinese population. Each year is associated with one of twelve Chinese zodiac animals, and this animal is tied to one of the five elements in traditional Chinese philosophy. For 2018, the year of the Dog is paired with the element of Earth. Whether you are in China or abroad, here is a guide to celebrating Chinese New Year 2018.
Greetings
Gong Xi Fa Cai or 恭喜发财 (Mandarin) and Kung Hei Fat Choy (Cantonese) are common greetings during the Chinese New Year, meaning Wishing you prosperity. Other common phrases are Xin Nian Kuai Le or 新年快乐, meaning Happy New Year, and Hong Bao Na Lai or 红包拿来, meaning Hand over the red envelopes. The latter refers to the tradition of giving money-filled red envelopes to children and unmarried adults during the festivities.
Cleaning and Decoration
It is customary to do a thorough cleaning of the house before the Chinese New Year to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and welcome good fortune. Decorating the house with red lanterns, couplets (verbal decorations), and images of the twelve zodiac animals and the God of Wealth is also popular. These decorations symbolize wealth, happiness, and good luck.
Food and Drinks
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Dumplings, nian gao (sticky rice cakes), fish, and chicken are some traditional dishes served. It's also customary to eat tangyuan or 汤圆, a type of glutinous rice ball eaten during Yuan Xiao Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the New Year. Drinking tea, especially green or oolong tea, is common too, while alcohol is usually avoided as it's thought to bring bad luck.
Festivities
During the Chinese New Year, lively parades featuring dragon and lion dances, martial arts performances, and fireworks displays can be seen in most Chinese cities. Watching China's most-watched TV event, the Spring Festival Gala, is also popular. The Gala features comedy sketches, dance performances, and songs for five hours that culminate in a countdown to the New Year. It usually includes performances from Chinese celebrities.
Red Envelopes
As mentioned earlier, giving red envelopes with money inside is a crucial part of the Chinese New Year tradition. Younger family members receive these envelopes from their elders as a gesture of respect and good wishes. The amount of money inside the envelope varies, but it's usually an even number intended to bring good luck.
Traditions and Superstitions
Aside from red envelopes, other traditions and superstitions abound during the Chinese New Year. Avoiding sharp objects such as knives and scissors, which can cut off good fortune, is one example. Wearing red clothes and underwear is considered lucky, while black clothes are frowned upon. The first person to enter the house after midnight should be deemed lucky, so homeowners often invite someone reliable, rich, and good-hearted to cross their threshold.
The Year of the Dog
The year 2018 corresponds to the year of the Dog, and this animal is paired with the element of Earth. People born under the sign of the Dog are known for their loyalty, honesty, and friendliness, while those born in Earth years tend to be practical, steady, and patient. The combination of the Dog and the Earth elements is said to bring stability and security.
The Chinese New Year Worldwide
Although the Chinese New Year is a public holiday observed in China, its popularity has made it an event celebrated worldwide. Countries with a significant Chinese population, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines, celebrate it with similar customs and traditions. In many cities in the United States and Canada, Chinese New Year parades and festivals abound too. Wherever you are, there's no reason not to join in the festivities!
In Conclusion
Celebrating the Chinese New Year is a significant event for millions of people worldwide. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, remember that it's a time for sharing good wishes and spending time with family and friends. With some knowledge of the customs and traditions surrounding the event, you'll be better equipped to participate fully in this joyous occasion.
Chinese New Year 2018: Celebrating the Element of Dog
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Chinese New Year is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. This year brings new opportunities and possibilities as we welcome the Year of the Dog. As the saying goes, “Good luck and good fortune accompany those who have a dog in the house.”
The Chinese zodiac is categorized into 12 animals, each representing a different year in a 12-year cycle. The Dog is the eleventh animal in the zodiac and symbolizes loyalty, bravery, and honesty. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be faithful, courageous, and protective.
This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 16th, marking the beginning of the Lunar Year. The celebration lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. During this time, festivities include parades, dragon dances, exchanging red envelopes containing money, and feasting on traditional foods.
The Element of Dog represents Earth, which signifies stability and groundedness. This year, it is believed that the Earth Dog’s energy offers a sense of balance and harmony as we move forward into the new year. It’s a time to focus on our relationships, both personal and professional, and to appreciate the importance of loyalty and honesty in our interactions with others.
The Chinese New Year is steeped in tradition and legend, one of which involves a mythical demon known as Nian. According to the folklore, Nian would terrorize villages and prey on children during the New Year. Villagers soon discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red. From then on, the tradition of setting off fireworks and adorning homes with red decorations was born.
During the Chinese New Year celebrations, it’s traditional to clean the house to sweep away any bad luck and make room for good fortune. Red decorations are put up, representing happiness, wealth, and prosperity. Families also prepare and feast on traditional foods like dumplings, spring rolls, and sticky rice cakes. Eating these foods is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
The fireworks and dragon dances are also major parts of the festivities. Fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits, while the dragon dance is said to bring good luck. Both displays are accompanied by the sound of drums and cymbals, creating a festive atmosphere around the city.
One of the most beloved traditions of the Chinese New Year is the gifting of red envelopes or hongbao. These red envelopes contain money and are given as gifts to children and unmarried adults as a way of wishing them good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. It’s customary for married couples to give red envelopes to unmarried family members and friends.
The Lantern Festival, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, is usually held on the 15th day of the new lunar year. Lanterns are lit and carried through the streets, symbolizing the release of worries and troubles from the past year and welcoming a new beginning filled with joy and hope.
Closing Message:
As we welcome the Year of the Dog, let us embrace the symbol of loyalty, honesty, and bravery that this animal represents. Let us focus on building strong relationships, based on mutual respect and trust. May this new year bring you good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavors. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year!
People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2018: What Element?
What is Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year 2018 is the year of the Dog, which starts from February 16, 2018. It marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated for 15 days.
What is the significance of Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is a time for families to come together, reunite, and celebrate with each other. It also signifies a new beginning and the spring season, bringing luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
What are the elements in Chinese astrology?
The five elements in Chinese astrology include wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element is associated with different qualities, characteristics, and attributes.
What is the element for Chinese New Year 2018?
The element for Chinese New Year 2018 is Earth, while the zodiac sign for the year is the Dog. This combination represents stability, loyalty, and practicality for those born in the year of the Dog.
What does the Earth element symbolize in Chinese astrology?
The Earth element symbolizes stability, nurturing, and growth. Those born in the year of the Dog under this element are said to have a strong sense of responsibility, loyalty, and commitment to family and friends.
How do people celebrate Chinese New Year 2018?
People celebrate Chinese New Year 2018 by cleaning their homes, decorating with red lanterns and banners, giving red envelopes filled with money, setting off fireworks, and preparing and sharing traditional food. It is also a time for visiting relatives, participating in parades and dragon dances, and watching the CCTV New Year's Gala on TV.
What are some traditional Chinese New Year foods?
Some traditional Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, noodles, rice cakes, spring rolls, and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls in soup). Each food has its own special meaning and symbolism for bringing good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the new year.
- Dumplings - symbolize wealth and fortune
- Fish - represent abundance and surplus
- Noodles - signify longevity and happiness
- Rice cakes - bring success and progress
- Spring rolls - resemble gold bars and wealth
- Tangyuan - symbolize family togetherness and unity
What are some Chinese New Year taboos?
Some Chinese New Year taboos to avoid during the holiday include sweeping or cleaning your home (to avoid sweeping away good luck), using sharp objects like scissors or knives (to avoid cutting off good luck), wearing black or white clothing (to avoid bad luck), and talking about death or illness (to avoid negative energy).
- Avoid sweeping or cleaning your home
- Avoid using sharp objects like scissors or knives
- Avoid wearing black or white clothing
- Avoid talking about death or illness