When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019? Dates, Traditions and Celebrations Explained
Are you curious about when the Chinese Lunar New Year 2019 will take place? With over 1.3 billion people worldwide celebrating this holiday, it is definitely something to look forward to! In this article, we will delve into the details of when the Chinese Lunar New Year will take place in 2019 and what you can expect.
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Chun Jie, is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between January 21st and February 20th. This year, the holiday will begin on Tuesday, February 5th and continue until Thursday, February 15th.
As one of the most important traditional festivals in China, the festivities surrounding the Chinese Lunar New Year can last up to 15 days. During this time, families gather for reunion dinners, fireworks displays light up the sky, and red lanterns decorate the streets.
It is believed that the date for the Chinese Lunar New Year is determined by the position of the sun, moon, and stars. According to legend, a vicious monster named Nian would terrorize villages on New Year's Eve. However, people soon discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. Hence, fireworks, red lanterns, and red clothing are essential components of this annual celebration.
Did you know that the Chinese Lunar New Year is not only celebrated in China, but also in other Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Malaysia? In fact, many Chinatowns around the world also hold their own festivities to mark this occasion.
During the week-long holiday, there are several traditions and customs that are observed. These include cleaning the house to sweep out bad luck, giving red envelopes filled with money to younger generations, and eating dumplings which represent good luck and wealth.
Celebrations for Chinese Lunar New Year 2019 will officially begin on the eve of February 5th with a family reunion dinner. This meal often includes foods that symbolize wealth and good luck such as fish and dumplings. Afterwards, families typically stay up late to watch the CCTV New Year's Gala, a televised show featuring cultural performances and celebrity appearances.
As we welcome the Year of the Pig, it is important to remember the significance of this holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year and a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the future.
In conclusion, the Chinese Lunar New Year is a highly anticipated holiday celebrated by millions around the world. With festivities lasting up to two weeks and traditions passed down for generations, it is truly a unique and special occasion. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this cultural phenomenon firsthand. Mark your calendars for February 5th and join in on the fun!
"When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Chinese community all over the world celebrates the Lunar New Year as their most important traditional festival. This year, the Chinese Lunar New Year falls on February 5, 2019, and the festivities will run for 15 days until February 19.
The Origin of the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is rooted in the Chinese zodiac cycle, which is based on a 12-year cycle of animals. According to legend, the Jade Emperor invited all the animals in his kingdom to a race. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line would become representatives of each year in the zodiac cycle.
The Year of the Pig
This Lunar New Year marks the start of the Year of the Pig. In Chinese culture, pigs are a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. People who are born in the Year of the Pig are known to be hardworking, honest, and easy-going.
Preparation for the Lunar New Year
Preparation for the Lunar New Year starts weeks before its actual celebration. Homes are cleaned thoroughly to welcome the new year with a fresh start. Red decorations, lanterns, and banners adorned with auspicious phrases are hung up to bring good luck and fortune.
Reunion Dinner
The Lunar New Year's Eve is marked by a reunion dinner where families gather to enjoy a feast. This is the most significant tradition during the festival, as it is the time when family members from all over the country come together to celebrate the new year.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults during the Lunar New Year. These red envelopes signify good luck and well wishes for the recipient.
Dragon and Lion Dance
During the Lunar New Year, people will perform a dragon and lion dance as a form of entertainment. This is believed to be an expression of bringing good luck, fortune and driving away evil spirits.
Fireworks Display
Fireworks have always been an important part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in China. Fireworks are usually set off during midnight to welcome the New Year and to scare away evil spirits. The fireworks are also meant to represent the lighting of the sky to bless all families with good fortune and happiness.
Conclusion
The Chinese Lunar New Year is a grand celebration, full of traditions and rituals that reflect the deep-rooted beliefs of the Chinese community. It is the time when people connect with their loved ones and friends, express gratitude, and welcome the new year with hope and positivity. By celebrating the Lunar New Year, we can also appreciate and learn about the cultural diversity of the world.
When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019: A Comparison
Introduction
The Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. In 2019, the Chinese Lunar New Year begins on February 5th and ends on February 19th, ushering in the Year of the Pig.
Date
The date of Chinese Lunar New Year varies each year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycle of the moon. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world, is based on the cycle of the sun. The lunar calendar has only 354 or 355 days per year, compared to 365.24 days for the Gregorian calendar. This causes a shift in the date of Chinese Lunar New Year by around 11 days every year. In 2018, Chinese Lunar New Year began on February 16th, while in 2020, it will start on January 25th.
Table: Chinese Lunar New Year Dates in Recent Years
| Year | Date (Gregorian Calendar) | Date (Lunar Calendar) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | February 16th | 1st day of 1st lunar month of the year of the Dog |
| 2019 | February 5th | 1st day of 1st lunar month of the year of the Pig |
| 2020 | January 25th | 1st day of 1st lunar month of the year of the Rat |
Preparations
Chinese people usually start preparing for Lunar New Year one or two weeks before the holiday. They clean their homes thoroughly, create couplets (red banners with auspicious phrases), decorate with red lanterns, and buy new clothes. These preparations symbolize the wish for a fresh start in the new year and the hope for good luck and happiness. In addition, many families will also prepare traditional foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes for the reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.
Celebrations
Chinese Lunar New Year is the time for family reunions and sharing joys. The celebrations usually last for 15 days, until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During this period, people visit their relatives and friends, exchange greetings and gifts, and watch various cultural performances like dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and fireworks displays. Children receive red envelopes filled with money from their elders, which is called Hongbao. This tradition is believed to bring good fortune and blessings to the young recipients.
Symbols
Chinese Lunar New Year is rich in symbols and traditions. The most iconic one is probably the zodiac animals, which rotate in a 12-year cycle. 2019 is the Year of the Pig, the last animal in the cycle. Other popular symbols include the color red, which symbolizes good luck and happiness, the character Fu (meaning fortune) pasted upside down on doors, and the food items like dumplings and fish, which represent wealth and prosperity.
Comparison with Western New Year
Chinese Lunar New Year and Western New Year share some similarities, such as the celebration of a new beginning and the use of fireworks. However, they also have many differences. Firstly, Chinese Lunar New Year lasts for 15 days, while Western New Year is only one day. Secondly, Chinese Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, while Western New Year follows the Gregorian calendar. Thirdly, Chinese Lunar New Year is primarily a family-oriented festival, while Western New Year tends to focus more on socializing and parties. Lastly, Chinese Lunar New Year has distinctive cultural symbols and traditions, while Western New Year is more universal and commercialized.
Conclusion
Chinese Lunar New Year 2019 is coming soon, signifying the end of the year of the Dog and the beginning of the year of the Pig. The festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and embodies the spirit of family, auspiciousness, and tradition. Whether you are celebrating it in China or abroad, may you have a happy and prosperous new year!
When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival is the most important festival for Chinese people. Celebrated annually on different dates of the Gregorian calendar, the holiday is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar. The festive occasion brings together family members and friends to share good food, good company, and lots of well-wishes for the new year ahead.
When is Chinese Lunar New Year in 2019?
The Year of the Pig commences on February 5th, 2019, and ends on January 24, 2020, according to the Chinese zodiac. Hence, Chinese New Year 2019 falls on Tuesday, February 5th, 2019. It is worth noting that the date changes from year to year because the traditional Chinese calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar.
What are some Chinese New Year Traditions?
Chinese culture is rich with traditions that can be traced back for hundreds of years. As such, there are plenty of things you can do to ring in the new year like a traditional Chinese person. Below is a list of some of the most popular customs:
Spring Cleaning:
Before the arrival of the new year, Chinese families will clean their homes thoroughly. This is done to get rid of bad luck and make room for good luck to come in. People will also decorate their homes by splashing red and gold throughout their house.
Family Reunion:
On New Year's Eve, all family members try to gather together for a special dinner. This is believed to be the most important meal of the year. The number of dishes should be even-numbered since odd numbers are associated with mourning.
Red Envelopes:
A traditional practice that is common during Chinese New Year is the giving of red envelopes or hongbao to children. Red envelopes symbolize good luck and fortune and are filled with money. They are usually handed out by married couples or older family members to younger ones.
Fireworks:
The tradition of setting off fireworks was originally done to scare away evil spirits. Today, fireworks have become a way for people to celebrate and start the new year on the right foot. The louder the fireworks, the more joy and good luck they are said to bring.
Dragon and Lion Dance Performances:
Dragon dances and lion dances are two of the most well-known performances in Chinese culture. In these dances, performers dress up in bright colors and do intricate movements while beating drums and cymbals. These performance are believed to help ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year:
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you plan on celebrating the Lunar New Year this year:
Try wearing red:
Red represents good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. Try to wear something red to bring in good luck.
Say Happy New Year in Mandarin:
In China, Mandarin is the official language. Say Xin Nian Kuai Le when greeting people as it means Happy New Year. The more traditional greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means have a joyful and prosperous new year.
Eat Traditional Chinese Food:
During Chinese New Year, there are plenty of traditional dishes that people enjoy eating. Try out some new foods and have a feast with family and friends. Don't forget to leave some leftovers for the next day. It is believed to bring good fortune.
Attend parades and Festivals:
Lunar New Year is celebrated all over the world, so attending a festival or parade in your city can be a great way to experience Chinese culture first hand.
Show Respect:
When celebrating another's cultures, it is important to show respect. Be open-minded, humble, and don’t criticize traditions you do not understand.
In Summary
The Chinese Lunar New Year is a time full of traditions and customs that bring families and communities together. The next celebration will be on February 5th, 2019, with the beginning of the Year of the Pig. If you're planning on celebrating, be sure to get into the festive spirit and follow some of these tips. Happy Chinese New Year!
When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019?
Gung hay fat choy! The Chinese Lunar New Year is just around the corner. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings, fresh starts, and leaving behind bad luck from the past year. This year, the Chinese New Year celebrations will begin on February 5th, 2019, and the festivities will continue until February 19th – the last day of the Lantern Festival.
The Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people worldwide and is considered to be one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. This year will mark the beginning of the Year of the Pig, which is the twelfth sign in the Chinese zodiac. According to the Chinese calendar, it is believed that people born in the year of the pig are kind-hearted, honest, and loyal.
The celebrations officially start on the eve of the lunar new year. Families gather together for a reunion dinner, which is believed to be the most important meal of the year. It is a time for family members to catch up and enjoy each other’s company, and it is also an opportunity for people to eat delicious food. It is customary to serve fish, dumplings, and noodles during this auspicious meal, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
After the reunion meal, the celebrations continue with a series of activities such as fireworks, parades, and lion dances. During the first few days of the new year, it is also common for people to visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings and wish each other good fortune in the coming year.
One of the highlights of the Chinese New Year celebrations is the red envelope tradition. It is a common practice for older family members to give red envelopes filled with money to younger family members as a symbol of good luck. It is also customary to display decorations such as red lanterns, couplets, and banners with auspicious sayings throughout the house and in public spaces.
Another important event during the Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival. This year, it will be celebrated on February 19th. People go out at night on this day to see the brightly-colored lanterns and watch lion dances and dragon dances. There are also activities such as riddles contests and eating sweet glutinous rice balls called Tangyuan.
The celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year extend beyond China and are embraced by Chinese communities worldwide. Major cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and San Francisco hold grand parades and festivities during this time.
In conclusion, the Chinese Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, reunite with family and friends, and usher in good fortune. Whether you’re celebrating alone or with others, there are many ways to enjoy this festive occasion. We wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous year of the pig!
When Is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019?
People Also Ask About Chinese Lunar New Year
Chinese Lunar New Year is a holiday widely celebrated among Chinese communities all over the world. As such, there are questions that people often ask about this festive occasion. Some of these questions include:
1. What is Chinese Lunar New Year?
Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar. It marks the start of the new year in the Chinese calendar.
2. When is Chinese Lunar New Year 2019?
The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2019 falls on Tuesday, February 5th. It is the Year of the Pig according to the zodiac animal cycle.
3. How is Chinese Lunar New Year celebrated?
Chinese Lunar New Year is typically celebrated with various activities such as family gatherings, feasting on traditional dishes, setting off fireworks and exchanging red envelopes filled with money. Many families also decorate their homes with red lanterns and other ornaments to signify good luck and fortune.
4. What are some of the customs associated with Chinese Lunar New Year?
- Cleaning the house before New Year's Day
- Wearing new clothes on New Year's Day
- Giving lucky money to children in red envelopes
- Eating dumplings and other traditional foods
- Displaying red lanterns and other decorations with auspicious meanings
- Setting off fireworks and firecrackers to scare away evil spirits and welcome good luck
5. How long does Chinese Lunar New Year last?
Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, starting with the New Year's Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival.
Overall, Chinese Lunar New Year is a time of joy and celebration, bringing families and friends together to welcome the new year and wish each other good health and fortune.