Discover When Is Lunar New Year and How to Celebrate It with Your Friends and Family
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the world's most celebrated holidays. The holiday marks the start of a new year on the lunar calendar, a time of family reunion, feasting, and traditions.
So, when is Lunar New Year, exactly? Well, the date changes every year since it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. The holiday typically falls between January 21st and February 20th.
Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. This year, 2021, is the year of the Ox.
During this time, people celebrate in many ways, including lighting fireworks, wearing new clothing, exchanging red envelopes filled with money, and decorating their homes with lanterns and Chinese calligraphy. It’s a time to wish for good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lunar New Year celebrations will look different this year. Many people will be celebrating virtually or at home with their immediate families. This presents an opportunity to learn more about the holiday and its traditions.
Did you know that the Lunar New Year festivities last for fifteen days? On the fifteenth day, known as the Lantern Festival, people hang lanterns and solve riddles written on them. It's also common to eat tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls, on this day.
Another interesting fact is that sweeping your floors during the first few days of the new year is considered bad luck because it might sweep away good fortune. So be sure to get your cleaning done beforehand!
Aside from China, many other eastern and southeast Asian countries also celebrate Lunar New Year, such as Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore. Thus, the holiday carries different names and traditions depending on the culture.
Overall, Lunar New Year is a time to honor one's ancestors, reflect on the past year, and look forward to new beginnings. Whether celebrating in-person or virtually, the holiday brings people together in their hopes for a happy and prosperous year ahead.
In conclusion, although the pandemic may have changed the way we celebrate Lunar New Year, it has also allowed us to learn more about the holiday and the cultures that celebrate it. It is a special time of year that can be shared by all, regardless of background or beliefs. So let's ring in the year of the Ox with joy and optimism!
"When Is Lunar New Year" ~ bbaz
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday for many Asian countries. It’s celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which makes it moveable in the Gregorian calendar that we use today.
What Is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a celebration that originated in China and spread to other Asian nations including Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The holiday marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, making it a time for new beginnings, family reunions, and feasts.
Each Lunar New Year is associated with a zodiac animal representing one of twelve cycles: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. This year (2021), it’s the Year of the Ox.
When Is Lunar New Year?
The date of Lunar New Year varies each year, ranging from January 21st to February 20th. The reason for this is because the lunar calendar follows the cycles of the moon, which is about 29.5 days long, resulting in a total of 354 days instead of the Gregorian calendar’s 365 days. Therefore, Lunar New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
This year, Lunar New Year falls on February 12th, 2021, and will be celebrated for a total of 16 days, ending on February 26th, 2021. However, the festivities typically last longer in some countries, such as Vietnam where they celebrate for a month.
Celebrations around the World
Lunar New Year is celebrated differently in each country, but the common themes include spending time with family and friends, cleaning the house to remove bad luck from the previous year, lighting fireworks, and preparing and eating special dishes.
In China, people start celebrating a week before Lunar New Year with the Laba Festival, which involves eating Laba porridge. On New Year’s Eve, families have a reunion dinner featuring various delicacies such as dumplings, noodles, and fish, each having their own symbolic meaning for good fortune.
In Korea, Lunar New Year is called Seollal, and the holiday is celebrated for three days. The first day is for paying respect to ancestors, the second day is for family gatherings and feasting, and the last day is for visiting relatives and friends. Traditional food includes tteokguk (rice cake soup), jjigae (stew), and jeon (pancake).
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tet Nguyen Dan, and it’s the biggest and most important holiday of the year. They celebrate by eating banh chung (sticky rice cakes with mung bean and pork filling), visiting temples to wish for good luck, and giving lucky money to children in red envelopes.
Celebrating During the Pandemic
This Lunar New Year will be different from previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many cities have canceled or scaled back their festivities to prevent gatherings and potential spread of the virus. However, there are still ways to celebrate safely, such as cooking special dishes at home, video chatting with family and friends, and watching virtual performances.
Conclusion
Lunar New Year is a meaningful celebration that brings families and communities together to welcome a new year. Its moveable date adds to its uniqueness, and its cultural significance resonates with millions of people worldwide. Whether celebrating traditionally or adapting to the pandemic, the spirit of Lunar New Year will continue to be cherished and celebrated for generations to come.
When Is Lunar New Year: Comparing Celebrations Across Asia
The Date of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important cultural and traditional festival in many Asian countries. It's based on the Chinese calendar, which follows the lunar cycle, and typically occurs between January 21 and February 20.In China, the Lunar New Year celebrations officially start on the first day of the Lunar Calendar, which is usually a new moon day. In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is celebrated at the same time, but it's referred to as Tet Nguyen Dan. In South Korea, it's known as Seollal and is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls on February 12th in 2021.Comparison:
| Country | Date of Lunar New Year |
|---|---|
| China | February 12, 2021 |
| Vietnam | February 12, 2021 |
| South Korea | February 12, 2021 |
The History Behind Lunar New Year
The origins of Lunar New Year go back thousands of years to ancient China. According to legend, Nian, a man-eating beast, would attack villagers every year on New Year's Eve. The people soon discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red and loud noises, so they started decorating with red and setting off firecrackers to scare the beast away. From then on, Lunar New Year became a time for families to come together and celebrate their ancestors, exchange gifts, and feast on traditional foods.Comparison:
In South Korea, Lunar New Year celebrations revolve around honoring ancestors and paying respect to elders. Traditional activities include playing traditional games such as Yunnori, a board game played with four wooden sticks, and Seesaw jumping, where a player jumps up and down on both ends of a long board.Vietnamese Lunar New Year is also steeped in tradition and includes many cultural practices such as cleaning and decorating the house before New Year's Eve and visiting friends and family. Vietnamese people traditionally eat Banh Chung or Banh Tet, a sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and meat, during this time.The Chinese New Year celebration is all about bringing good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Celebrations typically last for 15 days and involve many traditions such as lion and dragon dances, eating dumplings, and giving red envelopes filled with money to children.The Customs and Traditions of Lunar New Year
One significant tradition during Lunar New Year is the exchanging of red envelopes containing money or gifts. In China, it's called hongbao, in Korea, sebaedon, and in Vietnam, li xi.Another tradition is the practice of wearing new clothes on New Year's Day to symbolize a fresh start. In China, people typically wear red, which signifies good fortune.Food also plays an important role during Lunar New Year celebrations. In China, families typically make dumplings, fish, and other traditional dishes symbolic of good luck. In South Korea, tteokguk, a soup made with sliced rice cakes, is a popular Lunar New Year dish. In Vietnam, sticky rice cakes and pickled vegetables are popular dishes.Comparison:
While the customs and traditions of each country may vary slightly, there are many similarities in the way Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia. One common theme is the importance of family and gathering with loved ones to celebrate the holiday.Opinion: The rich history and cultural significance of Lunar New Year make it a beloved holiday for many people across Asia and around the world.The Role of Lunar New Year Today
Today, Lunar New Year has become a major international event celebrated not only in Asia but also in many other parts of the world. Major cities such as New York, London, Sydney, and Paris hold annual Lunar New Year parades and festivities.However, Lunar New Year celebrations have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many events and gatherings canceled or scaled down. Nevertheless, the spirit of Lunar New Year remains strong, and people around the world are finding innovative ways to celebrate while staying safe and healthy.Comparison:
In China, the government has encouraged people to stay home and avoid travel during the Lunar New Year period to prevent the spread of the virus. Many families have opted for virtual reunions instead of in-person gatherings.In Vietnam, Lunar New Year celebrations have also been curtailed due to COVID-19, though some public events such as firework displays and dragon dances are still taking place.In South Korea, the government has extended the Lunar New Year break to five days, hoping to reduce travel and prevent the spread of the virus.Conclusion
Lunar New Year is a beloved holiday celebrated by many cultures around the world. While there are differences in the way it is celebrated in each country, the core values of family, tradition, and good luck remain strong. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the spirit of Lunar New Year endures, reminding us to hold onto our traditions, to come together as a community, and to celebrate the renewal of life that each new year brings.When Is Lunar New Year?
Introduction
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most celebrated holidays in many East Asian countries. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and offering prayers for a prosperous year ahead. The date of Lunar New Year varies each year, so it is important to know when it falls to plan your celebrations well.What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which uses the cycles of the moon to determine dates. Unlike the Gregorian calendar that most countries use, which starts on January 1st, the lunar calendar can vary by up to a month. In many East Asian countries, especially China, Korea, and Vietnam, Lunar New Year is widely celebrated. It marks the beginning of a new year, and the date changes based on the phases of the moon.When Does Lunar New Year Fall?
Lunar New Year usually falls between January 21st and February 20th, but the exact date changes yearly. It occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice, so it can occur anywhere within this time frame. For example, Lunar New Year fell on February 12th in 2021, but it will fall on February 1st in 2022.How Is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
Celebrations for Lunar New Year can last up to 15 days, and each day has its specific traditions. Usually, families come together to have meals, offer prayers, and give red envelopes filled with money to younger relatives. Fireworks are also a significant part of the celebrations, as they are thought to ward off evil spirits. In previous years, parades and street festivals were held, but due to the pandemic, many of these have moved online.Which Countries Celebrate Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a significant holiday in many East Asian countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Tibet. Other countries with significant Chinese diaspora populations, such as Singapore and Malaysia, also celebrate Lunar New Year. The holiday is also becoming more widely recognized globally, with many cities worldwide holding celebrations.What are Some Traditions Associated with Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is steeped in traditions and symbols, each with its specific meanings. For example, the color red is considered lucky and is often used for decorations and clothing during the festive period. Mandarin oranges represent wealth and prosperity, while dumplings symbolize togetherness and good fortune. Additionally, cleaning one's house before Lunar New Year is a way to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year.What Year Is It in the Lunar Calendar?
The Lunar Calendar operates on a 12-year cycle, each represented by an animal as a zodiac sign. 2021 was the Year of the Ox, and 2022 will be the Year of the Tiger. Each zodiac year has different traits, and those born within that year are said to inherit them. The lunar calendar is also associated with the five elements of nature - wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, which rotate every two years.Conclusion
In summary, Lunar New Year falls between January 21st and February 20th each year, and it is celebrated in many East Asian countries. The festive period can last up to 15 days and is filled with customs and traditions, including family reunions, feasting, and offerings. Knowing when Lunar New Year is and learning about its customs is a great way to appreciate the rich cultures and traditions of East Asia. Happy Lunar New Year!When Is Lunar New Year: A Cultural Treasure to Look Forward To
One of the most vibrant and celebrated holidays in several countries, Lunar New Year attracts millions of people who celebrate it with all their cultural and traditional essence. Known in Chinese culture as Spring Festival, or Chunjie, Lunar New Year is a commemoration of the beginning of the New Year, according to the Chinese calendar. Usually, the date falls between January 21 and February 20, corresponding to the second new moon after the winter solstice.
Undoubtedly, the significance and appeal of this holiday are profound, and the preparation for the same is elaborate and intricate as well. With a plethora of ancient customs, fascinating history, and exciting events, Lunar New Year isn't just confined to one-day. Instead, it stretches over a period of two weeks, including days before and after the New Year's day, often up until the Lantern Festival.
In order to make the most of the celebrations, having a brief understanding of the folklore stories, rituals, customs, decorations, and food that are part of this festival can help you appreciate the true essence better. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand when the Lunar New Year occurs and what you can expect from it!
When Is Lunar New Year?
As mentioned earlier, the dates for the Lunar New Year vary every year, depending on the moon cycle. Contrary to the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar-based calendar, the Chinese calendar follows a lunar cycle (that comprises about 29.5 days), and the New year always begins in the new moon phase.
To determine the exact date falls on the Chinese New Year, follow a 12-year zodiacal animal cycle, taking into account five separate elements that rotate over the earth- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each zodiac cycle is named after an animal, and each element has its significance, as it determines the characteristics of the coming New Year.
For instance, 2021 is the year of the Ox, which follows the year of the Rat. However, since this cyclical calendar ends on a different day than the solar-based Gregorian calendar, there's no fixed date for Lunar New Year.
History of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year has an intriguing history that dates back thousands of years. It finds its roots deep in China and has gradually spread across several Asian countries, including Korea, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The Chinese Zodiac and festivals like the lunar New Year were cemented over two millennia ago during The Han Dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE).
The festivities of Lunar New Year have evolved with time, reflecting the cultural and social changes that transpired during different dynasties. It wasn't until Emperor Wu Di of the Han Dynasty that the term ‘Spring Festival’ became significant when he designated the beginning of spring as an official day to observe.
Celebratory Traditions during Lunar New Year
Celebratory traditions during Lunar New Year differ from country to country, and even regions inside a single country. Here are a few celebrations you can expect during this time:
- Red Envelopes: Red envelopes are a must-have during Lunar New Year. These envelopes usually contain money as gifts, passed out to children by their elders.
- Firework Displays: Out of all the festivals out there, Lunar New Year is considered one where the most fireworks are used. Fireworks light up the sky all over the world during Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Dragon and Lion Dance: These are not just lion costumes, but instead require acrobatic skill as well. The dance is said to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Decorations: Houses and streets are decorated with red paper cutouts called chunlian, couplets written on red paper in black ink, that serve as the best-known decoration for the Chinese New Year.
- Food: Food plays an essential role during the Spring Festival. Foods such as dumplings, hot pot, rice cakes, spring rolls, longevity noodles, among several other dishes, have spiritual meanings attached to them that are believed to bring good luck.
In conclusion,
As evident, Lunar New Year is an event that's steeped in cultural and historical significance. While it may differ from country to country, the essence of this festival remains the same. It teaches us the importance of tradition, family, and most importantly, unity. So, if you haven't celebrated Lunar New Year yet, make sure you don’t miss out on it. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on February 12, and the festivities last for another two weeks!
Happy Lunar New year!
When Is Lunar New Year?
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated in many Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and South Korea. It is based on the lunar calendar and usually falls between mid-January to mid-February.
Why is it celebrated?
Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions and to honor ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the gods come down from heaven to bless people with good fortune and prosperity.
When does Lunar New Year fall in 2022?
Lunar New Year in 2022 will fall on Tuesday, February 1st.
How long does Lunar New Year last?
Lunar New Year typically lasts for 15 days, with each day having its own significance and customs.
What are some traditional customs and practices during Lunar New Year?
Traditional customs and practices during Lunar New Year include cleaning the house to get rid of bad luck, hanging red lanterns and decorations, giving red envelopes filled with money to children, eating special foods like dumplings and fish, watching dragon and lion dances, and setting off fireworks.
Do businesses and schools close during Lunar New Year?
In most Asian countries where Lunar New Year is celebrated, businesses and schools will close for a few days to a week. It is considered one of the biggest holidays of the year.
Is Lunar New Year the same as the Western New Year?
No, Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, while Western New Year is based on the Gregorian calendar. They usually fall on different dates, with Western New Year being celebrated on January 1st.
How can I celebrate Lunar New Year?
You can celebrate Lunar New Year by joining local festivities, trying traditional foods, giving red envelopes to children, or even just spending time with family and friends. It's a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings!