5 Must-Do Activities When In China During Chinese New Year 2019
When In Chinese New Year 2019? This question has been on the minds of many people around the world who are interested in the Chinese culture. It is a fascinating celebration that has been around for centuries and is an integral aspect of the Chinese tradition. This year, Chinese New Year falls on February 5th, 2019, and it is the most important festival in the Chinese calendar. If you're interested in knowing more about this holiday and how it is celebrated, read on.
Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which means that the date changes every year. This year, it will be the Year of the Pig, which is the last animal in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The pig represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance, so it is considered a favorable year to start new business ventures and investments.
There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, one of which is the practice of cleaning the house to get rid of bad luck and make room for good fortune. This is also the time when families come together for the reunion dinner, where they share traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. These foods symbolize good luck, wealth, and happiness.
Another interesting aspect of the Chinese New Year is the practice of giving red envelopes filled with money to children. This is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the young recipients. Fireworks are also a common sight during this time, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits and usher in good luck.
The celebrations usually last for 15 days and include activities such as dragon dances, lion dances, and street fairs. People also wear traditional clothing, particularly red, which is considered auspicious. The color red is seen everywhere during Chinese New Year, and it is believed to scare away evil spirits and attract good luck.
Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China, but all around the world where there is a significant Chinese population. In countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, it is a public holiday. In other parts of the world, celebrations may be more low-key, but they are no less important to those who celebrate.
So, when in Chinese New Year 2019? It's right around the corner, and it promises to be an exciting time for those who celebrate it. Whether you're interested in the food, the traditions, or the meaning behind the festival, there's something for everyone. The Year of the Pig offers new opportunities and the chance to start fresh, so why not embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year this February?
In conclusion, if you're looking for a cultural experience that involves family, food, and fun, then Chinese New Year is the perfect holiday for you. With its rich traditions, unique customs, and vibrant atmosphere, it's no wonder that it has become one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world. So, mark your calendar, stock up on red envelopes, and get ready to usher in the Year of the Pig with joy and optimism!
"When In Chinese New Year 2019" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is a cultural festival celebrated by the Chinese people around the world. It is also known as the Lunar New Year and marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. The celebration lasts for fifteen days and is filled with joy, excitement, and many traditional activities.
The Date of Chinese New Year 2019
The Chinese New Year 2019 falls on February 5th and is the Year of the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac. According to the Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Pig are hardworking, optimistic, and friendly.
The Celebration
The Chinese New Year celebration is a unique and elaborate affair that begins with the countdown on New Year's Eve. People clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune. They also decorate their houses with red lanterns and couplets with auspicious writings.
The New Year's Day starts with the traditional lion and dragon dance as well as the lighting of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits. Family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and eating together are popular among families during the festive season.
The Traditional Activities
The Lantern festival, Dumpling festival, and Dragon boat festival are some of the traditional activities during the Chinese New Year period. Many people also pay visits to temples, ancestral graves, and family members they have not seen for a long time.
Many people also enjoy watching the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala which showcases many famous Chinese singers, dancers, comedians, and acrobats. The event has an audience of more than one billion people and is considered the world's most watched television program.
Foods During Chinese New Year
The New Year foods have symbolic significance and are prepared with ingredients and cooking methods that signify prosperity, good health, and long life. Dumplings, spring rolls, sticky rice cakes, fish, chicken, and noodles are some of the foods popular during the New Year period. It is also customary to serve a large variety of dishes for the reunion dinner.
The Color Red and Chinese Culture
The color red is a central theme during the Chinese New Year because it is believed to bring good luck and fortune. During the festive season, many people wear red clothes, decorate their homes with red decorations, and paint their doors and windows red.
Red envelopes are also given as gifts containing money to children and elders as a traditional gesture. The amount of money placed in the envelope has significance as it indicates the giver's goodwill and generosity.
The Significance of the Zodiac Animal
The Chinese Zodiac has twelve animals each representing a year in the cycle. The zodiac animals are namely: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal sign has its characteristics and attributes that people born in that year will have.
The Year of the Pig is associated with wealth, good luck, and loyalty. People born in this year are believed to have prosperous lives, good temperament, and enjoy socializing and making friends.
The End of Chinese New Year
The end of the Chinese New Year is marked by Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day when people light lanterns to signify the upcoming spring season. The festival also includes eating tangyuan, a sweet glutinous rice ball symbolizing unity and family togetherness.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is a significant cultural event celebrated by the Chinese people across the world. It is a time to express goodwill, unite with family and friends, and seek prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.
The festive season showcases the richness and diversity of the Chinese culture and how it has evolved over time. Through this vibrant festival, we can learn more about the traditions and customs that make the Chinese New Year a one-of-a-kind celebration.
When In Chinese New Year 2019 - A Comparison
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a cultural and traditional festival celebrated by the Chinese people all over the world. It marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. In this article, we will be comparing how different regions celebrate Chinese New Year in 2019.Time of Celebration
The Chinese New Year usually falls between January 21st and February 20th, as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2019, the Spring Festival started on February 5th and ended on February 19th. However, the duration of celebrations varies from region to region.The celebrations in mainland China last for seven days, whereas in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the celebrations last for three days. The celebrations in Singapore last for fifteen days, making it one of the longest celebrations of Chinese New Year in the world.Preparations
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually begin weeks in advance. Houses are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of bad luck and to welcome good luck. Decorations such as red lanterns, couplets, and pictures of gods and deities are put up.New clothes are bought, debts are paid off, and offerings to the gods are made. In addition, traditional Chinese dishes such as dumplings and fish are prepared for the celebration feast.Traditions and Customs
Chinese New Year is steeped in traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. One such custom is the reunion dinner, where families come together for a grand feast on New Year's Eve.Another popular tradition is the giving of red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried adults. This symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Fireworks are also an integral part of the celebrations, believed to scare off evil spirits and bring good luck.Regional Differences
Although Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, there are some regional differences in how the festival is celebrated. For example, in northern China, it is customary to eat jiaozi, or dumplings, on New Year's Eve, while in southern China, people prefer to eat niangao, a sticky cake made from glutinous rice.In Taiwan, the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, is celebrated with the release of sky lanterns into the night sky. In Singapore, the Chingay parade, one of the largest street parades in Asia, takes place during the fifteen-day period of festivities.Comparison Table
| Region | Celebration Duration | Main Traditions | Special Customs |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 7 days | Reunion dinner, red envelopes, fireworks | Spring cleaning, offering to gods |
| Taiwan | 3 days | Niangao, dragon and lion dancing | Releasing sky lanterns |
| Singapore | 15 days | Chingay parade, lion dance performances | River Hongbao, exchanging mandarin oranges |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. Although the traditions and customs may differ from region to region, the festival brings with it a sense of joy and optimism for the upcoming year.Through this comparison, we have seen how different regions celebrate Chinese New Year in their own unique way. Regardless of where you are celebrating, the festival serves as a reminder to cherish family, appreciate the past year, and look forward to the next one.When In Chinese New Year 2019: A Guide for Celebrating and Observing the Festivities
Introduction
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional holiday in China. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, the festival falls somewhere between mid-January and mid-February each year. In 2019, Chinese New Year will be observed on February 5.The Significance of the Chinese New Year
In Chinese culture, the New Year marks a time of renewal, reunion, and celebration of family, good fortune, and happiness. The holiday is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with customs ranging from elaborate fireworks displays, feasts, and gift-giving to cleaning the house, paying off debts, and wearing new clothes.Preparing for Chinese New Year
If you’re planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year, there are several things you can do to prepare. Begin by learning more about the customs and traditions associated with the holiday. You can also stock up on red decorations, lucky foods, and gifts for loved ones.Cleaning and Preparing Your Home
Cleaning the house is a crucial aspect of preparing for the Chinese New Year. The practice signifies sweeping away bad luck and making way for good fortune. Additionally, decorating your home with red banners and lanterns, oranges, and other auspicious items can help attract prosperity and happiness.Cooking Traditional Foods
Feasting plays a massive role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with many families partaking in sumptuous meals featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and spring rolls. You can try your hand at cooking these dishes yourself or visit a local Chinese restaurant for a taste of authentic cuisine.Observing the Festivities
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, many families gather for a reunion dinner, often called Nian Ye Fan. The night is filled with laughter, good food, and games, and it marks the beginning of the fifteen-day celebration.Festival Activities
The following days are filled with various activities such as lighting fireworks, watching dragon and lion dances, and attending temple fairs. Additionally, children receive red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money from family members for good luck.The Lantern Festival
The festivities culminate on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, known as the Lantern Festival. On this day, thousands of colorful lanterns light up the sky in an impressive display that signifies hope for the future.Celebrating Chinese New Year Abroad
If you can’t be in China to celebrate the Chinese New Year, don’t worry! Many cities around the world hold festive parades and events, featuring traditional dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and other activities.Etiquette for Observing Chinese New Year Abroad
If you plan to attend Chinese New Year events abroad, it’s essential to observe proper etiquette. This includes wearing red clothing, bringing gifts such as hongbao or oranges, and avoiding taboo topics such as death or illness in conversation.Conclusion
Overall, celebrating the Chinese New Year is a fantastic way to experience Chinese culture and traditions while enjoying time with loved ones. Whether you choose to prepare a feast, attend local events, or simply decorate your home with red lanterns and banners, observing the holiday is a fun and meaningful way to usher in the new year.When In Chinese New Year 2019: A Guide for Non-Chinese Visitors
Welcome to the world-famous Chinese New Year celebration! The Chinese New Year is a vibrant, colorful, and exciting event that is celebrated all over the globe. The festival marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. With festivities lasting for fifteen days, this is the most significant holiday in China.
If you're lucky enough to be in China during the Chinese New Year, get ready for an explosion of color, food, fireworks, and dragon and lion dances. As it is one of the busiest times of the year, it can be overwhelming for non-Chinese visitors. But don't worry - here are some helpful tips to help you navigate through the celebrations:
When is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year because it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. This year, the Chinese New Year will start on February 5th and last until February 19th.
Understanding Chinese Culture
To fully appreciate the Chinese New Year, it's important to understand the culture and traditions behind it. It's a time when families reunite, pay respects to their ancestors, and welcome the new year with hopes of good fortune. Be respectful of the Chinese customs and embrace the new experience.
Red is Everywhere
Red is the color of happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. You will see it everywhere during the Chinese New Year. Houses and streets are decorated with vibrant red lanterns and banners adorned with wishes for a prosperous year ahead. Don't forget to wear red clothes or accessories to join in the festive spirit!
Dining with the Locals
Food is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Join the locals and try some traditional festival foods such as dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, and sweet rice balls. Eating during the festival is also symbolic, with certain foods believed to bring good luck and fortune. Do some research on local delicacies, and don't be shy to try new things!
Fireworks Displays
Fireworks have long been associated with the Chinese New Year celebrations. You will find breathtaking fireworks displays all over China. It's best to find a high vantage point, such as a hilltop or rooftop, from which to watch the colorful bursts and booms light up the sky.
Parade and Performance
China is famous for its Lion and Dragon Dances, performed throughout the Chinese New Year. These parades were originally about scaring off evil spirits, but today are simply amazing performances that should not be missed. The dance teams wear elaborate costumes while they parade through the streets to mimic the movements of lions and dragons. Find out where the nearest parade is and join in the fun!
Get Your Camera Ready
Don't forget to capture the magic of these unforgettable experiences. Take photos of the beautiful scenery, delicious food, festive decorations, parades, and performances.
Say Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Greeting locals can show respect and interest in the Chinese culture. Gong Xi Fa Cai is a common greeting used during the Chinese New Year, meaning wishing you prosperity. Learn some basic greetings and pleasantries, like Ni hao meaning hello and Xie Xie meaning Thank you to get by.
Be Prepared for Crowds
The Chinese New Year festival attracts millions of people. There are some great transportation deals for folks during this time too, so be sure to get transportation figured out ahead of time to avoid the crowds. Roads can be congested, and public transportation can be hectic. Planning ahead will help you to avoid long lines, and possible frustration.
These tips can help you enjoy the Chinese New Year festivities. Embrace the new culture and experience traditions that have been a part of China for over 4,000 years. Gong Xi Fa Cai - may you have a prosperous and happy new year!
People Also Ask about When In Chinese New Year 2019
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China and other countries that have a significant Chinese population. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, between late January and mid-February.
When is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year falls on February 5th, 2019, Tuesday.
What are the traditions of Chinese New Year?
There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year, including:
- Cleaning the house to symbolize sweeping away bad luck and making way for good luck to come in
- Decorating the house and streets with red lanterns, banners, and posters with messages of good fortune
- Reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, partaking in dumplings
- Giving children money in red envelopes
- Visiting friends and relatives during the fifteen-day holiday
- Watching lion and dragon dances and setting off firecrackers to scare away evil spirits
What is the zodiac animal for 2019?
The zodiac animal for 2019 is the pig. According to the Chinese zodiac theory, the pig represents wealth, fortune, and prosperity.
How long does Chinese New Year last?
Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, from the first day of the lunar month to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, which marks the end of the holiday.