When Is The 2018 Chinese New Year? Date and Significance Explained
Are you eagerly waiting to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Are you excited to know when the biggest Chinese festival of the year will be celebrated in 2018? Well, wait no more! We have got you covered with all the necessary information that you need to know about this extravaganza.
The Chinese New Year or 'Spring Festival' is the longest and most important festival celebrated in China. It celebrates the arrival of spring and is an occasion for family reunions, feasting, and gift-giving. The festival is also celebrated in other East Asian countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea.
The Chinese calendar follows the cycles of the moon, and therefore, the date of the Chinese New Year changes every year. But, did you know that the Chinese New Year always falls between January 21st and February 20th? This year, it falls on Friday, February 16th, 2018.
According to Chinese astrology, the year 2018 is the Year of the Earth Dog. It is believed that people born in the Year of the Dog are loyal, honest, and have a strong sense of duty. It is also believed that this year will bring stability and prosperity to those who work hard.
The festivities of the Chinese New Year usually begin on the eve of the festival with a family reunion dinner, also known as 'reunion night'. It is a time when families gather to enjoy delicious food, exchange gifts and red envelopes filled with money, and watch traditional performances such as dragon and lion dances.
The celebrations of the Chinese New Year last for fifteen days, and each day has its significance. On the fifth day, people eat dumplings to mark the end of winter, and on the seventh day, it is believed that everyone grows one year older. On the fifteenth day, the festival ends with the Lantern Festival.
If you plan on celebrating the Chinese New Year, make sure to wear red. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Also, don't forget to greet people with the traditional Chinese New Year greeting 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' which means 'Wishing you prosperity' in Mandarin.
Now that you know when the Chinese New Year will be celebrated in 2018 and how to celebrate it, what are you waiting for? Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the Year of the Dog and embrace the cultural traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a special occasion celebrated by millions of people worldwide. It marks the beginning of a new year and provides an opportunity for families to bond and share their love. So why not join in on the celebrations and create memories that will last a lifetime?
"When Is The 2018 Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is widely celebrated not just in China but across the globe. It is a time to reunite with family, exchange gifts, indulge in traditional delicacies, and honor ancestors. The date for the celebration varies each year as it follows the lunar cycle. Therefore, it is essential to know when Chinese New Year falls to prepare for the festive season. In this blog post, we will discuss the date for the 2018 Chinese New Year and its significance.
When is the Chinese New Year in 2018?
The Chinese New Year in 2018 starts on Friday, February 16th, and ends on Thursday, March 1st. Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by an animal in the zodiac cycle. In 2018, it's the year of the dog. According to the Chinese horoscope, people who are born in the year of the dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and kind-hearted.
Why is the Chinese New Year important?
The Chinese New Year is the most significant festival in China, and it initiated thousands of years ago. The celebration lasts for 15 days, and each day holds its significance. People clean their homes, buy new clothes, decorate their houses with red lanterns, and cut-outs. On New Year's Eve, families gather and have a reunion dinner. Fireworks, dragon and lion dances are popular activities as well.
Traditions and Customs during the Chinese New Year
In addition to fireworks, there are many customs and traditions practiced during the Chinese New Year. As mentioned earlier, cleaning your house means sweeping away misfortunes; hence nothing should be thrown out during the first five days of the festival to avoid throwing out good luck.
Another tradition is the giving and receiving of red packets which contain money usually given by the elderly to the young. Children can also expect new clothes during this time, believed to bring good luck.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off in great quantities as it's believed that the loud noise will scare away evil spirits ushering in good luck. In conclusion, the Chinese New Year remains a significant celebration because it helps strengthen family ties, promote unity and harmony, and honor ancestors.
Conclusion
As we’ve established, the Chinese New Year is a grand celebration and a cultural extravaganza, welcoming the new zodiac animal and revelling in the festive season. February 16, 2018 marks the beginning of the year of the dog, so why not embrace this joyous occasion, and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones? You don't need to be in China to celebrate; wherever you are in the world, there are always ways to partake in the exciting customs and traditions of this cultural event.
When is the 2018 Chinese New Year? A Comparison
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is a very important holiday for the Chinese people, and it is celebrated all over the world. Celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year celebrations last for around two weeks. In 2018, the Chinese New Year will fall on Friday, February 16th. Let's take a closer look at how this celebration differs in different countries.Origins of the Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year has its roots in ancient Chinese mythology. According to legend, there was a monster called Nian who would come out on the last day of the year and attack villages, eating crops and livestock. One year, an old man persuaded the villagers to put up red banners and firecrackers to scare away the monster. This worked, and ever since, these decorations have been used to celebrate the New Year.Customs and traditions in China
The Chinese New Year is a time when families come together to celebrate and share a meal. Red is the color of good luck, and so many people decorate their homes with red lanterns and banners. People also visit temples to pray for good fortune in the coming year. Another important tradition is the giving of red envelopes filled with money.The Year of the Dog
In the Chinese zodiac, every year is represented by an animal. 2018 is the Year of the Dog. According to legend, the dog is a loyal and obedient animal, and people born in the Year of the Dog are said to be honest and faithful. In Chinese astrology, it is believed that the year a person is born influences their personality and their destiny.Chinese New Year customs and traditions in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the New Year celebrations are very similar to those in mainland China. The streets are filled with colorful decorations and people perform lion dances and dragon dances to scare away evil spirits. One popular tradition is the throwing of oranges into the sea to bring good luck.Chinese New Year customs and traditions in Singapore
In Singapore, the New Year celebrations are a little different. The Chinatown area is decorated with lanterns, but the main event is the Chingay Parade, which features floats, dancers, and fireworks. Singapore also has a tradition of letting off firecrackers, which has been banned in many other countries due to safety concerns.Chinese New Year customs and traditions in Malaysia
In Malaysia, people of Chinese descent celebrate the New Year with a special meal and get-together with family members. Red is also the color of good luck here, and people set off firecrackers and decorate their homes with red banners.Chinese New Year customs and traditions in the United States
In the United States, the Chinese New Year is celebrated by Asian-American communities all over the country. One of the biggest celebrations takes place in San Francisco, where there is a colorful parade with dragon dancers and elaborate floats. People also enjoy traditional Chinese food and give red envelopes filled with money to their loved ones.Comparison table
| Country | Customs and traditions || --- | --- || China | Family gatherings, red decorations, temple visits, giving red envelopes || Hong Kong | Lion dances, dragon dances, throwing oranges || Singapore | Chingay Parade, setting off firecrackers || Malaysia | Special meal with family, red decorations, firecrackers || United States | Parades, traditional food, giving red envelopes |Final thoughts
The Chinese New Year is a celebration that is enjoyed all over the world by people of Chinese descent. While there are many similarities in the way it is celebrated, there are also some differences that reflect the local culture and traditions of each country. No matter where you are, the Chinese New Year is a time to come together with loved ones, enjoy good food, and wish for good fortune in the coming year.When Is The 2018 Chinese New Year
Introduction
The Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and grandest festivals celebrated by the world's largest population. In China, this event is referred to as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year, or simply the Chinese New Year. For many, it’s a time to reunite with family members who are far away from one another and celebrate the tradition that has been passed down for more than 4000 years.The Date of the 2018 Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year in 2018 falls on February 16th and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog on the Chinese zodiac calendar. The celebration lasts for 15 days until March 2nd. The week-long holiday creates one of the world’s most significant human migrations, as hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel home to be with their families, causing transportation congestion and demanding increased security measures.Preparation
In China, preparation for the Chinese New Year usually begins a few weeks before the actual day. The “spring cleaning” of the house is considered essential to welcome the new year, and it’s customary to decorate with red lanterns, red paper cutouts with lucky phrases, and various ornaments associated with the zodiac animal of the year. People will also go shopping for new outfits, food, and gifts, as it is believed that new things will bring good luck.Food and Gift-Giving
Food is undoubtedly a focal point during the Chinese New Year. There are a range of dishes that have symbolic meanings, such as whole fish, dumplings, rice cakes, and spring rolls, which all represent wealth, happiness and unity. Alongside traditional food comes the red envelopes which are filled with money and given as a gift, usually between families and friends. Children, in particular, anticipate receiving these red envelopes to use the money for snacks and games.Traditions and Activities
In addition to eating well and presenting gifts, there are plenty of other traditional activities and customs that continue to be practiced during the Chinese New Year. Fireworks light up the sky, dragon and lion dances entertain the people, and temple fairs are held for people to pray and make wishes. Other common practices include playing cards and board games, watching TV specials, and visiting friends and relatives.Taboos
While the Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and joy, it's also essential to know some taboos that should be avoided. For example, using sharp objects such as knives on the day of the festival is considered unlucky, while sweeping and throwing out trash is forbidding as it will sweep good fortune away from the house.The Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is not only a festival for the Chinese; it’s also an international festival celebrated worldwide. It is a time of celebration, reunions, gift-giving, and lots of eating. Being aware of its traditions, customs, and taboos can help us respect and appreciate the rich heritage and culture that this annual event offers. Happy Chinese New Year!When Is The 2018 Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It's celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between mid-January and mid-February. In 2018, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Friday, February 16th.
The Chinese New Year celebration is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and joyful festivities. It's a time to honor ancestors and deities, and to wish for good luck, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year. The celebrations usually last for fifteen days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day.
The date of the Chinese New Year is not fixed in the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most Western countries. Instead, it's determined by the cycles of the moon and the sun. The lunar calendar follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal from the Chinese zodiac. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, the eleventh of the twelve animals in the zodiac. People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and warm-hearted.
The Chinese New Year celebration is steeped in mythology and legend, dating back thousands of years. According to one story, the festival originated during the reign of the legendary Yellow Emperor, who defeated the Ox Demon and encouraged his people to celebrate with music, dance, and feasting. Another tale tells of a monster named Nian, who would terrorize villagers every New Year's Eve. The people would use loud noises, bright colors, and firecrackers to scare away the monster and bring good luck to their homes.
Preparations for the Chinese New Year begin well before the actual date. Homes are cleaned, decorated with red lanterns and banners, and filled with offerings of food and flowers. Traditional foods include dumplings, rice cakes, fish, and citrus fruits, which are believed to symbolize good luck and abundance.
The Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, especially for people who work and study in other cities or countries. Millions of people travel long distances to be with their loved ones during this important holiday. Train tickets, plane tickets, and hotel rooms are often sold out well in advance, making it one of the busiest travel seasons in China.
On New Year's Eve, families usually have a reunion dinner, with special dishes that vary according to region and tradition. The meal is a time for sharing stories, exchanging red envelopes filled with money, and watching the famous CCTV New Year's Gala on television. At midnight, firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits and welcome good luck.
One of the most popular customs during the Chinese New Year is the giving of red envelopes, also known as hongbao, to children and unmarried adults. These envelopes contain money and are meant to bring good fortune to the recipients. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, symbolizing joy, happiness, and prosperity.
The Chinese New Year celebrations come to a climax on the fifteenth day with the Lantern Festival. This day is marked by the lighting of colorful lanterns, which are often intricately designed with dragons, phoenixes, and other symbols. People also eat sweet glutinous rice balls called yuanxiao, which represent family unity and completeness.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year is a rich and vibrant holiday that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It's a time for family, friends, and tradition, and a time to honor the past and hope for the future. Wherever you are in the world, we wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Dog!
When Is The 2018 Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar. It falls on a different date every year in between January 21 and February 20. In 2018, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 16.
People also ask:
1. What is the Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. It is a time for families to get together, share festive foods, and exchange gifts. The Chinese New Year is also a time to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
2. How long does the Chinese New Year last?
The Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days. The festival starts with the Chinese New Year's Eve reunion dinner and ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
3. What are some traditions of the Chinese New Year?
Some traditional customs during the Chinese New Year include decorating homes with red lanterns and cutouts, giving red envelopes filled with lucky money, eating dumplings, and watching dragon and lion dances.
4. Which animal represents the 2018 Chinese New Year?
2018 is the Year of the Dog according to the Chinese Zodiac. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal, honest, and sociable.
5. How do people celebrate the Chinese New Year?
People celebrate the Chinese New Year by having family reunions, eating special New Year's Eve dinners, setting off fireworks, exchanging red envelopes filled with lucky money, and visiting friends and family. They also decorate their homes with red lanterns and cutouts symbolizing good fortune and happiness.