Discover the Festive Date: When Was Chinese New Year 2018?
Are you curious about when Chinese New Year was in 2018? Did you miss it and want to know the date for next year? Or are you interested in the traditions and celebrations surrounding this special holiday? Whatever your reason, read on to discover all you need to know about Chinese New Year 2018.
First of all, let's answer the question on everyone's mind: when was Chinese New Year 2018? The exact date changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar, but in 2018 the holiday began on February 16th. This marked the start of the Year of the Dog, one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac.
The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China and is celebrated over a period of fifteen days. It is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and lively festivities.
One popular tradition during Chinese New Year is the exchange of red envelopes filled with money, known as hongbao. According to a survey conducted by CGTN, approximately 98% of respondents planned to give or receive hongbao during the holiday.
Another staple of Chinese New Year is the famous dragon dance, where performers carry a long, colorful dragon and dance through the streets to the beat of drums and cymbals. In 2018, a new world record was set for the longest dragon dance, measuring an incredible 10,000 meters!
But Chinese New Year isn't just celebrated in China. It is a global event, with festivals and parades taking place in major cities around the world. In fact, New York City's annual Chinese New Year parade draws over a million spectators each year.
If you're planning on celebrating Chinese New Year next year, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For example, it is customary to wear red clothing and decorate your home with red lanterns and banners for good luck. You should also be sure to clean your house thoroughly before the holiday begins to sweep away any bad luck from the past year.
Food is also a crucial component of Chinese New Year celebrations. Many families gather together to prepare elaborate feasts featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. It is also common to eat foods that symbolize good fortune, such as oranges (which represent wealth) or noodles (which represent longevity).
So there you have it – everything you need to know about Chinese New Year 2018. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time celebrator, this holiday is an exciting and important part of Chinese culture. So mark your calendars for next year's celebrations and get ready to ring in the Year of the Pig!
Don't miss out on all the festive fun. Plan now to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2019 – you won't regret it!
"When Was Chinese New Year 2018" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated traditions in China. It is a time when families come together to eat, drink, and appreciate each other's company. This year, Chinese New Year fell on February 16, 2018. It marked the start of the Year of the Dog and was celebrated all over the world.
History
Chinese New Year dates back to thousands of years ago during the Han dynasty, which was around 19 BCE – 220 CE. The festival was originally known as the Spring Festival and was intended to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Later on, it became a religious ceremony adopted by Buddhists. It then turned into a cultural festival, and this tradition has been maintained until today.
Preparation for Chinese New Year
Preparing for Chinese New Year can last for weeks or even months before the actual festival. Families clean their homes thoroughly, get new clothes, and prepare special dishes. Parents give their children “lucky money” in red envelopes as a form of good luck for the new year. Chinese people believe that the first day of the new year represents the rest of the year. Therefore, they believe that having a clean house, wearing new clothes, and enjoying some delicious food can bring good luck for the rest of the year.
Celebration of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year lasts for 16 days, and the first three days are the most important. On the eve of Chinese New Year, families gather for a reunion dinner where they eat traditional meals, such as dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and hot pot. Fireworks are set off everywhere to scare away evil spirits; this is followed by the exchange of red envelopes containing money. The first day of the new year is usually spent visiting friends and family.
Other events that take place during the 16-day celebration include dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and the Lantern Festival. People wear bright red colors because they believe it brings good luck, and Chinese red lanterns are hung around the streets.
Day-to-Day Celebrations during the New Year Period
During the new year period, people usually share special foods, such as steamed buns, mandarin oranges, and rice cakes. Each day of the Chinese calendar has its unique beliefs. For example, the seventh day is known as “renri” or “everyone's birthday,” marking when humans were created according to Chinese mythology. On that day, many people eat noodles because they represent long life.
The highlight of the festival is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the celebrations on the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year. People create beautiful lanterns with various designs, often featuring the zodiac animal for the year. These are then hung around the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere.
How Chinese New Year was celebrated in 2018
The Year of the Dog started on February 16th, and the celebrations began with a morning drum performance at the City Hall Square in Beijing. Millions of people traveled across China to reunite with their families, creating an exciting atmosphere. This year became more interesting due to President Xi Jinping’s call for Chinese people to have a greater sense of national pride. As a result, over 1,500 Chinese people gathered in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the new year.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is one of the most significant festivals in China and is celebrated worldwide by millions of people. It is a time for families to get together, exchange good wishes, enjoy delectable cuisine, and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. Every year, Chinese New Year is celebrated differently, but its meanings remain the same. It is a time of happiness and thanksgiving, and it creates lasting memories for all who partake in the festivities.
When Was Chinese New Year 2018: A Comparison of Traditions, Festivities, and Customs
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in China and around the world. It is a time for families to reunite, honor their ancestors, and wish for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. In 2018, Chinese New Year fell on February 16th, according to the lunar calendar. This article will compare the traditions, festivities, and customs of Chinese New Year 2018 with previous years and explore their significance.Timeline
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which means the date changes every year. However, it usually falls between January 21st and February 20th in the Gregorian calendar. The table below compares Chinese New Year 2018 with the previous five years:| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2018 | February 16th |
| 2017 | January 28th |
| 2016 | February 8th |
| 2015 | February 19th |
| 2014 | January 31st |
Preparations
Chinese New Year preparations usually start weeks before the actual day. This includes cleaning the house, buying new clothes, and stocking up on food for the festival. In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with an animal sign, and 2018 was the year of the dog. Therefore, many decorations and souvenirs featured dog motifs. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time for gift-giving, and red envelopes with money are commonly given to children.Family Reunions
Family reunion is the most important part of Chinese New Year, and many people travel hundreds of miles to be with their loved ones. A traditional Chinese New Year Eve dinner, known as 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn), is a lavish feast that consists of 12 courses. Each dish has a special meaning, such as fish for abundance and dumplings to signify wealth.Festivities and Customs
Chinese New Year is celebrated with numerous festivities and customs. Fireworks are set off at midnight to scare away evil spirits, and dragon and lion dances are performed on the streets to bring good luck. Red lanterns are hung to symbolize prosperity, and people wear red clothes to ward off evil spirits. In addition, cleaning the house during the first few days of the new year is considered bad luck, as it might sweep away good fortune.Symbolism and Significance
Chinese New Year is rich in symbolism and significance. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, which represents rebirth and renewal. It is also a time to honor ancestors and pay respect to one's roots. Moreover, different traditions have different meanings, such as giving gifts of oranges and tangerines, which sound like luck and wealth in Chinese.Regional Differences
Although Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout China and the world, there are differences in regional customs and traditions. For example, in Northern China, people eat jiaozi (dumplings) during the festival, while in Southern China, people eat niangao (sticky rice cakes). Moreover, some customs have been adapted over time, such as the Hong Kong tradition of a fire dragon dance, which involves a huge dragon made of incense sticks.Changes and Innovations
As the world becomes more connected, Chinese New Year has evolved in some ways. For example, many companies and brands create special advertisements and products for the festival, which can be seen on social media platforms. Additionally, some people choose to celebrate the festival in different ways, such as traveling abroad during the holiday or hosting non-traditional gatherings.Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Chinese New Year celebrations in recent years. In 2020 and 2021, lockdowns and travel restrictions were put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. As a result, many families could not reunite for the festival, and public events and performances were canceled. However, virtual celebrations and activities were organized to engage people online.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a rich and diverse festival that has been celebrated for centuries. It is a time to honor traditions, reunite with family, and wish for good luck and prosperity. Chinese New Year 2018 was a unique year with its own customs and significance, just like every other year. By understanding and appreciating the differences and similarities between each year, we can better appreciate the beauty and importance of the festival.When Was Chinese New Year 2018?
Introduction
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated by millions of people all around the globe. Every year, the celebration falls on a different date between January 21 and February 20. Understanding Chinese New Year’s specific date is crucial since its celebration period is relatively lengthy.The Date Set for Chinese New Year 2018
In the year 2018, Chinese New Year began on Friday, February 16th. It was designated as the start of the Year of the Dog based on the Chinese zodiac cycle. One of the distinguishing factors of this celebration is that it follows a lunar calendar. Therefore, it falls on a different date every year, which makes it challenging for people who are not familiar with their system.The Chinese Calendar and Zodiac Signs
The Chinese calendar has been in use for centuries and is based on the movement of the moon rather than the sun. It is known as a lunisolar calendar, which means it uses both phases of the moon and the solar year to determine when festivals or celebrations are to occur. Also, each year is associated with an animal sign from the Chinese zodiac. The signs include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.The World’s Most Significant Human Migration
Chinese New Year is regarded as the largest human migration in the world as hundreds of millions of people travel back to their hometown to spend the holiday with their loved ones. Because of it, there are massive crowds at airports, train stations, and bus terminals during the weeks surrounding the festival.Celebrations and Traditions of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is celebrated for a minimum of two weeks, beginning with the new moon and ending on the full moon. It foremostly comprises of family gatherings and feasts. A traditional dish associated with Chinese New Year is dumplings because they represent wealth and good fortune.Furthermore, other activities are carried out during the period that includes fireworks, street parades, lion dances, and red-packet transactions, where children receive money from their elders. The color red also holds a special meaning during Chinese New Year, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits.Preparing for Chinese New Year
Prior to the commencement of the festival, homes are decorated with red posters, couplets, lanterns, and flowers to create an atmosphere of joy and good fortune. Cleaning is also done to flush away bad luck and make way for good fortune.It's crucial to note that businesses in China tend to shut down entirely during the festival period since most people travel back home. However, companies operating in the retail and service industries function as normal, providing various goods and services to civilians interested in celebrating the spring holiday.The Future Dates of Chinese New Year
The date of the Chinese New Year always falls between January 21st and February 20th, which typically lines up with the second new moon after the winter solstice. Therefore, the dates for this fantastic festival can vary significantly year after year.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a significant holiday celebrated worldwide due to its rich significance. While it changes annually, the festivities remain beautiful and vibrant. With understanding the dates, traditions, and preparations alongside the associated zodiac signs, it is easy to join in the cheers with hundreds of millions of excited celebrants worldwide.When Was Chinese New Year 2018?
Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese community around the world. It is an annual event that marks the beginning of a new year according to the Chinese calendar, and it is usually celebrated in January or February. In 2018, Chinese New Year was celebrated on February 16th, which marked the start of the Year of the Dog.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time for family reunions, as people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate with their loved ones. It is also a time for paying respects to ancestors and honoring the gods. Traditionally, Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days, with each day having its own specific customs and traditions.
The Chinese New Year celebrations begin on the eve of the new year with a reunion dinner, where families gather to share a meal together. This is considered the most important part of the celebration, as it symbolizes unity and harmony within the family. The meal usually includes traditional Chinese dishes, and each dish has its own meaning and significance.
On the day of Chinese New Year, families usually wake up early to perform traditional rituals such as lighting firecrackers and burning incense to usher in good luck and ward off evil spirits. They also give red envelopes filled with money to children, which is believed to bring them good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
During the 15-day period of Chinese New Year celebrations, there are various cultural activities and events taking place, including dragon and lion dances, as well as temple fairs. These activities are meant to bring joy and good fortune to people, and they also provide a way for people to connect with their cultural heritage and traditions.
Another important tradition during Chinese New Year is the cleaning of the house before the festival begins. This is done to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make way for good luck and prosperity in the new year. Red decorations are also hung throughout the house, as the color red symbolizes happiness and good fortune.
Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with many traditional dishes being eaten during this time. These include dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and spring rolls, which all have their own symbolic meaning. For example, dumplings symbolize wealth and good fortune, while fish represents surplus and abundance.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a celebration that is steeped in tradition and culture. It is a time for family, community, and connection, and it provides an opportunity for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one with hope and optimism. As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let us remember the traditions and customs that make this festival so special, and let us embrace the spirit of unity and harmony that it represents.
Thank you for reading about When Was Chinese New Year 2018. We hope that you found this article informative and insightful. Happy Chinese New Year!
People Also Ask About When Was Chinese New Year 2018
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is the most important festival in the Chinese calendar and marks the start of a new lunar year. It is celebrated over a period of 15 days and is also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year.
When is Chinese New Year?
The date of Chinese New Year changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. In 2018, Chinese New Year fell on Friday, February 16th.
What animal represents the Chinese New Year 2018?
2018 was the year of the dog. Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals in Chinese culture, and people born in the year of the dog are believed to possess qualities such as loyalty, honesty, and kindness.
What are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is rich in traditions and customs, some of which include:
- Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck from the previous year
- Decorating with red and gold decorations, which symbolize good fortune and wealth
- Exchanging red envelopes filled with money as gifts for good luck
- Eating traditional foods such as dumplings, noodles, and fish
- Lighting firecrackers and fireworks to ward off evil spirits
How long does Chinese New Year last?
Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day.