Discover the Dates and Traditions of Chinese New Year 2018
Are you ready to welcome the Year of the Dog? Chinese New Year is fast approaching and it's time to prepare for the celebrations. But when exactly is Chinese New Year this year? Let's find out!
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on a different date every year in the Gregorian calendar we use.
So, when is Chinese New Year for 2018? This year, it will be on Friday, February 16th. That's only a few weeks away! Get ready to usher in the Year of the Dog with fireworks, dragon dances, and delicious food.
As one of the world's oldest and richest cultures, the Chinese have many customs and traditions surrounding the celebration of the new year. For example, cleaning your home before New Year's Eve is believed to sweep away bad luck from the past year and make way for good luck in the new year.
In addition to cleaning, decorating is also an important part of the festivities. Red is the dominant color, as it is believed to bring good fortune. You'll see red lanterns, banners, and decorations everywhere during Chinese New Year.
Another important tradition is giving red envelopes, or hongbao, to children and unmarried adults. These envelopes are filled with money and symbolize good luck and best wishes for the new year.
One thing that sets Chinese New Year apart from other cultural celebrations is the lavish feasting that takes place. Families gather for reunion dinners on New Year's Eve and indulge in traditional dishes like fish, dumplings, and glutinous rice cake. In fact, food is such an integral part of the celebrations that the holiday is often referred to as the Spring Festival Gala.
Did you know that Chinese New Year is also celebrated in other parts of the world? Over 1 billion people around the globe celebrate this holiday, including in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In fact, it's the longest public holiday in China, with celebrations lasting up to 15 days.
So, there you have it! The dates for Chinese New Year in 2018 are February 16th to March 2nd. Whether you're celebrating at home or abroad, this is a time for family, friends, and good cheer. May the Year of the Dog bring you happiness, prosperity, and good fortune!
Now that you know when Chinese New Year is for 2018, it's time to start planning your celebrations. From cleaning and decorating to feasting and giving red envelopes, there's so much to do. Make the most of this special holiday and enjoy all the festive traditions that come with it. Happy Chinese New Year!
"When Is Chinese New Year For 2018" ~ bbaz
Chinese New Year 2018: The Year of the Dog
The New Year is a special time of the year all around the world, and none more so than in China. Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important traditional holiday in China, and it is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th, and it will mark the start of the Year of the Dog.
A Time for Family and Tradition
For many Chinese people, Chinese New Year is the one time of the year when they get to see their families and celebrate together. It is estimated that around 3 billion trips will be made in China during the Chinese New Year period, as people travel home to be with their loved ones.
Chinese New Year is also a time for tradition and ceremony. There are many customs associated with the holiday, such as cleaning the house before the New Year to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red lanterns and banners to bring good luck, and giving out 'red packets' of money to children and unmarried adults to wish them prosperity.
The Significance of the Year of the Dog
Chinese astrology assigns each year a different zodiac animal, based on a 12-year cycle. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, the 11th animal in the cycle. People born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and responsible, with a strong sense of justice. This year is said to be a good time for individuals to work hard and make progress in their careers, and for businesses to invest and expand.
Celebrations Across the World
Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China, but around the world, with parades, fireworks, and festive meals. Chinese communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia mark the holiday in their own unique ways.
In London, the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia takes place in Chinatown, with a festive parade, lion and dragon dances, and food stalls selling traditional Chinese dishes.
In Sydney, Australia, over 1 million people attend the Chinese New Year Twilight Parade, which features brightly-lit floats, dancers, and acrobats.
The Importance of Food during Chinese New Year
Food is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and many traditional dishes have special symbolic meanings. Dumplings, for example, are said to resemble ancient Chinese silver ingots and are eaten to bring wealth and prosperity. Fish, on the other hand, is believed to symbolize abundance and good fortune, while noodles represent longevity and happiness.
One of the most important meals during Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner, which is typically held on New Year's Eve. This meal brings together family members to share a special feast and toasting to the new year.
Preparing for Chinese New Year
Preparing for Chinese New Year can be a busy and hectic time, as families decorate their homes, shop for new clothes, and stock up on traditional foods. Many people also take part in rituals such as burning incense to pray for good luck, or visiting temples to make offerings.
If you're planning on celebrating Chinese New Year this year, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started, from traditional recipes to decorative crafts. Whether you're spending the holiday with family or friends, or just taking part in local festivities, Chinese New Year is a time to embrace tradition, share joy, and welcome a prosperous new year.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and family. Whether you're Chinese or not, there is something special about the tradition and meaning behind this beloved holiday. As we enter the Year of the Dog, let us embrace the qualities of loyalty, honesty, and responsibility that define this zodiac sign and work together to make the most of the opportunities that come our way.
When Is Chinese New Year For 2018? A Comparison Between China and Other Countries
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the biggest annual celebrations around the world. While it is originally a Chinese cultural celebration, it is widely celebrated in many countries across the globe. However, the date for Chinese New Year varies every year, depending on the lunar calendar. This article will compare the differences of when Chinese New Year takes place in China and other countries.Chinese New Year in China
In China, Chinese New Year is considered as the most important traditional festival and a public holiday. The date varies every year as it follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between January 21st and February 20th. In 2018, Chinese New Year falls on February 16th and it will be the Year of the Dog. In China, there is a tradition called Chunyun, which is the rush hour during the holiday season. Chinese people are expected to travel back to their hometowns to reunite with their families and celebrate this festival together.Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and also celebrates Chinese New Year. However, the way of celebration differs from China as it blends both traditional Chinese culture and Western influences. The main event for Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is the Lunar New Year night parade, which features floats and performers from all over the world. In Hong Kong, Chinese New Year is also a public holiday and will fall on the same day as in China, February 16th.Chinese New Year in Taiwan
Taiwan has a highly diverse society as it has been influenced by different cultures throughout history. Therefore, Taiwanese people celebrate Chinese New Year in a unique way, mixing traditional customs with their own cultural identity. Similar to China and Hong Kong, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Taiwan and falls on the same day, February 16th.Chinese New Year in Singapore
Singapore is a multicultural country, where people from different ethnic backgrounds celebrate Chinese New Year together. In Singapore, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale and the streets are brilliantly decorated with red lanterns and other traditional Chinese decorations. Chinese New Year is also a public holiday in Singapore and will fall on February 16th.Comparison Table
To summarize the differences between the dates of Chinese New Year in different countries, a comparison table is provided below:| Country | Date for Chinese New Year 2018 | Public Holiday? || ------- | --------------------------------- | -------------- || China | February 16th | Yes || Hong Kong | February 16th | Yes || Taiwan | February 16th | Yes || Singapore | February 16th | Yes |Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a global celebration that is cherished by millions of people around the world. Although the date for Chinese New Year may vary in each country, the festive atmosphere and spirit of family reunion remain the same. Wherever you are in the world, Chinese New Year is a time of joy and warmth that you should not miss!When Is Chinese New Year For 2018?
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most significant festivals in China. It is celebrated for fifteen days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar, which always falls between late January and mid-February. For 2018, Chinese New Year begins on February 16th and ends on March 2nd.The History and Significance of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has a long history that dates back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated during the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th century BC) when people offered sacrifices to their ancestors and gods to seek blessings for a good harvest. Later, during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), this festival became an occasion for people to celebrate the start of a new year and to pray for good fortune, health, and happiness.In Chinese culture, each year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals, namely rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. According to the legend, these animals were summoned by the Jade Emperor to participate in a race, and their order of arrival determined the sequence of the zodiac calendar. Each animal embodies certain characteristics, and people born in that year are believed to inherit those traits.Preparations for Chinese New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year usually begin a month before the festival. People clean their homes thoroughly, put up posters with auspicious phrases, and decorate their houses with red lanterns and couplets. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture because it symbolizes happiness, wealth, and good luck.On the eve of Chinese New Year, families reunite for a sumptuous dinner called the reunion dinner. This is often the most important meal of the year, and it includes traditional dishes like dumplings, fish, chicken, and various vegetable dishes.Celebrations during Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and enjoy various festivities. During the fifteen-day festival, people visit relatives and friends, exchange red envelopes filled with money, watch lion and dragon dances, and set off fireworks.On the fifth day of the new year, also known as powu, people eat dumplings and visit temples to pray for good fortune. On the seventh day, people celebrate renri, which is believed to be the birthday of all humans. This is a day for eating noodles and holding community activities.On the fifteenth day, known as the Lantern Festival, people light lanterns and solve riddles written on them. This marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a time for reflection, family, and joy. No matter where you are in the world, this festival is a great opportunity to learn about and celebrate Chinese culture. By understanding the history and significance of Chinese New Year, you can take part in the festivities and appreciate the unique traditions that have been passed down through generations.When Is Chinese New Year For 2018?
Chinese New Year is a traditional annual festival that is celebrated in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations. It is also called the Lunar New Year as it usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Chinese New Year traditionally lasts for 15 days and is an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, feast on special foods, and participate in a range of cultural activities.
The upcoming year of 2018 is the Year of the Dog according to the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac is a system of assigning animals to years in a repeating cycle of 12 years. Each animal is said to embody certain traits that are associated with people born in that year.
So, when is Chinese New Year for 2018?
The official date for the start of Chinese New Year is February 16, 2018. This marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is also referred to as the Spring Festival. However, celebrations actually begin on the eve of Chinese New Year, which falls on February 15, 2018.
The exact dates for Chinese New Year vary from year to year because they depend on the lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar that is used in the Western world. The dates usually fall somewhere between January 21 and February 20, but can sometimes occur as early as late January or as late as mid-February.
Regardless of the exact date, Chinese New Year is a major holiday in Chinese culture and more than one billion people around the world celebrate it each year. The festival is steeped in tradition and rich in symbolism, and there are many customs that are observed during the 15-day period.
One of the most important customs is the reunion dinner that takes place on New Year’s Eve. It is a time for family members to come together and enjoy a festive meal that typically includes dumplings, fish, and other special dishes. The reunion dinner is seen as an opportunity to honor one’s ancestors and to start the new year off on a positive note.
Another important tradition is red envelopes, which are gifts of money that are exchanged between family members and close friends during the Chinese New Year period. The red envelopes are considered to bring good luck and prosperity, and children are especially excited to receive them. Other common customs include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, setting off fireworks to scare away evil spirits, and wearing new clothes to symbolize a fresh start.
In addition to these traditions, there are also many events and festivities that take place during Chinese New Year. The most famous of these is probably the dragon dance, which involves a team of performers carrying a long dragon made of fabric and dancing through the streets to the beat of drums. There are also lion dances, parades, and temple fairs that offer a range of activities such as carnival games, traditional performances, and street food.
If you are interested in celebrating Chinese New Year for 2018, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Many cities around the world have large Chinese populations and hold public events to mark the occasion. Alternatively, you can host your own gathering with friends and family, or simply take some time to learn more about Chinese culture and the significance of the holiday.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year for 2018 falls on February 16, 2018 and marks the beginning of the Year of the Dog. This is a time for celebration, reflection, and tradition, and there are many customs and events that people can participate in to mark the occasion. Whether you are Chinese or not, the festival offers an opportunity to learn more about a rich and vibrant culture and to experience the joy and warmth of family and community.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Chinese New Year celebrations today!
Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!
When Is Chinese New Year For 2018?
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China that marks the beginning of a new year as per the lunar calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival and is celebrated by Chinese people all over the world. The date for the Chinese New Year changes every year as it is based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon.
People Also Ask about When Is Chinese New Year For 2018:
1. What is the date for Chinese New Year in 2018?
The Chinese New Year in 2018 falls on Friday, February 16th, 2018.
2. How long does Chinese New Year last?
The Chinese New Year celebrations last for approximately fifteen days, starting from the first day of the lunar calendar and ending on the fifteenth day with the Lantern Festival.
3. Why does the date for Chinese New Year change every year?
The date for Chinese New Year changes every year because it is based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun like the Gregorian calendar. The lunar calendar consists of twelve or thirteen months with each month being 29 or 30 days long.
4. What are some of the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year?
Some of the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year include cleaning the house to get rid of bad luck and welcoming good luck, decorating the house with red lanterns, couplets, and stickers with auspicious sayings, exchanging red envelopes filled with money, and eating specific foods such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes.
So mark your calendars for February 16th, 2018, and get ready to celebrate the most important festival in China- the Chinese New Year!