Saturday, February 10, 2024, marks the date when various nations will celebrate the new year as indicated by the traditional lunisolar calendar. The Lunar New Year coordinates with the phases of the moon, and while some refer to it as Chinese New Year, the event is celebrated outside of China as well. It is a 15-day celebration that begins on the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 and ends on the following full moon.
Celebrants often have time off from work to commemorate this time, and the period also may be referred to as the “Spring Festival,” according to Britannica. Many traditions and customs are intertwined in Chinese New Year celebrations. Those looking to participate in traditional fashion can explore these common sights and sounds.
Red envelopes
Celebrants hand out red envelopes filled with money called “hong bao” in Mandarin. These envelopes are given to children or unmarried adults who are not working. Red denotes good luck and fortune as well as happiness and abundance in Chinese culture.
Dragon
The dragon is an important symbol that represents prosperity, good luck and good fortune. A performance of a dragon or lion dancing during Chinese New Year is commonplace. There are additional lucky mascots as well, including the phoenix, unicorn and dragon turtle.
Loud noises and bright lights
Fireworks and other noisemakers are used during Chinese New Year. One legend says a monster named Nian would attack villagers at the start of every new year. Since it was afraid of loud noises, bright lights and the color red, people used these things to chase away the beast.
Deep cleaning
People traditionally conduct a thorough cleaning of their homes during the New Year celebration to get rid of any lingering bad luck. Other “old” and “bad” things may be removed from the home and one’s life.
Nian Ye Fan
Families will gather together at a big table to have New Year’s Eve dinner. This is known as “Nian Ye Fan.” Children and adults will thoroughly bathe and dress in new clothes for the festive occasion. Red decorations and lanterns are usually hung inside and outside the home. China is a vast nation so foods will differ based on region.
Lantern festival
One of the final events of Chinese New Year is the lantern festival. This is when people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Praying to ancestors is also an important component of the celebration.
