Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China's most important traditional holiday and is widely celebrated in other East and Southeast Asian cultures. The date is based on the lunar calendar, usually between January 21 and February 20. It marks the beginning of the new year in the lunisolar calendar, with festivities lasting up to 15 days. Chinese New Year symbolizes new beginnings, family unity, and the renewal of life. It is a time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome good fortune, health, and happiness in the coming year. {Zodiac Animals} Each year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are part of a cycle and are believed to influence the year's energy and personality traits. {Preparations} Leading up to the holiday, people clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and decorate with red ornaments like lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings. Red is dominant, symbolizing good fortune and warding off evil spirits. {Red Envelopes} Elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried young people as a gesture of good luck and blessings for the new year. {Lantern Festival} The festival culminates with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, marked by the display of lanterns, eating glutinous rice balls, and various cultural performances. It's a joyous occasion to celebrate tradition and family and hope for a prosperous year!