The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is an annual festival that marks the beginning of the lunar new year in the Chinese calendar. This event is one of the most important traditional holidays in China and for Chinese communities around the world.
The origins of Chinese New Year can be traced back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated from ancient times when people offered sacrifices to the gods and ancestors at the end of an old year and the beginning of a new one. The term "Spring Festival" came into use during the Republic of China era (1912–1949) to replace the more traditional term "New Year's Eve" to encourage a break from feudal superstitions. However, the name Chinese New Year has persisted in English-speaking countries.
The date of Chinese New Year varies from year to year, falling between January 21 and February 20, based on the lunar calendar. The festivities traditionally start on the eve of the lunar New Year's Day and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the first lunar month.
Celebrations include:
Each year in the Chinese calendar is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The cycle starts with the Rat and follows in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal year is also associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, leading to a 60-year cycle.
Chinese New Year is not only a time for celebration but also an occasion to honor deities and ancestors, to drive out the bad luck of the previous year, and to usher in good luck for the forthcoming year. It's a time for families to come together, for debts to be settled, and for the community to strengthen social bonds.