Happy Chinese New Year!

February 15, 2018 marks the Chinese New Year festivities for Chinese all over the world. Here are some of the more interesting facts to know about this occasion:

1. The Chinese New Year ushers in the first day of the first year on the lunar calendar (in contrast, most Western countries follow the Gregorian or solar calendar). Technically speaking, Chinese New Year is actually based on a lunisolar calendar. According to Wikepedia, "a lunisolar calendar is a calendar in many cultures whose date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year." Hence, the actual date of the occasion will vary from year to year, but it is usually held in January or February.

2. Chinese New Year is not just being celebrated in China. It is also a major occasion in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, among others. However, there are differences in how each countries celebrate the occasion. For example, the celebration in China lasts for 15 days, whereas it is a 3 day celebration in Korea.

3. Chinese New Year also ushers in a new zodiac animal. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, with each year being represented by a zodiac animal in a repeating 12-year cycle. This year is the year of the Dog.
   

4. It is the most important holiday In China. A time for family reunions, people typically head home and gather for the all important reunion dinner on New Year's Eve. Businesses officially close for an entire week. I had the pleasure of working with people in China in the past and we usually would need to plan on securing production and supplies as early as a few weeks before the Chinese New Year holidays, as it would be difficult to get things done as the holiday approaches.

5. With over 5,000 years of history, China is a country rich in culture and traditions, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Some of the traditions I've encountered include:

• Dressing in red - "Red" is a symbol of good fortune, joy and prosperity.
• Lighting up fireworks and firecrackers - In ancient traditions, it is believed the noise from firecrackers drives away evil spirits.
• Handing out red envelopes or packets - In the spirit of goodwill, red packets are usually handed out in the family by adults to children, including nephews and nieces, grandsons and granddaughters. In fact, they are also sometimes given in corporate settings from managers to employees.
• Dragon and Lion Dances - part of the festivities to enliven the atmosphere.
  

Hope you enjoyed this list of tidbits on Chinese New Year. Do you know or practice any traditions that are not listed in the above? Please share in the comments section below.

Wishing you all blessings, good health, joy and prosperity in the year of the Dog.

For further reading, please check the following:

1. Chinese New Year Info Page
2. New Year Facts
3. More info on The Chinese Zodiac
4. 10 “Why”s of Chinese New Year You Must Want to Know