Chinese New Year has enjoyed a history of about 3,500 years. Its exact beginning is not recorded. Some people believe that Chinese New Year originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and ancestors at the beginning or the end of each year. Chinese New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. Chinese New Year has a far-reaching history of over 3,800 years. The origin of the festival can be traced back to the worshiping activities in China’s ancient agrarian society. The date for the ceremony wasn’t fixed till the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD), when Emperor Wudi commanded to use the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year has a history of about 3,500 years. Its exact beginning date is not recorded. Some people believe that Chinese New Year originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and ancestors at the beginning or the end of each year. However, Chinese New Year experienced a revival in the late 20th century as people sought to reconnect with their cultural heritage. Today, the Chinese New Year is celebrated in China and many countries with significant Chinese communities, such as Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. Modern festivities combine ancient Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in China and many other Asian countries. Its origins stretch back over 3,500 years, with traditions evolving and changing over centuries and millennia. According to the ancient Chinese legend, in ancient time, there was a ferocious monster named “Nian” with sharp teeth and horns. Secluding itself in the dark sea for a long time, the beast would go onshore by the end of the lunar year and hunt people and livestock. Here’s the history of Chinese New Year, from its ancient origins to modern celebrations. It is rooted in farming traditions. The history of Chinese New Year is intertwined with ancient agrarian society. The centuries-old legend of the origins of the Chinese New Year celebration varies from teller to teller, but every telling includes a story of a terrible mythical monster preying on villagers. The lion-like monster’s name was Nian (年), which is also the Chinese word for “year." Chinese New Year can be traced back to 4000 years ago. Since there was no written record in Ancient Times (before 2000 BC), the exact beginning year is still uncertain. Some people believe that the Chinese New Year originated in Yushun Time (虞舜时代 yú shùn shí daì). The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao or Shu Xiang, features 12 animal signs in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2025 is the Year of the Snake according to Chinese zodiac, starting from the 2025 Chinese New Year on Jan. 29th and lasting to 2026 Lunar New Year's Eve on Feb. 16. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Chinese New Year has a far-reaching history of over 3,800 years.The origin of the festival can be traced back to the worshiping activities in China’s ancient agrarian society. Families would gather together during these times and celebrate. Many of these festivals are still celebrated in China. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) The most important festival of the year was the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. The entire celebration lasts for 15 days. It starts with the first day of the New Year and ends with the Like the New Year couplets and other decorations, new clothes also add to the festivity. In the past, China was an agrarian society. There was only one harvest per year in the north and two to three in the south. Throughout the entire year, people scrimped and saved. But during Chinese New Year, people could finally splurge and treat themselves. Practical day-to-day guide to pleasantly spend the Chinese New Year 2025 in China. If you are in China during Chinese New Year 2024, then the following table will definitely come in handy. Chinese companies and public institutions take a 7-day holiday for Chinese New Year. However, some business areas (like ours) will remain open with service Ancient art of stilt walking becomes a surprise trend among young Chinese. As Lunar New Year approaches, the once-endangered folk tradition of stilt walking is undergoing something of a revival in China. Chinese New Year is thought to date back to the Shang Dynasty in the 14th century B.C. Under Emperor Wu of Han (140–87 B.C.), the tradition of carrying out rituals on the first day of the The word 'mafia' translates to 'black society' in Chinese. Know Your Lucky Chinese Zodiac Colors. As per Chinese astrology, everyone has a zodiac sign and associated lucky colors. To find out more about the colors that are lucky for you and your zodiac sign, check out our information on the Chinese Zodiac. Discover More About Lucky Colors in China Certainly people were celebrating the New Year in China by the time of the Han Dynasty, around 200 BC. When is Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year is always the second new moon after the winter solstice (like Passover is the first full moon after the spring equinox). People did their spring cleaning and got ready to plant rice. Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population.
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