Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is the oldest traditional festival in China, but a few people concern the origin and story behind the holiday. Many existing customs and activities of the festival actually can be traced back to a popular story of the Monster Nian, which helps to explain why and how the festival is celebrated. Chinese New Year's Day is called Guo Nian (过年) in Chinese, which can mean 'celebrate (a new) year' or 'overcome Nian'. The character 年 (Nián) could mean a 'year' or 'the monster Nian'. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nian (年, or Nianshou 年兽) with a long head and sharp horns. It dwelled deep in the sea all year round and The origin of the Chinese New Year Festival can be traced back to about 3,500 years ago. Chinese New Year has evolved over a long period of time and its customs have undergone a long development process. A Legend of the Origin of Chinese New Year. Like all traditional festivals in China, Chinese New Year is steeped with stories and myths. Furthermore, the traditions born from this myth serve as a reminder of hope and the promise of new beginnings as families gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year. VII. Nian in Contemporary Celebrations. Today, the story of Nian continues to resonate in Chinese New Year festivities around the world. The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. Every year, the Lunar New Year marks the transition from one animal to another. The Year of the Dragon, which began on Feb. 10, 2024, ended Tuesday to begin the Year of the Snake. The stories date back thousands of years. Read on to learn of a few popular and interesting Chinese New Year myths. The Monster and New Year’s Eve. In ancient times, there was a monster named Nián (年). It usually lived at the bottom of the sea and would come up once a year to feast on animals and humans. Its traditional Chinese celebrations last for 16 days, from Lunar New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival. In 2025, Lunar New Year will fall on Wednesday, January 29th and start a year of the Dragon. The Origin of Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year has enjoyed a history of about 3,500 years. A very old legend about Lunar New Year is still popular The Spring Festival marks a new year on the lunar calendar and represents the desire for a new life. Legend of the Origin of Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year is steeped with stories and myths. One of the most popular legends is about the mythical beast Nian (Year). He ate livestock, crops, and even people on the eve of a new year. Lunar New Year, festival typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later. The dates of the holiday vary from year to year, beginning some time between January 21 and February 20. When does the Chinese or Lunar New Year start, end? Lunar New Year begins Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Depending upon the traditions followed, the celebrations can last up to 15 days. Traditionally, Chinese families gather for a festive dinner at home on New Year's Eve. On the Lunar New Year, many visit temples to pray and attend temple fairs to watch performances and buy 3. Panda Express 2025 Lunar New Year Film: The Invitation. Experience the warmth and joy of the Lunar New Year through one family’s tradition in this delightful short film. When does the Chinese or Lunar New Year start, end? Lunar New Year begins Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Depending upon the traditions followed, the celebrations can last up to 15 days. Learn how the Zodiac years were named by the Jade Emperor.Visit CBeebies at to find even more fun games and videos for your pre Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. Rooted in ancient traditions, the festival is marked by various customs, rituals, and, most notably, a collection of fascinating stories and legends. These tales not only add a layer The Year of the Wood Snake begins on January 29, the first day of Lunar New Year 2025. The holiday coincides with the first New Moon of 2025, (the lunation occurs in the sign Aquarius), and brings Chinese New Year 2025 Wishes: Check out these Lunar New Year wishes, images, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook status to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Today I’m celebrating Lunar New Year by offering a beautiful storytime to ring in the new year. What many used to call Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year is actually celebrated by many Asian countries including China, Korea, Vietnam and more. This year we celebrate the Year of the Rat, which is most exciting because I was born in the Year of
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