Here are 15 interesting facts about Chinese New Year. 1. Chinese New Year is also called "Spring Festival". Though in winter, Chinese call their New Year holidays 'Spring Festival' (春节 chūnjié /chwnn-jyeah/), because 'Start of Spring' (3 February) is the first of the terms in the traditional solar calendar. Learn about the history, traditions, and rituals of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. Discover the significance of the zodiac animals, the reunion dinner, the red color, and more. Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than 20% of the world. It’s the most important holiday in China and to Chinese people all over. Here are 21 interesting facts that you probably didn’t know about Chinese New Year. 1. Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Chinese New Year that might surprise you. The world's largest human migration occurs during Chinese New Year as millions travel home to be with family. The Chinese New Year Gala, broadcast on CCTV, is one of the most-watched TV programs globally. The Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year and Spring Festival) always starts sometime between January 21st and February 20th based on the phases of the moon. And as you’ll soon find out, almost all of these fun facts about Chinese New Year center around luck, superstition, the color red, and of course, food! Learn about the date, zodiac, food, decorations, and greetings of Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival. Find out why red is the lucky color and how kids celebrate the festival. Learn about the zodiac animals, lucky coins, red envelopes, and other customs of the happiest holiday season in China. Discover the origin story of the festival and how to welcome the God of Wealth and the Kitchen God. Most people outside China call this festival ‘Chinese New Year’. However, it’s also known as: Lunar New Year; Spring Festival; CNY (an abbreviation for Chinese New Year) No matter what you call it, Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year by welcoming spring according to the traditional lunar calendar. 2. Each Chinese New Year is associated with a zodiac animal from the 12-year cycle. These animals, like the Rat, Ox, Tiger, and more, symbolize unique traits and characteristics. This cycle adds a captivating dimension to the festival, making every year distinct and engaging. Each animal has its own characteristics and influences the personality traits of people born in that year. Superstitions and Beliefs. Chinese New Year is also a time for various superstitions and beliefs aimed at ensuring a prosperous year. Avoid washing hair on New Year's Day. Washing hair is believed to wash away good luck. For those that aren’t as familiar with Chinese New Year, check out the following 10 facts about the holiday to get you started: Chinese New Year is the longest Chinese holiday . Chinese New Year lasts 16 days (though only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday). This year, the holiday begins on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023. Traditional Chinese culture also used fireworks to frighten the evil spirits. In China, fireworks will go off at different times depending on the region, but the most common times include when the reunion dinner is ready, at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day, again in the morning of the new year and the last day of celebration. From dragon dances to red envelopes, the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year are truly unique and provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of China. 1. Chinese New Year falls on a different day each year. Chinese New Year isn’t on the same day every year. It’s usually in late January or February. With Chinese New Year in 2015, it will be the start of the Year of the Sheep. [4] A popular Chinese New Year treat is a candied crab apple on a stick. [1] An important part of the Chinese New Year is the chuen-hop, or the “tray of togetherness.” This usually consists of eight compartments that are filled with special and symbolic food items For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, and it’s celebrated widely in Taiwan and across Southeast Asia in countries with large Chinese populations, such as Singapore and Malaysia. Here are some interesting Chinese New Year Facts especially for kids. 1. Chinese New Year has enjoyed a history of about 3,500 years. The Chinese New Year has been celebrated in China over 3500 years. The Spring Festival was originally a ceremonial day to pray to the gods for a good planting and harvest. People also pray to their ancestors. It starts with a new moon and ends on the following full moon. This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 28th 2025, but the date changes every year because it’s based on the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year has been celebrated for over 3000 years. Chinese New Year is the most important of all traditional festivals for the people in China. Chinese New Year Facts. There are lots of great Chinese New Year Facts for Kids as well as the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Here are some fun ones. The Chinese New Year is often referred to as the Spring Festival. Gong Xi Fa Cai is a common saying the Chinese use over the Chinese New Year which means "Wish you enlarge your wealth" Easy Chinese New Year Trivia Questions. 11. True or False: Chinese New Year is the longest Chinese holiday. True. 12. When does the Chinese New Year start in 2024? Feb 10th. 13. How many days does Chinese New Year last? 15 (though because it starts the night before, it can also be said it’s 16) 14. What marks when the Chinese New Year starts Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with the Year of the Snake! Explore fascinating Year of the Snake facts, Chinese New Year activities for kids, fun crafts and Chinese zodiac facts for children. Discover traditions, celebrations and creative ideas for families.
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