Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years 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. Chinese New Year's Eve and the first 3 days of Chinese New Year; will be made up on subsequent working days if any of the 4 days fall on Saturday or Sunday. The day before Chinese New Year's Eve is also designated as holiday, but as a bridge holiday, and will be made up on an earlier or later Saturday. 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. To prevent Nian from attacking people and causing destruction, people put food at their doors for Nian. The words Yuandan and Xinnian were created to mark the turn between two years. Towards Tang and Song Dynasties, the celebration was given a name Yuanri. In the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD), the function of Chinese New Year had shifted from worshiping and praying to social entertainment. People got public holidays for staying with Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese festivals and began around 3,500 years ago. This festivity is tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, and it originated as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities and ancestors. The traditions of Chinese New Year spread to these regions as a result of migration, trade, and cultural exchange over centuries. Vietnam, which was under Chinese rule for over a thousand years, celebrates Tết Nguyên Đán, which shares many customs with Chinese New Year such as ancestor worship, red envelopes, and lucky foods. The date of Chinese New Year changes each year because it's based on the lunar calendar. While the western Gregorian calendar is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun, the date of Chinese New Year is determined according to the moon’s orbit around the Earth. Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year, is an annual 15-day festival celebrated in China, East and Southeast Asia and by Chinese communities around the world. Known for its bright colours, music, gift-giving, socialising and festivities, Chinese New Year is a widely-enjoyed staple event in the Chinese calendar. The New Year itself is a seven-day-long state holiday, and on the eve of the new year, Chinese families traditionally celebrate with a massive reunion dinner. Considered the year’s most Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in Chinese culture. It is usually celebrated with vibrant traditions, heartfelt family gatherings, and symbolic decorations. Fun Activities with Chinese New Year Coloring Pages Create a Zodiac Animal Banner. Hang the banner as a decoration to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Have kids color the zodiac animals featured in the coloring pages. Cut out each animal and glue them onto strips of red or gold paper to make a festive banner. Lucky Lantern Craft This one has a “Happy Chinese New Year 2025” message framed within a decorative scroll with a snake next to it. Fireworks and intricate border patterns make this page fun for kids and adults alike. Chinese New Year holds deep cultural importance and is rich with symbolism. This celebration marks new beginnings and is steeped in ancient traditions that continue to shape modern observances. Cultural Importance and Traditions. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. 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. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time to honor traditions, reconnect with family, and wish for luck and prosperity in the year ahead. Combine two random Chinese New Year symbols in one drawing. Take a break and engage in a Chinese New Year tradition before returning to your art. Reflecting on the Meaning of Chinese New Year Through Art. As you create your Chinese New Year drawings, take time to reflect on the deeper meanings of the celebration: Celebrate Chinese New Year with our specially created limited edition menu, featuring dishes designed to bring prosperity and fortune for the Year of the Snake. Press Alt+1 for screen-reader mode, Alt+0 to cancel Chinese New Year of the Snake (中国蛇年, Zhōngguó Shé Nián)—also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year — is a cherished festival marking the beginning of a new year in the traditional lunisolar calendar. It is also called yuán xiāo jié, meaning “first night of the full moon.” Create Your Own Year of the Snake Cards: Lanterns shaped like animals, especially the zodiac animal of the current year, are popular during Chinese New Year. These can range from simple designs to complex, lifelike representations. Symbolism and Significance of Chinese New Year Lanterns. Chinese New Year lanterns carry deep symbolic meanings and play important roles in the celebration.
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