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Chinese cakes are not the only desserts enjoyed in Japan during the Lunar New Year. Japanese wagashi-ya (sweet shops) also help welcome the new year with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shaped into the year’s Chinese zodiac animal. Japanese bakeries also often bake small Western-style cakes in the shape of that year’s animal. Japanese New Year falls on the 1st of January each year, following the Gregorian calendar. Chinese New Year follows the traditional lunar calendar, for instance, the first day of Chinese New Year this year falls on the 12th of February. What Japanese vs Chinese eat during the New Year Celebrated by many countries with Chinese influence, Lunar New Year follows the lunisolar calendar year, and often happens near the end of January or at the beginning of February. Similar to Japanese New Year, relatives visit each other to enjoy auspicious food, but these food are different, and can range from dumplings and roasted pig to Just like Lunar New Year itself, the Chinese zodiac has influences in Japan’s New Year celebrations. In Japanese, this is referred to as jūnishi (十二支, twelve branches) or eto (干支, sexagenary cycle) and is also used in fortune telling. However, the animals also play a central role in the New Year celebrations of any given year. Japanese New Year vs Chinese Lunar New Year? Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1, as per the Gregorian calendar, which began using in 1873. China’s Lunar New Year is celebrated between the first full moon of the new year and early February, giving plenty of time for eating, dancing and parading through Chinatown. Has Japan Ever Celebrated The Lunar New Year? There was a time when Japan did celebrate the Lunar New Year. In the sixth century CE, the Chinese lunisolar calendar became the main way of timekeeping within Japan. This lasted until the year 1873. Before this came about, Japan actually celebrated New Year’s Day along with Vietnam, Korea and China. Japan Used to Celebrate the Lunar New Year (A visit to a local temple on New Year’s Day. Image: taka1022/Shutterstock.) The Chinese lunisolar calendar was introduced to Japan in the sixth century CE, and it was the principal method of timekeeping in Japan until 1873. Prior to that, Japan shared its New Year’s Day with China, Korea, and Japan’s new year holiday is every January 1st in alignment with western calendars. In fact, Chinese New Year is known as 旧正月, or “old/former new year.” The Japanese switched to the Gregorian calendar in the Meiji era, when the entire country was modernized due to western influences. To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centered around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious color to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy. By the time you count the 108th peal, you are ready to start the new year refreshed without anything troubling your mind -- in theory. Toshikoshi-soba (年越し蕎麦) The tradition of eating soba (Japanese noodles) on New Year’s Eve is said to have become common during the Edo era (1603-1868). Despite some differences, many Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, whether at the same time as Chinese New Year or not, still do have many striking similarities, largely due to Chinese New Year's massive worldwide influence through the ages. What Major Traditions and Customs Are Associated with Chinese New Year? Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a time for family reunions, festive meals, and various customs that symbolize good luck and prosperity. Key traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year include: 1. Reunion Dinner 2. If you are a cultural buff, it’s worthwhile to have a tour during Chinese Lunar New Year. See our sample tours for some inspiration. Explore China during Chinese Lunar New Year . 9 Days Chinese New Year Tour: Beijing, Xian, Shanghai ; 11 Days North China Ancient Town Exploration Tour: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xian, Shanghai After living in China for 3 years as V-Trust Sales Manager and 1 year in Vietnam as V-Trust Country Manager, I am happy to share my experience and feelings, even if, for sure, I don’t know everything and they may not be exhaustive. Chinese New Year and the Vietnamese New Year (called Tết in Vietnam) actually have a lot in common. Korean New Year is NOT the same as Chinese New Year. But it is similar. And everyone has a tendency to refer to the Lunar New Year as Chinese New Year. Although, it’s no wonder because China has the world’s largest population! Not to mention that the traditions of Chinese New Year are just fun with dragon dances, fireworks, and the like! Japan; Does Japan celebrate Lunar New Year? Historically, Japan celebrated the Lunar New Year, but it transitioned to the Gregorian calendar in the late 19th century. While the nation now celebrates New Year on January 1, some regions and cultural groups maintain Lunar New Year traditions. Chinese, Koreans and Vietnamese celebrates the Lunar New Year, but how are they different? Also, how are their new years connected to the Japanese? This vide The Chinese have three official New Year days (1st, 2nd, 3rd), but many places last for 7 days. In some places, the time is up to 15 days. Tet in Korea takes place for three days, the day before the new year, the 1st and the second day. The 2016 Chinese New Year is on February 8 th, commencing the year of the Monkey. Identified as the most famous element of the Chinese New Year is the 12 year-cycle of the animal zodiac. The Chinese New Year celebrations begin eight days before the New Year. Despite the variations, Lunar New Year celebrations across these cultures share common themes of family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and wishing for good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. The Differences between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year 1. “Chinese New Year” is specific while “Lunar New Year” is more general.
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