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 Layue (simplified Chinese: 腊月; traditional Chinese: 臘月; pinyin: Làyuè) is a term often associated with Chinese New Year as it refers to the sacrifices held in honour of the gods in the twelfth lunisolar month, hence the cured meats of Chinese New Year are known as larou (simplified Chinese: 腊肉; traditional Chinese: 臘肉; pinyin The Chinese New Year is an important time to 拜年 (bàinián, to pay a new year call), so it is common practice to visit relatives and exchange auspicious greetings and Chinese gifts, including the ever-popular lucky red envelopes filled with Chinese currency. Devoted Buddhist and Daoist practitioners also often visit local temples to welcome Chinese New Year ranges from January 21 to February 20. In 2024, it occurs on February 10. For a full list of dates and events check out our Chinese New Year calendar. Modern Chinese calendars use the Gregorian calendar but include lunar holidays. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. For more than 3,000 years, Lunar New Year was just what it sounds like—the beginning of a new year in the Chinese calendar. The historic Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning dates are determined by both the moon (lunar) and the sun (solar). Though China has a day off on January 1, and some fireworks are let off then, most attention is focused on the traditional date of New Year. Chinese New Year falls in the period from January 21 to February 20. In 2025, Chinese New Year will fall on Jan. 29. Click to see more about Chinese New Year date. 5. 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. For Chinese people, Lunar New Year is the Spring Festival, (Related: Learn about other top New Year's celebrations around the world.) 3:45. Read the Chinese Zodiac signs. 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 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. Although the most important dates of Chinese New Year are New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the celebrations traditionally last 15 days, with each day having a special name and associated activities. Red Envelopes (红包, hóng bāo): Elders give these to younger family members as a blessing for the new year. Don’t forget to say 新年快乐! (xīn nián kuài lè , Happy New Year!). For more customs during Chinese New Year (春节, chūn jié), we strongly recommend you check the video we shared on YouTube. I'm sure you'll learn a lot A primary school assembly framework for KS1, KS2 and P1 - P7 celebrating Lunar New (also known as Chinese New Year). Includes video, suggestions for songs, optional words for reflection and prayer. Celebrating the Chinese New Year. In Chinese-speaking countries, the Spring Festival (春节 chūn jié) is a general term used to refer to the festival season.This term is likely to replace the English phrase ‘Chinese New Year’ soon, given UNESCO’s recent decision to include chūn jié in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, particularly in Asian countries like China, shown here (Beijing). 5 engaging Chinese New Year activities for students that spark creativity, celebrate culture, and make learning fun through crafts, parades, and lessons. Celebrate Chinese New Year in the classroom with 5 engaging activities, including crafts, parades, and cultural lessons, designed to inspire creativity, foster respect, and create meaningful As Chinese New Year 2025 approaches, now is the perfect time to explore fascinating facts about the Year of the Snake for kids.. This blog offers a variety of Chinese New Year activities for kids that will help your little ones to understand the significance of the Year of the Snake and its symbolism in the Chinese zodiac. Learn more about the history and traditions behind Chinese New Year, a celebration of good fortune at the end of winter celebrated by Chinese people around the world. The Chinese New Year greetings usually start from the family, first paying respects to the elders and wishing them health and longevity. Then, people will bring Chinese New Year gifts to visit relatives and friends. When people meet outside, they also greet each other with smiles on their faces. They usually say: “Happy Chinese New Year!
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