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 Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival The first mention of celebrating at the start of a new year was recorded during the Han dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). Chinese New Year has enjoyed a history of about 3,500 years. Its exact beginning is not recorded. Some people believe that Chinese New Year originated in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and ancestors at the beginning or the end of each year. The history of Chinese New Year can be dated back to 3,800 years ago. Its origin was the worshiping activities for harvest in Shang Dynasty (17th century -1046 BC). 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. While 元旦 (yuán dàn) would fall on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar, it is considered the official start of the new year. Nowadays, Chinese people will have a 7-day holiday from Chinese New Year's Eve (除夕 chú xí) to the sixth day of Chinese New Year. In 2023, the Chinese New Year holiday is from January 21st to January 27th. In 1912, the government decided to abolish Chinese New Year and the lunar calendar. It adopted the Gregorian calendar instead and made January 1 the official start of the New Year. After 1949, Chinese New Year was renamed the Spring Festival. It was listed as a nationwide public holiday. Legendary Beginnings in the Shang Dynasty. The earliest origins of Chinese New Year likely date to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). This was a time when the Chinese civilization was transitioning from a nomadic to an agrarian lifestyle. Fireworks are used in New Year celebrations. The tradition of Shou Sui formed. Song Dynasty (960 - 1279): Origination of gun powder based fireworks . The legend of Chinese New Year's origin. According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called the "Year." 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 Year of the Dragon, which began on Feb. 10, 2024, ended Tuesday to begin the Year of the Snake. Snakes in Chinese mythology aren't manifestations of wickedness or evil as in Western cultures. Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, falls this year on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and ends with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12. feast and loud celebrations to ring in a new start. About 10 days dates of Chinese New Year, 1900-1999, along with the year's animal Jan. 31, 1900 was the first day of a year of the rat. Feb. 19, 1901 was the first day of a year of the ox. Feb. 08, 1902 was the first day of a year of the tiger. Jan. 29, 1903 was the first day of a year of the rabbit. Feb. 16, 1904 was the first day of a year of the dragon. Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, it begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20. (140–87 B.C.), the The legal holiday is seven days long, from the Lunar New Year's Eve to the sixth day of the first lunar month. Some companies and public institutions enjoy a longer holiday up to 10 days or more, because in common knowledge among Chinese people, the festival lasts longer, from the Lunar New Year's Eve to the 15th day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival). 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. Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 from January 29 to February 12, marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Enjoy family gatherings, traditional dishes, and vibrant parades during this 15-day festival. When is Chinese New Year? The date for Chinese New Year changes annually based on the lunar calendar, aligning with the first new moon of the year. For 2025, Chinese New Year will begin on January 29, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon, one of the most revered symbols in Chinese culture, known for strength, courage, and good fortune. Chinese New Year for the year 2006 is celebrated/ observed on Sunday, January 29th. Chinese New Year is the first day of the New Year in the Chinese lunisolar calendar (Chinese traditional calendar). It is also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. Did You Sing "恭喜" for Chinese New Year? 🎶Did you know the story behind "Gong Xi Gong Xi"? Or which classic Shanghai-style golden hits are perfect for begin
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.