2020 was a hard year to say the least, and I know I will be welcoming it with a new appreciation for my family and friends. In our family, there is another big holiday shortly after the traditional New Years Day, Chinese New Year. When I was growing up, Chinese New Years was as big of a holiday as Christmas.
Traditionally. Chinese New Years is a 16 day celebration, which includes fireworks and large celebration on New Years Eve. Unlike traditional New Years, Chinese New Years is not on a set date, Chinese New Years is based off the Lunar Calendar and the date changes every year. This year, the Chinese New Years falls on February 12th. Chinese New Years is also knows as Spring Festival and is meant to celebrate the upcoming spring and the end of winter and cold months. As a kid, Chinese New Years were always filled with food, family and lots of gifts. There are a lot of fun and interesting facts about Chinese New Years and here are just a few:
Chinese New Years is the largest human migration on Earth. Over 385 million people travel during this time period to see family and enjoy the time off and celebrate the upcoming new year.
- Red is everywhere during Chinese New Year. Clothes, decorations, food is all supposed to be red to rid the new year of bad spirits.
- Gifts are exchanged during Chinese New Years, but for me most children during this time is all about red envelopes. Red envelopes are given to children from older members of the family and are symbolic of transferring fortune from elders to children.
- Every new year is celebrated with a different animal of the Chinese Zodiac. This 12 year cycle includes animals such as Dog, Horse, Snake and this years animal the Ox. The zodiac is based off of your birth year and your animal can decide your personality traits, career and relationship success.
- There are a lot of superstitions during this time of year, you’re not supposed to sweep, shower or take out the garbage before the 5th day of Chinese New Years. Cleaning is done before The new year to get rid of bad luck and welcome good spirits into the home.
Happy Chinese New Years and a may this upcoming year bring health, happiness and lots of joy.
