The
Cold Facts About Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, more commonly known as Spring Festival, is the biggest and most important traditional festival celebrated in China. It is a time when families reunite, people travel across the country to be together, and the streets are filled with vibrant decorations and festivities. But did you know that there are also some lesser-known, colder facts about this holiday? Here are a few:
1. The Date of Chinese New Year is Determined by the Lunar Calendar The Lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon and is used by traditional societies all over the world. Chinese New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which usually occurs between January 21 and February 20. This means that the date of the holiday changes every year, unlike Western New Year's Day, which is always on January 1st.
2. The Chinese Zodiac Has 12 Animals The Chinese Zodiac is a system of assigning animal symbols to each year in a 12-year cycle. The animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is believed to have certain personality traits and attributes that are said to influence the year in which they occur.
3. Red is the Color of Chinese New Year Red is a lucky color in China and is believed to bring good fortune, joy, and happiness. During the Spring Festival, streets, buildings, and homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners, and decorations. People also wear red clothing, give red envelopes with cash inside as gifts, and participate in the tradition of setting off firecrackers.
4. People Make Dumplings and Eat Noodles Making and eating dumplings and noodles is a traditional custom during Chinese New Year. Dumplings are believed to resemble silver ingots and symbolize wealth and prosperity. Noodles, on the other hand, are long and are believed to represent long life. So, they must be eaten in one slurp and not cut into pieces to ensure that the person has a long life.
5. The Reunion Dinner is the Most Important Meal The reunion dinner, also known as the "Eve of Spring Festival," is the most important meal of the year for Chinese families. It is a time when all family members gather around the table and enjoy a feast together. It is customary to prepare many dishes, including seafood, meat, vegetables, and rice. It is also a time when people exchange gifts and express their love and appreciation for each other. These are just a few of the cold, hard facts about Chinese New Year. This holiday is rich in history, tradition, and cultural significance. It is a time when millions of people around the world come together to celebrate, and it is an opportunity to learn more about China and its people. Happy Chinese New Year!