As
the Chinese New Year approaches, people around the world are looking forward to the festivities and traditions associated with this important holiday. But did you know that there are some fascinating English-language customs and facts related to the Chinese New Year that are worth exploring? Here are some examples of little-known cold knowledge about the lunar new year that might surprise you:
1. The term "Chinese New Year" is actually a misnomer. While this holiday is widely referred to as the "Chinese New Year" in English-speaking countries, it is more accurately called the Lunar New Year, as it is celebrated not only by Chinese people, but by many other Asian cultures, including Vietnamese, Koreans, and Mongolians. The holiday marks the beginning of the lunisolar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun, and thus varies from year to year.
2. The Year of the Ox is considered an unlucky year for those born in the Year of the Sheep. According to Chinese astrology, each zodiac animal is associated with a certain element (e.g. wood, fire, earth, metal, or water) and a specific energy (yin or yang). When the Year of the Ox comes around, those born in the Year of the Sheep are said to be in conflict with its energy, which may bring them bad luck or misfortune. To counteract this, people born in the Year of the Sheep may wear red or other auspicious colors, carry amulets, or perform other rituals to ward off bad luck.
3. The Chinese New Year is the world's largest annual human migration. Because the Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions and visits, it triggers an enormous wave of travel across China and other parts of Asia. It is estimated that during the two-week celebration, more than three billion trips are taken by road, rail, air, and sea, as people travel to and from their hometowns and other destinations. This creates immense pressure on transportation infrastructure, and makes the holiday a major challenge for authorities.
4. The color red plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. One of the most distinctive features of the Lunar New Year is the abundance of red decorations, clothing, and food items. This is because red is believed to symbolize luck, prosperity, and happiness in Chinese culture. Red envelopes filled with money are given as gifts to children and unmarried adults, red lanterns adorn homes and streets, and red foods like dumplings and nian gao (sticky rice cakes) are eaten during the festivities.
5. The Lunar New Year has a centuries-old tradition of lion and dragon dances. One of the most exciting and colorful traditions associated with the Lunar New Year is the lion and dragon dance, which involves a team of performers dressed in lion or dragon costumes performing acrobatic feats to the beat of drums and cymbals. These dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, and are performed in homes, shopping malls, and public spaces across Asia during the holiday season.
6. Finally, the year 2021 is the Year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. If you were born in the years 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009, then you are said to be born in the "Year of the Ox". The Ox is the second of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and is associated with the Earthly Branch of Chou. Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be hardworking, honest, and dependable, but may also be stubborn and conservative. In conclusion, there is a rich cultural and linguistic heritage associated with the Lunar New Year that extends far beyond China's borders. Whether you are celebrating this holiday for the first time or have enjoyed it for many years, take some time to appreciate the diversity and complexity of this fascinating tradition.