Counting Down to When Is Chinese New Year 2020: Celebrate the Start of the Lunar New Year!

Are you excited for Chinese New Year 2020? Many people all over the world are gearing up to celebrate this festive occasion with their loved ones. As one of the most important holidays in Chinese traditions, it is a time for families to come together, feast on delicious food, and enjoy various festivities.

So, when exactly is Chinese New Year 2020? This year, it falls on January 25th, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. People born in the year of the rat are believed to be intelligent, witty, and charming.

Did you know that Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days? The first few days involve visiting family and friends, cleaning and decorating homes, and eating delicious foods like dumplings and fish. Then, there is the famous Lion Dance, where performers wear elaborate lion costumes and dance to the beat of loud drums.

But why is Chinese New Year so important? According to Chinese belief, each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals and can have a significant impact on one's fortune and luck. That's why many people wear red clothes, decorate their homes with red lanterns, and give out red envelopes filled with money to symbolize good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

If you're planning to celebrate Chinese New Year 2020, there are several customs you can partake in. For example, it is traditional to sweep away bad luck before the new year by cleaning your home from top to bottom. You can also give out red envelopes to children in your family or community as a sign of good wishes for the future.

Are you interested in the food aspect of Chinese New Year? One of the most popular dishes is dumplings, which symbolize wealth and good fortune because of their resemblance to gold nuggets. Another favorite is nian gao, a sweet rice cake that represents progress and growth in the new year.

Interestingly, some Chinese New Year customs can vary depending on the region. For example, in northern China, it is customary to eat jiaozi (dumplings) on New Year's Eve, while in southern China, people often eat niangao (sticky rice cake).

If you're not of Chinese descent, you may be wondering if it is appropriate for you to celebrate Chinese New Year. The answer is yes! This holiday is becoming more and more popular around the world, and it's a great opportunity to learn about another culture's traditions and customs. So why not gather your loved ones and celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 together?

To sum up, Chinese New Year 2020 falls on January 25th and is the start of the Year of the Rat. It is a time for families to come together, feast on delicious foods, and partake in various festivities. Celebrations typically last for 15 days, and there are several customs you can participate in, from cleaning your home to giving out red envelopes. So join in on the fun and usher in good luck and prosperity for the coming year!

"When Is Chinese New Year 2020" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is a time for families to reunite, feast, and celebrate together. With over a billion people around the world celebrating this festival, it’s no surprise that Chinese New Year is considered to be one of the largest celebrations in the world.

The Date of Chinese New Year 2020: January 25th

In 2020, Chinese New Year falls on January 25th. However, the exact date of the festival changes every year due to the fact that it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the western world. The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, which lasts for approximately 29.5 days, making the lunar year shorter than the solar year. This is why the Chinese New Year always falls on a different date on the Gregorian calendar each year.

The Zodiac Animal for 2020: Rat

The Chinese zodiac features a total of twelve animals, each signifying different qualities or character traits. Each Chinese Zodiac year starts on Chinese New Year's Day and lasts for a full year. 2020 is the year of the rat. According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the year of the rat are generally believed to be intelligent, quick-witted, and adaptable.

The Importance of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is steeped in history and tradition. During this time, people clean their homes to get rid of bad luck from the past year and decorate them with red lanterns, couplets, and other auspicious decorations. On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a big feast and enjoy traditional foods like dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. Additionally, during the Chinese New Year holiday, many people receive red envelopes with money as a symbol of good fortune for the upcoming year.

Celebrations Abroad

Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China, but also in other countries that have a significant Chinese population such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Chinese New Year has even become a global event, with celebrations held in cities around the world including London, New York, and Sydney.

The Festivities Last for 15 Days

Unlike the one-day celebration of New Year's Day in the western world, Chinese New Year festivities last for fifteen days. During this time, different traditions and customs are observed on each day which includes feasting, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and temple fairs.

Preparations for Chinese New Year

Preparation for Chinese New Year often begins weeks ahead. It is a time for families to clean their homes, buy new clothes, and decorate their homes with auspicious decorations. Shops, supermarkets, and small businesses will usually close for a week, so people can prepare for and celebrate the festival. Many people return to their hometowns or travel to other locations to celebrate Chinese New Year with their families.

Spring Festival Travel Rush

With over 1.4 billion people living in China and many of them returning home for Chinese New Year, the weeks ahead of the festival sees one of the world’s largest human migrations. Known as chunyun in Mandarin, this annual period of travel is called the Spring Festival Travel Rush. People travel by bus, train, car, and plane to get home to spend the New Year with their loved ones. This rush creates much excitement, but also makes travel during this time incredibly challenging with long waits at transport hubs and the scarcity of available tickets.

The Lantern Festival

The final day of Chinese New Year celebrations concludes with the Lantern Festival. It is customary to light and release sky lanterns into the night sky to symbolize letting go of the past year and ushering in the new. Traditionally, the Lantern Festival also includes riddles and performances and is a time for everyone to celebrate the beginning of the new year.

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is an incredible cultural event, rich in tradition and history. The Spring Festival marks a time of devotion to family and new beginnings for the coming year. The festivals' long calendar of events, customs, and traditions each have their own symbolic significance, representing everlasting hopes of life and vitality.

When Is Chinese New Year 2020?

Introduction

Chinese New Year is the most important traditional holiday in China. Also known as Spring Festival, it marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is celebrated across East Asia. In 2020, Chinese New Year will fall on January 25th, according to the lunar calendar.

The Lunar Calendar

The lunar calendar, also known as the Chinese calendar, is different from the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world. Instead of following the solar year, it is based on the cycles of the moon. This means that Chinese New Year falls on a different date every year in the Gregorian calendar, usually between January 21st and February 20th.

The Zodiac Animals

Each Chinese New Year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals in the Chinese zodiac. 2020 is the Year of the Rat. According to legend, the rat was the first animal to arrive at the Jade Emperor's party and was therefore given the first year in the zodiac cycle. People born in the Year of the Rat are believed to be clever, quick-witted, and versatile.

The Celebration

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, and exchanging red envelopes filled with money. It is also a time to honor ancestors and deities. Many people clean their homes before the festival to sweep away bad luck, and decorate them with red lanterns and couplets with auspicious messages.

The Differences

While the underlying traditions of Chinese New Year are similar across East Asia, there are some regional differences in how it is celebrated. For example, in mainland China, the holiday typically lasts for seven days, while in Taiwan and Hong Kong, it can last up to fifteen days. In Taiwan, people often attend religious ceremonies or watch dragon and lion dances during the festival, while in Singapore, there is a massive fireworks display on New Year's Eve.

The Similarities

Despite these differences, there are also many similarities in how Chinese New Year is celebrated across different countries. For example, the practice of giving red envelopes, known as hongbao in Mandarin, is common in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Similarly, tangerines and oranges are seen as auspicious fruits during the festival and are widely consumed across East Asia.

The Food

Food is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional dishes eaten during the festival include dumplings, fish, noodles, and glutinous rice cake. In China, eating dumplings is said to bring good luck, while in Japan, mochi (glutinous rice cakes) are a popular New Year's food.

The Travel Rush

Chinese New Year is also known for the Spring Festival travel rush, the largest annual human migration in the world. During this time, millions of people travel across the country to return home for the holiday. This can lead to overcrowded trains, long lines at airports, and traffic jams on the road.

The Impact on Business

Chinese New Year has a significant impact on business in East Asia. Many factories and businesses shut down for the holiday, leading to a slowdown in production and shipping. However, the festival is also a time when many people go shopping and give gifts, leading to a spike in consumer spending.

The Conclusion

Overall, Chinese New Year is a time of family, tradition, and celebration. While the festival is celebrated differently across East Asia, it is a unifying cultural event that brings people together. Whether you are in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, or another part of the world, Chinese New Year is a time to honor the past and welcome the future.

When Is Chinese New Year 2020: Tips and Facts

Introduction

Chinese New Year is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the world. This traditional festival, also known as Spring Festival, is a significant event in the Chinese calendar as it marks the beginning of a new lunar year. In 2020, Chinese New Year falls on January 25th, and the festivities will last for 15 days. The following tips and facts can help you prepare for this special occasion and celebrate the Chinese New Year like a local.

Understanding the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese New Year is associated with a particular animal sign of the Chinese zodiac. 2020 is the year of the Rat, which is the first of the 12-year cycle according to the Chinese zodiac. Depending on your birth year and the corresponding animal sign, each year can bring specific challenges, opportunities, and predictions for individuals.

Traditional Celebrations

The Chinese New Year celebrations are rooted in ancient customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. A crucial aspect of the Chinese New Year is family reunions. People travel long distances to be with their loved ones and enjoy special meals together. Red is the dominant color of decorations, symbolizing good fortune and joy. Traditional activities include setting off fireworks, giving red envelopes filled with money as gifts, and lighting lanterns.

Preparing for the Chinese New Year

As the Chinese New Year approaches, people prepare their homes by thoroughly cleaning them in a symbolic gesture to sweep away bad luck from the previous year. This practice is called sweeping the dust or sweeping the garbage. Additionally, many people buy new clothes, food, and decorative items to spruce up their homes before the festivities begin.

Food and Drink

Food is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Traditional dishes include dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and sticky rice cakes. Nian Gao, a sweet glutinous rice cake, is served as a symbol of increasing prosperity each year. Drinking hot tea is also a customary practice during this festival.

Giving Red Envelopes

Money gifts in red envelopes (Hongbaos) are usually given out during the Chinese New Year. This tradition is significant as it represents good fortune and helps foster closer relationships between family members and friends. It is also customary to give Hongbaos to unmarried individuals in the family who are still living at home, known as lucky money.

New Year's Resolutions

The Chinese New Year is also an excellent opportunity for setting new goals and making resolutions. Some common resolutions include improving health, learning something new, or getting out of debt. The Chinese also believe that undertaking difficult tasks on the first day of the lunar month will bring good luck and set the tone for the New Year.

Festivities Across the World

Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China, but also across the world, wherever there is a significant Chinese population. Cities like Singapore, London, Los Angeles, and New York throw elaborate parades, fireworks displays, and cultural events to mark the occasion.

Dos and Don'ts

Although the Chinese New Year is a time of joy and celebration, there are several practices and customs that one should be mindful of. For example, it is considered unlucky to break or cut anything during the festival as it brings bad luck. It is also important to avoid using sharp implements, throwing out garbage or cleaning the house on New Year's Day. Moreover, it is essential to show respect during the festival to seniors and greet them with a bow or handshake.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is an exciting time of the year filled with joy, customs, and traditions. Knowing these practices and having some basic knowledge about the festivals' staple elements can help you join in and experience the festivities with the local community. So, why not start preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year right away?

When is Chinese New Year 2020?

With the start of a new year, many people might be looking forward to celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year. It is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated around the world by Chinese communities and others who follow the lunar calendar.

In 2020, the Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, January 25th, and ends on February 8th. It is based on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, which is calculated according to the cycles of the moon. The date of Chinese New Year changes each year since it depends on the lunar calendar.

Chinese New Year celebrations are not just limited to China but are also observed in other countries with significant Chinese populations. For example, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand celebrate Chinese New Year as a public holiday. Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Western countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries with Chinatowns.

Before the start of Chinese New Year, homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove any bad luck from the previous year. Red decorations are also put up since red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. The Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is the most important family gathering of the whole year.

The Chinese Zodiac has twelve animals, and each year is associated with one of them. 2020 is the year of the Rat. It is believed that people born in the year of the Rat are intelligent, witty, and have strong instincts. They are also said to be generous and compassionate towards those in need.

Different regions in China have their unique ways of celebrating Chinese New Year. For example, in northern China, people traditionally eat dumplings, Jiaozi in Chinese, on New Year's Eve. In southern China, people eat Nian Gao, or glutinous rice cake, as it is believed to bring good luck.

The Spring Festival lasts for fifteen days, and throughout this period, many traditional activities take place. These may include dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money to children.

Another event that takes place during the Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the New Year celebrations. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month; thus, in 2020, it falls on February 8th

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time of joy and meaningful traditions. It is a time for families to come together, enjoy festive foods, and wish each other good luck for the coming year. If you've never experienced Chinese New Year, make sure to check out events in your local Chinatown or attend festivities in one of the countries where it is widely celebrated. Happy Chinese New Year 2020!

May this Chinese New Year bring forth new opportunities and success for you. Have a prosperous and joyous Lunar New Year!

When Is Chinese New Year 2020?

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is the biggest annual festival celebrated by Chinese people worldwide. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20.

When is Chinese New Year 2020?

Chinese New Year 2020 is on Saturday, January 25, which is the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese zodiac cycle.

What are some traditional customs during Chinese New Year?

During Chinese New Year, families have traditional customs and practices, such as:

1. Cleaning your house before New Year's Day to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year
2. Decorating your house with red couplets (Dui Lian), lanterns, and Chinese knots to welcome good fortune
3. Eating reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve
4. Giving red envelopes (Hong Bao) with money inside to children for good luck
5. Watching dragon and lion dances, setting off firecrackers, and fireworks to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck
6. Wearing new clothes and getting a haircut for a fresh start to the new year

Why does the date of Chinese New Year change every year?

The date of Chinese New Year changes annually because it is based on the lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. According to the lunar calendar, each month begins with the new moon and has 29 or 30 days. Therefore, Chinese New Year usually falls between January 21 and February 20.