Chinese New Year 2019: Dates, Traditions, and Celebrations
“Gong Xi Fa Cai!” or “Happy New Year!” will be heard in a few months as Chinese people all over the world prepare to welcome the Chinese New Year. It is one of the most important Chinese festivals that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. But when does it actually start?
The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, falls on a different date each year depending on the lunar cycle. In 2019, it will start on Tuesday, February 5th. This day marks the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar’s Year of the Pig.
Preparations for the celebration start weeks before the actual festivity. Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck and make way for good fortune. Families purchase new clothes, decorate their homes with red lanterns and ornaments, and prepare traditional delicacies.
But why is the pig significant this year? According to Chinese astrology, each year is represented by one of twelve zodiac animals. The pig is believed to bring wealth and prosperity, and those born during the year of the pig are said to have good fortune and be hardworking and loyal.
The celebrations for Chinese New Year span for two weeks and is packed with traditions and rituals. The festivities include lion dances, dragon parades, fireworks display, exchanging of red envelopes filled with money, and more.
One of the most popular events during the festival is the reunion dinner, which takes place on the eve of the New Year. Families gather together to feast on traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, rice cakes, and noodles.
Another significant part of the celebration is the “red” color. It is believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and bring happiness and good fortune to those who wear it. Hence, many Chinese people prefer to dress in bright red clothes and decorate their homes with the same color.
Due to the significance of the holiday, many businesses in China will shut down for at least a week. Some Chinese communities around the world also take time off from work to observe the celebrations.
The Chinese New Year is not just limited to China, but it is also celebrated in other countries with significant Chinese populations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
In Singapore alone, the Chinese New Year is a public holiday that lasts for two days and is filled with numerous activities such as street light-ups, night markets, parades, and concerts.
If you’re planning to visit China or any other country that celebrates Chinese New Year, then make sure to book your travel plans early and secure accommodation in advance as it is a peak season for travel and tourism.
Now that you know when the Chinese New Year starts this year, it’s time to prepare for the festivities and join in the universal celebration of a new beginning!
"When Does Chinese New Year Start 2019" ~ bbaz
Introduction
One of the most celebrated festivals among the Chinese community worldwide is the Chinese New Year. It is a traditional festival that attracts people from different cultures and backgrounds with its grandiose celebrations. The Chinese New Year is reckoned as the start of the lunar calendar, which typically falls between January 21 to February 20.
The Lunar Calendar
The Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycle of the moon. The phase of the moon determines the date of the New Year, which moves annually. The lunar calendar operates differently in comparison to the western Gregorian calendar that we use today.
The Zodiac Cycle
According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, there are 12 animals represented that correspond to a year in the lunar calendar. These include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The year 2019 marks the Year of the Pig, the last animal in the cycle.
When Does the Chinese New Year Start 2019?
The Chinese New Year starts on February 5, 2019, following the lunar calendar. The Chinese New Year festivities last for fifteen days until February 19, 2019, with various traditions celebrated throughout these two weeks.
New Year’s Eve
New Year's Eve is an essential part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Families come together and partake in a reunion dinner or “Tuan Nian. This involves having a feast-style meal of various dishes wrapped up with cultural significance.
The First Day of the New Year
The first day of the New Year, which falls on February 5, is considered the most important day. Traditionally, people do not do any cleaning or use knives on this day to avoid washing away or cutting off good luck. Quieter activities are preferred such as visiting family or going to the temple to pray for prosperity in the year ahead.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, or “Hong Bao,” are given out during Chinese New Year by elders to children or anyone unmarried. These red envelopes contain money and are a sign of good luck and prosperity during the new year festivities.
Dumplings and Fireworks
The Chinese have a special relationship with food, and dumplings are a must-have during the new year. The dumpling’s shape is symbolic of wealth and longevity. During the new year, fireworks are also essential and believed to scare off evil spirits.
In Conclusion
The Chinese New Year is an exciting festival that reflects the cultural and traditional values of China. It is celebrated globally and brings people together from different walks of life. Although it starts on February 5, the people of China and other parts of the world will be gearing up towards this festival long before that and making preparations for the celebrations ahead.
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2019: A Comparison
Introduction
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated at the turn of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. In this blog article, we will compare the different ways Chinese New Year is celebrated in various regions of China.
When is Chinese New Year 2019?
The Date
Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year due to its dependence on the lunar calendar. In 2019, the first day of the Chinese lunar year falls on February 5th. However, the traditional celebrations actually start on the eve of Chinese New Year.
The Festivities
The Chinese New Year celebrations last for fifteen days, until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar year. During this period, Chinese people take part in a variety of festivities, including family gatherings, fireworks shows, temple fairs, and dragon and lion dances. The most important days of celebration are the first day of the lunar year, when families gather for a big feast, and the 15th day of the lunar year, when people light lanterns and solve riddles.
Regional Differences in Chinese New Year Celebrations
The North vs The South
Food
In the North of China, dumplings and steamed buns are more commonly eaten during Chinese New Year festivities. Nian gao (a sticky rice cake) and tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) are popular in the sout
Customs and Traditions
In the North, it is common for people to light firecrackers all day long during Chinese New Year. However, in the South, people prefer to light them at midnight on New Year's Eve. The North also has the tradition of beating the “New Year drum to ward off evil spirits.
Urban vs Rural
Decorations
People who live in urban areas tend to decorate their homes with electronic lights and LED decorations for Chinese New Year. Rural areas, on the other hand, focus more on decorating with paper cut-outs and traditional lanterns.
Entertainment
In cities, people celebrate with modern entertainment such as karaoke parties or going to the movies. In the countryside, people still enjoy traditional forms of entertainment such as storytelling, acrobatics, and puppet shows.
Conclusion
Whether you're in China for Chinese New Year or simply celebrating abroad, the holiday offers a unique window into Chinese culture. From family gatherings to festive traditions, there's plenty to love about this important holiday. Whether you find yourself in the bustling city or the peaceful countryside, there's always a way to join in on the fun.
| Aspect | North | South | Urban | Rural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food | Dumplings, steamed buns | Nian gao, tangyuan | Modern cuisine | Traditional dishes |
| Customs | Firecrackers throughout the day | Firecrackers at midnight, lion dances | Electronic decorations | Traditional decorations |
| Entertainment | Beating the New Year drum | Storytelling, puppet shows | Karaoke parties, movies | Acrobatics, puppet shows |
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2019?
Introduction
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on a different date each year as it follows the Chinese lunar calendar which is based on the movement of the moon. In 2019, Chinese New Year will start on February 5 and last for 15 days.The History of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year has a long history and originated during the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC-1046 BC). The festival was originally a way to worship gods and ancestors and was called yuan dan which means the beginning of the year. Over time, the name changed to nian, which is still used today. Legend says that a monster called Nian would come out on New Year's Eve to eat people, but the villagers discovered that Nian feared the color red, loud noises, and fireworks, so they began hanging red lanterns, setting off fireworks, and making loud noises to ward off the monster.Preparations for Chinese New Year
Preparations for Chinese New Year typically start weeks in advance. People clean their homes to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year, decorate with red lanterns and couplets, buy new clothes, and stock up on food. Traditional Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, rice cakes, and glutinous rice balls.Eve of Chinese New Year
The evening before Chinese New Year is known as New Year's Eve and it is the most important part of the festival. Families gather for a big feast and watch the CCTV New Year's Gala on TV. At midnight, fireworks are set off to welcome the New Year. It is believed that the louder the fireworks, the more luck and prosperity the family will have in the coming year.The First Day of Chinese New Year
New Year's Day is a time for family and friends to visit each other and exchange greetings and gifts. Married couples will give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults as a way to bring them good luck.The Fifth Day of Chinese New Year
The fifth day of Chinese New Year is traditionally when people welcome the God of Wealth, who is believed to bring good fortune and wealth to households. It is said that eating dumplings on this day will also bring wealth and prosperity.The Seventh Day of Chinese New Year
Known as renri, the seventh day of Chinese New Year is believed to be the day humans were created by Nüwa, a goddess in Chinese mythology. It is also known as everyone's birthday and people will typically eat noodles or long uncut vegetables to symbolize longevity.The Fifteenth Day of Chinese New Year
The fifteenth and final day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival. It is customary to light lanterns and solve riddles written on them. Sticky rice dumplings called tangyuan are also eaten on this day.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together, celebrate and pray for good luck and harmony in the coming year. With its rich history and unique traditions, it is a festival not to be missed.When Does Chinese New Year Start 2019?
The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most important holidays celebrated all over the world, not just in China. The holiday has been around for centuries and it holds great significance in the Chinese culture. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year because it marks the beginning of spring and it follows the lunar calendar, which is why the date changes every year. In this article, we will discuss what the Chinese New Year is, when it starts in 2019, and some interesting traditions associated with it.
The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, good food, vibrant festivities, and a fresh start. It is a time to pay respects to the ancestors and deities, as well as to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck for the coming year. It is customary to clean the house before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and decorate it with red lanterns, couplets, and other decorations that represent prosperity and happiness. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a big feast, watch the CCTV New Year’s Gala, and wait for the stroke of midnight when they set off fireworks to scare off the Nian monster, a legendary beast that devours people.
The Chinese New Year 2019 falls on February 5th, which is the first day of the Lunar New Year. However, the celebrations begin on the New Year’s Eve and last for 15 days until the Lantern Festival, which is on the full moon of the first lunar month. The Chinese New Year is marked by one of the 12 zodiac animals, which rotate on a 12-year cycle. 2019 is the year of the Pig, which symbolizes wealth, honesty, and sincerity in Chinese culture. People born in the Year of the Pig are said to be optimistic, easy-going, and kind-hearted.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in other Asian countries and Chinatowns around the world. Each region has its unique customs and traditions, although some practices are universal. Red envelopes or hongbao filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults as a gesture of good luck and blessings. They are also exchanged among colleagues, friends, and relatives during the New Year. The amount of money varies, but it is usually an even number because odd numbers are associated with funerals. Wearing a new set of clothes, especially in red, is believed to bring good fortune and ward off bad luck.
Food is an integral part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Each dish has symbolic meanings based on its pronunciation and appearance, such as fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth, noodles for longevity, and tangyuan for family togetherness. The traditional New Year’s Eve dinner, called reunion dinner or nian ye fan, is a feast of multiple courses that features auspicious ingredients and delicacies. In northern China, jiaozi or boiled dumplings are a must-have, while in southern China, people prefer rice cakes or nian gao.
Another highlight of the Chinese New Year is the Lion and Dragon Dance that takes place in the streets, temples, and public squares. The dances are performed by a team of performers wearing colorful costumes and holding long poles that control the movements of the lions and dragons made of paper and bamboo. The dance symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and luck, and it also scares away evil spirits. Fireworks, firecrackers, and gongs are also common elements of the celebration, as they create loud noises that drive away negative energy and lighten up the mood.
Overall, the Chinese New Year is a time to cherish the family, embrace the traditions, and appreciate the blessings. It is a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and enrich our understanding of the world. If you happen to be in China or any Chinese community during the Lunar New Year, do not hesitate to join in the festivities, taste the food, watch the performances, and make new friends. You might even discover a new source of inspiration and motivation for the upcoming year.
Now that you know when the Chinese New Year starts in 2019 and some of the customs associated with it, you can prepare yourself to welcome the year of the Pig with open arms and a joyful heart. Whether you choose to celebrate it with your family, friends, or colleagues, remember to spread good vibes, share your happiness, and appreciate the blessings. May the year of the Pig bring you peace, prosperity, and progress in all aspects of life. Happy Chinese New Year!
Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you have enjoyed learning about the Chinese New Year and its significance. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would be happy to hear from you.
When Does Chinese New Year Start 2019?
People Also Ask about Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a significant and widely celebrated holiday in much of Asia, particularly in China. As it approaches, people often have questions about the date, traditions, and customs associated with this exciting event. Here are some of the most common questions people ask:
1. What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a time to honor ancestors and deities while welcoming renewed life and prosperity for the coming year. It takes place on the first day of the Lunar calendar and typically falls between mid-January and mid-February.
2. When does Chinese New Year start in 2019?
Chinese New Year starts on February 5, 2019, according to the Lunar calendar.
3. How long does the celebration last?
The climax of the celebration takes place on the fifteenth day of the month, known as the Lantern Festival. However, the festivities typically begin a week before the New Year's Day and last for up to two weeks.
4. What are some common traditions during Chinese New Year?
Some common traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, decorating with red banners and lanterns, giving gifts of money in red envelopes, and sharing meals with family and friends. Firework displays, dragon dances, and lion dances are also a ubiquitous part of the festivities.
5. How do different countries celebrate Chinese New Year?
While the core components of Chinese New Year remain the same across different countries and regions, you can find differences in how people celebrate depending on where you are. In China, you will find massive parades and festivals, while Korean New Year, or Seollal, features traditional games, food, and dressing up in native costume.
In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a highly anticipated and widely celebrated event that takes place between mid-January and mid-February. The festivities last for up to two weeks and may include tradition such as cleaning, decorating, lion dances, dragon dances, and big family meals. Don't be shy, join in the excitement of celebrating the Chinese New year 2019!
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