Countdown to Chinese New Year 2021: Learn How Many Days Until the Festive Celebrations Begin!

Are you ready to ring in the Year of the Ox? With Chinese New Year 2021 just around the corner, it's time to start preparing for this vibrant and joyous holiday. But before you dive into the festivities, let's take a closer look at what Chinese New Year entails.

The first question on your mind might be: how many days does Chinese New Year last? Well, traditionally, the holiday is celebrated for 15 days, starting on the first day of the lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival. However, the most important celebrations usually occur during the first five days.

One of the most important traditions during Chinese New Year is the family reunion dinner, which takes place on New Year's Eve. Are you already salivating over the thought of dumplings, fish, and other traditional Chinese dishes? You're not alone – in fact, it's estimated that 1.5 billion dumplings are consumed during this time!

Of course, no Chinese New Year celebration is complete without red envelopes (known as hongbao in Mandarin) filled with money. Whether you're giving or receiving, these lucky red envelopes symbolize prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.

But what about decorations? You can't forget about those! From red lanterns to paper cutouts, the color red is everywhere during Chinese New Year. Why red, you ask? It's believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

If you plan on joining in the festivities this year, you might want to brush up on some common Chinese New Year greetings. The most popular one is Gong Xi Fa Cai, which translates to wishing you great happiness and prosperity.

Speaking of prosperity, did you know that Chinese New Year is the largest annual human migration in the world? Millions of people travel back to their hometowns for the holiday, often resulting in overcrowded trains and buses.

But what about those born in the Year of the Ox? This zodiac sign is said to represent hard work, honesty, and determination. If you were born in 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, or 2017, this is your year to shine!

Finally, let's talk about the grand finale of Chinese New Year: the Lantern Festival. On the 15th day of the lunar calendar, people gather to release lanterns into the sky, solve riddles written on lanterns, and enjoy sweet glutinous rice balls (known as tangyuan in Mandarin).

So, are you ready to celebrate Chinese New Year 2021? From family gatherings to delicious food and vibrant decorations, this holiday is truly a feast for the senses. Don't miss out on the fun – mark your calendar and join in on the festivities!

"Chinese New Year 2021 How Many Days" ~ bbaz

Chinese New Year 2021: How Many Days

The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional celebrations in China. In 2021, Chinese New Year falls on February 12th and marks the Year of the Ox. But how many days does the Chinese New Year last?

The Origins of Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. The festival originated as a way to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. According to legend, a beast called Nian used to terrorize villagers on the first day of the new year, but they discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises and the color red. Hence, firecrackers and red decorations have become a staple of the celebration.

Chinese New Year Traditions

The Chinese New Year involves a wide range of traditions and customs, including the famous lion and dragon dances, family reunions, cleaning and decoration of homes, exchanging of red envelopes filled with money, and enjoying traditional foods such as dumplings and rice cakes. Each day of the celebration has its specific meaning and activities.

How Long Does Chinese New Year Last?

The Chinese New Year is not a one-day event, but rather a multi-day celebration that typically lasts for 15 days. This period is known as the Spring Festival or Chun Jie in Chinese. The celebration usually starts on New Year's Eve and ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

The Different Phases of the Celebration

The 15-day celebration can be divided into several distinct phases, each marked by different activities and customs. These include:

• The reunion dinner on New Year's Eve
• Red decorations and New Year's greetings on the first day of the new year
• The exchange of red envelopes filled with money during the first few days of the new year
• Temple fairs and lion and dragon dances throughout the second week
• Family gatherings and visits to friends and relatives throughout the celebration
• The Lantern Festival on the 15th day, which involves lantern displays and solving riddles on lanterns.

Public Holidays

In China, the Chinese New Year is a national holiday that lasts for seven days. Shops, offices, and factories are usually closed, and people travel home to celebrate with their families. Many businesses and cities in Southeast Asia also observe the holiday.

Celebrations Outside of China

The Chinese New Year is not just celebrated in China but also in many other parts of the world with large Chinese populations. These include Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and many other countries throughout Asia and beyond. In these places, the Chinese New Year is often a public holiday, and the celebrations tend to be just as vibrant as those in China.

The Significance of the Year of the Ox

The Year of the Ox is considered to be a symbol of endurance and hard work. According to the Chinese zodiac, people born under this sign are believed to be reliable, honest, and persevering. The Year of the Ox comes after the Year of the Rat and before the Year of the Tiger. It is thought that one's fortune is affected by the zodiac sign of the year they are born in.

Conclusion

The Chinese New Year is an essential tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. The 15-day celebration is filled with customs and activities that promote family togetherness, prosperity, and happiness. Whether you're celebrating in China or abroad, it's an exciting time of year full of joy and tradition.

Chinese New Year 2021: A Comparison of Celebrations Across the Globe

Introduction

Chinese New Year is an important festival celebrated by millions across the globe. Each year, it falls on a different date as it is based on the lunar calendar. The year 2021 marks the Year of the Ox and celebrations will look different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we will compare how Chinese New Year 2021 is celebrated in China and other countries.

Duration of Festivities

In China, the Spring Festival, as it is commonly known, lasts for 15 days. It starts with the New Year's Eve dinner and ends with the Lantern Festival. However, many people only have a week off from work or school. In other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, the celebrations start on the eve of Chinese New Year and last for 2 days. In Singapore, it is a public holiday and the festivities last for 2 days.

Preparations and Decorations

In China, weeks before the celebration begins, people clean their homes to symbolize getting rid of bad luck and making way for good luck. They also put up decorations such as red lanterns, couplets, and paper cutouts. The color red is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. In other countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, similar preparations are made.

Traditional Food

Food plays a major role during Chinese New Year. In China, families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve where they feast on dishes such as fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and rice cakes. These dishes have symbolic meanings such as fish for abundance and dumplings for wealth. In Malaysia and Singapore, similar dishes are prepared such as yu sheng, a raw fish salad, and nian gao, a glutinous rice cake.

Cultural Activities

In China, cultural activities such as dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, and firework displays are popular during Chinese New Year. In other countries, cultural activities such as lion dances and lantern festivals are also held. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these activities have been cancelled or scaled down in 2021.

Travel and Family Reunions

Chinese New Year is the busiest travel season in China as millions of people travel home to be with their families. In 2021, however, many people have decided to stay put due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. In other countries, where large gatherings are also discouraged, family reunions may be smaller than usual or even take place virtually.

Greetings and Superstitions

During Chinese New Year, people exchange greetings and well wishes such as gong xi fa cai (Happy New Year) and wan shi ru yi (May everything go as you wish). Superstitions such as not sweeping the floor on New Year's Day to avoid sweeping away good luck and not washing your hair on New Year's Day to avoid washing away good luck are also observed.

Gift Giving and Red Envelopes

Gift giving is also common during Chinese New Year, especially among family members and close friends. Red envelopes filled with money, also known as hongbao, are given as a symbol of good luck and fortune. In China, digital red envelopes have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Comparison Table of Chinese New Year Celebrations Across the Globe

Country	Duration of Festivities	Preparations and Decorations	Traditional Food	Cultural Activities	Travel and Family Reunions	Greetings and Superstitions	Gift Giving and Red Envelopes
China	15 days	Cleaning, red lanterns, couplets, paper cutouts	Fish, dumplings, spring rolls, rice cakes	Dragon and lion dances, temple fairs, firework displays	Many people staying put due to COVID-19 restrictions	Gong xi fa cai, not sweeping or washing hair on New Year's Day	Red envelopes
Malaysia	2 days	Cleaning, red lanterns, couplets, paper cutouts	Yu sheng, nian gao	Lion dances, lantern festivals	Small family reunions due to COVID-19 restrictions	Kung hei fat choy, not sweeping or washing hair on New Year's Day	Red envelopes
Singapore	2 days (public holiday)	Cleaning, red lanterns, couplets, paper cutouts	Yu sheng, nian gao	Lion dances, lantern festivals	Small family reunions due to COVID-19 restrictions	Kung hei fat choy, not sweeping or washing hair on New Year's Day	Red envelopes

Opinion

Although Chinese New Year celebrations look different in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the spirit of the festival remains strong. It is a time for family, reflection, and hope for the future. As we navigate these uncertain times, let us hold onto the traditions and values that make Chinese New Year so special.

Everything You Need to Know about Chinese New Year 2021 How Many Days

Introduction

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It's a time for family reunions, food, and festivities. The festival starts on the first day of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days. In this article, we'll explore how many days Chinese New Year 2021 will last and what you can expect during this festive period.

The Dates for Chinese New Year 2021

The Chinese New Year celebrations in 2021 will begin on Friday, February 12th, and end on Friday, February 26th. It marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox and will be celebrated by millions of people worldwide.

Day 1-5: Preparations

In the lead-up to Chinese New Year, families will start to decorate their homes with red lanterns, couplets, and other decorations. They will also thoroughly clean their homes to get rid of any bad luck that may have accumulated over the last year. Shopping for clothes, food, and gifts is also a big part of the preparation process.

Day 6-7: New Year's Eve Reunions

On New Year's Eve, families will come together for a reunion dinner, often consisting of traditional dishes such as dumplings, fish, and rice cakes. After dinner, many families will watch the CCTV New Year's Gala, a TV show featuring performances and sketches from celebrities and artists.

Day 8-10: Red Envelopes and Fireworks

During the first few days of Chinese New Year, children will receive red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money from their elders, which is believed to bring good luck. Fireworks and firecrackers will also be set off to ward off evil spirits.

Day 11-12: Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Families will light lanterns, solve riddles, eat sweet glutinous rice balls, and enjoy a wide variety of cultural performances and folk activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese New Year 2021 will last for a total of 15 days, from February 12th to February 26th. During this time, families will come together, seek good fortune and have fun. The festival offers a great opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and traditions, and to experience the vibrant celebrations of one of the world's oldest and richest cultures. We hope that this article has given you a sense of what to expect during this exciting period.

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2021: Understanding the Length and Significance of this Festive Season

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, there is no denying that Chinese New Year celebrations are one of the most highly anticipated events in both China and other parts of the world. Chinese New Year 2021, also known as the Spring Festival, will be celebrated from February 12th until February 26th. This period of festivity will mark the start of the Year of the Ox, and like every year, the celebration will be full of spectacular traditions, customs, and rituals.

The Spring Festival is based on the traditional lunar calendar, which explains why the date of Chinese New Year changes each year. It is a time when families reunite, feast together, and participate in age-old customs and decorative activities such as putting up red couplets, lanterns, and Chinese paintings. But how many days does Chinese New Year last? Let's dive deeper into this question and understand better the length and significance of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Firstly, let us understand that the festivities of Chinese New Year span over a total of 15 days. Each day has a particular significance and name, and it is essential to observe the traditions according to the day's spirit and purpose. For instance, the first day of Lunar New Year is known as Spring Festival Eve and is typically a time for family gatherings and blessings. On the other hand, the 15th and final day of the festival is celebrated as the Lantern Festival.

Secondly, the significance of Chinese New Year cannot be understated. For more than 4,000 years, Chinese people have celebrated this significant annual event, representing renewal, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. Families believe in the importance of ending the old year and ushering in the new year under the right circumstances. It is a time to make amends, welcome fresh opportunities, and appreciate loved ones' blessings.

Thirdly, during the Chinese New Year, it is a tradition for Chinese families to clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make space for fortune and success. This practice signifies starting anew, creating opportunities, and fostering good relationships. Additionally, it is common for people to buy new clothes, often red, signifying good luck, and display decoration such as red lanterns, Chinese knots, and auspicious phrases.

Fourthly, it is customary for Chinese people to exchange gifts and red envelopes during the Chinese New Year season. Red envelopes, or hongbao, are envelopes filled with money that elders pass onto younger generations as a way of transferring good fortune and blessings. The envelope symbolizes safety and prosperity, and the amount of money inside should contain an even number to represent good fortune.

Fifthly, no Chinese New Year would be complete without delicious food and other culinary delights! Families get busy cooking steaming pots of dumplings, fish, noodles, and other traditional dishes that represent longevity, wealth, happiness, and balance. The reunion dinner is the most important meal of the year where the family sits at the table to bond, eat, and enjoy each other's company.

Sixthly, another significant event during the Chinese New Year is the iconic Festival Gala, which is broadcasted on China Central Television (CCTV) across the country and streamed worldwide. The show features a robust cast of musicians, dancers, actors, and comedians who pay homage to Chinese culture and history through captivating performances. The Gala is a solid reminder of unity, progress, and cultural heritage.

Seventhly, the Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also across the globe. Chinese communities worldwide honor their cultural roots and traditions through spectacular parades, lion and dragon dances, firework displays, and other festivities. The events showcase the strength of the Chinese community's unity and the beauty of their culture.

Eighthly, it is important to note that due to the ongoing global pandemic, the Lunar New Year celebrations will look different from previous years. Many traditional Chinese New Year events have been canceled, and both domestic and international travel restrictions have made it difficult for families to reunite. Nevertheless, the resilience, perseverance, and spirit of the Chinese people remain strong as they find creative ways to adapt and still celebrate this special season despite the obstacles.

Ninthly, it is an excellent time to learn more about Chinese culture, customs, and heritage during this festive period. The Chinese New Year offers a unique insight into the country's history, values, and identity through its diverse and vibrant celebrations. It is an opportunity for people all over the world to come together to celebrate and appreciate Chinese culture and tradition.

Lastly, we would like to wish our readers and their families a joyous and prosperous Chinese New Year 2021. While the spring festival may last only 15 days, the warm memories, love, and traditions will last a lifetime. So let's embrace the spirits of renewal, abundance, and optimism that Chinese New Year 2021 has to offer and celebrate with our loved ones near or far. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

People Also Ask About Chinese New Year 2021 How Many Days

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant traditional festival in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually between January 21 and February 20. The festival lasts for two weeks and ends with the Lantern Festival.

How many days is Chinese New Year 2021?

Chinese New Year 2021 will begin on February 12, which is the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar, and end on February 26, 2021, which coincides with the Lantern Festival. Therefore, it will last for 15 days.

What are the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year?

Chinese people have many customs and traditions during the Spring Festival. Some of the most popular customs include giving red envelopes with money, eating dumplings, setting off firecrackers, and wearing new clothes. People also clean their houses to sweep away bad luck and decorate them with red couplets and lanterns.

Which animal represents Chinese New Year 2021?

Chinese New Year 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the second animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. It represents diligence, perseverance, and honesty in Chinese culture.

Is Chinese New Year a public holiday?

Yes, Chinese New Year is a public holiday in many countries with significant Chinese populations, such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. However, it is not a public holiday in Western countries like the United States and Canada.

How do people celebrate Chinese New Year?

People celebrate Chinese New Year in different ways depending on their regional customs and personal preferences. However, some common practices include reunion dinners with family members, visiting temples to pray for good luck, watching traditional lion and dragon dances, and participating in cultural activities like lantern-making and calligraphy writing.

How is Chinese New Year different from the Western New Year?

Chinese New Year is different from the Western New Year in many ways. The most obvious difference is the date. The Western New Year is celebrated on January 1, while Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February based on the lunar calendar. In addition, Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, while the Western New Year is only one day. Chinese people also celebrate the upcoming zodiac year and follow specific customs and traditions that are unique to their culture.

Why is Chinese New Year important?

Chinese New Year is important for several reasons. It is a time for family reunions and strengthening relationships by showing love and gratitude. It is also a time to pay respects to ancestors and deities, to reflect on the past year, and to set goals for the new year. Moreover, it is a symbol of Chinese culture and tradition, and it promotes cross-cultural understanding between China and the rest of the world.

How has COVID-19 affected Chinese New Year?

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Chinese New Year celebrations in 2021. Many people have chosen to avoid traveling or gathering in large groups due to the risk of spreading the virus. Some restrictions have been implemented in different provinces and cities across China. However, people have found new ways to celebrate virtually by using digital platforms and sending electronic red envelopes. Nevertheless, the spirit of Chinese New Year remains strong, and people are finding creative ways to adapt to the changing circumstances.

What should I wear during Chinese New Year?

Wearing new clothes during Chinese New Year is a way to symbolize a fresh start and ward off bad luck. It is customary to wear red, which represents happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in Chinese culture. Other popular colors are gold, black, and white. However, it is best to avoid wearing black and white as they are associated with mourning and death. It is also important to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move around freely and enjoy the festivities.

What food do people eat during Chinese New Year?

Food plays a significant role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Some popular dishes include dumplings, fish, rice cakes, spring rolls, and sweet glutinous rice balls. Each dish has a symbolic meaning related to health, wealth, or happiness. For example, eating dumplings represents wealth because their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Eating fish symbolizes surplus or abundance because the Chinese word for fish sounds like “surplus” or “abundance” in Mandarin.

What are red envelopes in Chinese New Year?

Red envelopes, also known as hongbao in Mandarin, are one of the most popular customs during Chinese New Year. They are small red packets filled with money and given to children or unmarried adults as a sign of good luck and blessings. It is customary to write auspicious phrases such as “good fortune,” “happiness,” or “prosperity” on red envelopes. The amount of money inside the envelope varies depending on the giver’s financial situation and relationship with the receiver.

What is the Lantern Festival?

The Lantern Festival is the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It falls on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, which is February 26 in 2021. The Lantern Festival is a time for lighting and admiring colorful lanterns, solving riddles written on them, and eating tangyuan, a sweet glutinous rice ball that symbolizes family unity. People also enjoy watching lion and dragon dances, lantern parades, and other cultural performances.

How can I wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year?

You can wish someone a Happy Chinese New Year by saying “Xin Nian Kuai Le” in Mandarin or “Gong Hei Fat Choy” in Cantonese. Both phrases mean “Happy New Year” in Chinese. You can also write auspicious phrases on red envelopes or paper and give them as gifts to your family and friends. Some common phrases include “May you have good luck and prosperity,” “Wish you great fortune in the year ahead,” or “May all your wishes come true.”

Conclusion

Chinese New Year is a fascinating and vibrant festival with rich cultural traditions and customs. It is a time for family reunions, joyous celebrations, and expressions of gratitude. Knowing more about Chinese New Year, its significance, and the customs and traditions associated with it, can enhance your appreciation of this wonderful event.