Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year History

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival,allows for reflection on the past year, and ushers in good fortune for the upcoming year. The festivities are enriched with traditional rituals that include cleaning the house to drive out old energies, exchange of gifts, feasting on special meals, the use of red decorations and attire for luck, and the display of colorful fireworks and parades showcasing the well-known dragon and lion dances.

It's believed that the observance originated during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC) to venerate gods and ancestors in springtime. Notably, this tradition gains relevance to people in America due to the country's sizable Asian American population. Various practices like cooking 'lucky' meals and engaging in cultural performances have been assimilated into the larger American cultural fabric. Moreover, in recent years, the observance is increasingly viewed as an opportunity to recognize the richness and diversity of the multicultural landscape in the United States.

In America, Chinese New Year festivities are especially prominent in areas with large Chinese-American communities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. The occasion is marked with vibrant parades, cultural performances, and special food preparations. Meetings and banquets featuring traditional Chinese cuisines such as dumplings and rice cakes highlight the celebration. Observances also encompass communal activities like art exhibits, film screenings, and book fairs to promote Chinese culture. Typically, the Chinese year begins with the second new moon after the winter solstice, which falls anywhere between January 21 and February 20. However, exact dates may vary in the United States based on local community traditions and lunar calendar interpretations.

Facts about Chinese New Year

• Chinese New Year in 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. In 2023 it was the Year of the Rabbit, and in 2022 it was the Year of the Tiger.
• The names of the Chinese calendar are repeated every 60 years.
• I wish you happiness that comes from within, the best of luck to keep you pushing and peace in all days of the New Year - Gong Xi Fa Cai, Popular New Year song
• The Chinese New Year is celebrated as the Spring Festival in China. It is the nation's most important festival.
• Every child receives a monetary gift for New Year. The gift is wrapped in a red envelope.

In the News and Trending in the US for Chinese New Year

Top things to do in the US for Chinese New Year

• Clean your house. It is customary for Chinese to clean their homes in preparation for the New Year and the fresh start.
• Get together with friends and create a long dragon on sticks. One person gets to create the head, and the others can create the long flowy tail. Remember to use bright colors.
• Sing a popular Chinese New Year song called Gonf Xi Fa Cai.
• Prepare your red envelopes for the kids. This is considered lucky money for children.
• Attend a Chinese New Year Festival in a town near you. Most large cities in the US have a Chinatown district that will host events and pageants.