Things You Didn’t Know about Chinese New Year

Many people around the world celebrate the Chinese New Year. During that time of the year, Chinese New Year decorations and signs can be seen everywhere in China, but have you ever thought about the meaning of this holiday and why this color was chosen to celebrate it?

Here are things you probably didn't know about the Chinese New Year

It’s the longest Chinese holiday.

The holiday consists of 15 days but many people start celebrating in (lunar) December with the Laba Festival (腊八节 / là bā jié). Which makes it a total of 40 days of celebrations!

Traditionally, you have to spend time with your family and can only go out after the 5th day. It’s a national holiday. The large majority of stores are closed too.

There’s no set date for the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year ranges from January 21 to February 20. In 2023, it occurs on January 22. Modern Chinese calendars use the Gregorian calendar but include lunar holidays.  Some people still calculate their birthdays and ages according to the lunar calendar too!

Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year and The Spring Festival

Countries such as North and South Korea and Vietnam celebrate it as well. And because the Spring Festival goes according to the lunar calendar.

On Chinese New Year’s you fight off monsters

According to one legend, a monster named Nian would come about every New Year’s Eve and most people would hide in their homes. But one boy was brave enough to fight him off using firecrackers.

Later on everyone started using firecrackers to fight him off until it became a tradition

No showering, sweeping or throwing out garbage allowed

Showering, sweeping and throwing out the garbage aren’t allowed before the 5th. This is to make sure you don’t wash away the good luck!

There’s a day before the Spring Festival dedicated to cleaning. This day is to sweep the bad luck away and make room for the good.

Children receive lucky money in red envelopes

Depending on the family, the children can get up to 1000 CNY (around $150) per envelope.

This money is supposed to help transfer fortune from the elders to the kids. They can also be given between bosses and employees, co-workers, and friends.

The Chinese decorate everything red for Chinese New Year

The red color keeps the demons away and is used in nearly all Chinese New Year decorations.

New clothes are also believed to bring good luck and start over fresh. People will add new red clothing to their Spring Festival wardrobe too.

Your zodiac year is bad luck

Your benming the year of your zodiac animal. And of the 12-year cycle, it is the unluckiest for you.

There are multiple explanations for this. The Chinese believe that children can easily be taken by demons. And your benming year is your rebirth year.