Chinese New Year: all the info

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China and for Chinese people around the world. Here is all the info!

When is Chinese New Year 2023?

Chinese New Year 2023 will fall on Sunday, January 22, 2023.  The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar and changes every year, but it is always between January 21 and February 20.

What is the zodiac animal of 2023?

Each Chinese year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac. 2023 is the year of the Rabbit, a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. It is predicted that 2023 will be a year of good luck and hope!
 

How long does the Chinese New Year last?

Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally last 16 days, starting from New Year's Eve until the Lantern Festival. The first 7 days are also officially public holidays in China.
 

Chinese New Year traditions   

Regional customs and traditions vary widely, but they share the same theme: closing the old year and welcoming the new year. The main activities of Chinese New Year include various activities, including cleaning and decorating houses with red objects (red is the main color of the holiday, an auspicious color for the new year), honoring ancestors, spending time with family, exchanging gifts (such as the famous red envelopes that contain money and are often given to children and the elderly), and attending traditional lion and dragon dances.

Lion and dragon dances are popular in China and in the Chinatowns of many Western countries during the Lunar New Year period. They are performed to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year or event.

What is eaten during the Chinese New Year

Food is an important part of the celebration: foods deemed lucky are served during the 16-day holiday, especially during the New Year's family reunion dinner. Fish is a must, as it symbolizes abundance. Dumplings in the shape of silver bars are shared as a sign of family unity and prosperity, while the Niángāo (a rice cake) symbolizes great achievements and high position.
 

Superstitions about Chinese New Year

The Chinese traditionally believe that the beginning of the year influences the entire year. There are many things you cannot do, but especially do not sweep the floor or wash your clothes and hair on New Year's Day (it is believed to ward off and "wash away" good luck!).
 

How to say "Happy New Year" in Chinese

If you want to be polite and make a good impression when meeting Chinese friends, relatives, colleagues, and even strangers during the holiday season, then the best way is to learn the typical New Year's greetings: usually you say "Xīnnián hǎo," which literally means "Happy New Year," or "Xīnnián kuàilè," which means "Happy Chinese New Year."