Chinese language New Yr, also referred to as Lunar New Yr or the Spring Competition, is a 15-day celebration noticed in China and lots of different Asian nations to mark the start of the lunar calendar.
Lunar New Yr celebrates the arrival of spring and follows the lunar calendar, starting with the primary new moon and ending with the primary full moon 15 days later. As a result of the vacation is tied to lunar cycles, its date varies every year however usually falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 on the Western calendar.
In 2026, Lunar New Yr begins on Feb. 17 and concludes with the Lantern Competition on March 3. Whereas celebrations can last as long as 16 days, solely the primary seven days are designated as public holidays in China.
Every Lunar New Yr corresponds to one of many 12 Chinese language zodiac indicators Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster and Canine in addition to one of many 5 components: wooden, hearth, earth, steel and water. Collectively, these type a 60-year cycle.
Following 2025’s Yr of the Wooden Snake, 2026 marks the Yr of the Hearth Horse, a mixture that happens as soon as each 60 years. The Hearth Horse is related to excessive power, ambition, independence and speedy change. The yr is anticipated to emphasise momentum, daring motion and transformation and can final till Feb. 5, 2027.
Preparations for the vacation start days prematurely. Within the week main as much as Lunar New Yr, households observe “Little Yr,” a time devoted to cleansing properties and settling money owed. This custom, referred to as “sweeping of the grounds,” is supposed to take away lingering unhealthy luck and make area for success within the coming yr.
Usually in comparison with New Yr’s Eve and New Yr’s Day in the USA, the vacation is an important annual celebration in China and facilities on household reunions, cultural traditions and welcoming success.
New Yr’s Eve and New Yr’s Day are historically reserved for household gatherings, ancestor worship and reunion dinners. A typical customized contains the trade of lai see, or purple envelopes containing cash, which symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Festivities all through the vacation characteristic fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and visits to native markets. Many decorations are purple, a coloration believed to thrust back evil spirits. These customs stem from the traditional legend of Nian, a legendary beast mentioned to assault villages on New Yr’s Day however feared loud noises, hearth and the colour purple.
Meals additionally performs a central position within the celebrations. Reunion dinners usually embody symbolic dishes similar to an entire fish, which represents abundance and prosperity.
One other seasonal custom is admiring the plum blossom, a flower identified for blooming in late winter generally even whereas snow stays on the bottom symbolizing resilience and renewal.
With centuries of historical past relationship again to the Shang Dynasty, Lunar New Yr continues to mix mythology, custom and household unity as communities all over the world put together to welcome the Yr of the Hearth Horse.
