Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year, Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

Is Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the same?

The terms 'Chinese New Year' and 'Lunar New Year' are often used synonymously, and in the right context (of China), usually refer to the same thing. ... when Lunar New Year isn't called Chinese New Year (e.g. in Vietnam) even when it's on the same date.

How do Chinese celebrate Lunar New Year?

Chinese New Year Traditions. The main Chinese New Year activities include 1) putting up decorations, 2) offering sacrifices to ancestors, 3) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve, 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts, 5) firecrackers and fireworks, and 6) watching lion and dragon dances.

Why is Chinese Lunar New Year important?

The New Year celebration is centred around removing the bad and the old, and welcoming the new and the good. It's a time to worship ancestors, exorcise evil spirits and pray for good harvest. Today it's celebrated also by Chinese communities outside the country.

Why does Chinese New Year have dragons?

In the Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength, health and also the male element Yang. The dragon is unique because it is the only mythical creature of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac and babies are born in the year of the dragon more than any other animal.

What happens on the 15 days of Chinese New Year?

The 15th day marks the first full moon after the Spring Festival and of the New Year, also known as yuán xiāo jié meaning "first night of the full moon". The day is as well known as Lantern Festival day. Another reunion dinner is held with lanterns and oranges being a large part of the celebrations.