CHINESE NEW YEAR
chūn jié
The Chinese New Year is officially known as the Spring Festival. This name reflects its deep connection to nature, renewal, and the agricultural calendar. Traditionally, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a time associated with rebirth, hope, and new beginnings. The Spring Festival is not a single-day event. It is a 15-day celebration that begins on New Year’s Eve and ends with the Lantern Festival. Each day has its own customs, taboos, and symbolic meaning, making the festival a long and meaningful cultural period rather than a brief holiday.
TYPICAL FOOD
LUNAR CALENDAR
Unlike fixed-date holidays, Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year because it depends on the lunar cycle. Chinese New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunar year, which usually occurs between January 21 and February 20.
As a result, the exact date changes annually when viewed on the Western calendar. This shifting date reflects the natural rhythm of the Moon rather than a fixed solar schedule. This flexible timing symbolizes renewal and harmony with nature, reinforcing the idea that Chinese New Year marks a fresh start aligned with natural cycles rather than a fixed point in the calendar.
hóngbāo
Hongbao are red envelopes containing money, given as a symbol of good wishes and blessings for the New Year. The money inside represents luck, prosperity, and protection, but the red envelope itself is more important than the amount. Red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy. Money is usually given in even numbers, while amounts associated with bad luck (especially the number 4) are avoided. The act of giving hong bao is seen as a way to share fortune and happiness.