Essentials of Chinese New Years
Posted by Craig Mottershead on Wed, Jan 04, 2012 @ 08:05 AM
Like the western world, China follows the Gregorian calendar which recognizes January 1st as the official start to each year. However their holiday traditions, largely follow the lunar calendar which is based on the time it takes the moon to circle the Earth. Meaning there’s no fixed date for Chinese New Year (CNY) also called The Spring Festival and therefore can fall anywhere within a 2 week window between January and February.
One of the most central traits to CNY are the years. They actually rotate in a 12 year cycle, with each year corresponding to a different animal. This holds significant importance because the Chinese people believe strongly that the ruling animal during your birth year tremendously influences your behavior and personal character.
Being the largest holiday event in China (and many parts of Asia) CNY has a missive impact on business worldwide. Almost all the factories in the country will be closed for part or all of the 15 day celebration, with extra days being provided for travel because it is largest human migration in the world. More than 200 million people will be traveling. Most will be workers moving from the country’s eastern provinces, where the majority of the factories are located, to the central and western provinces where their families live.
Adorned in old age traditions from hanging red decorations (the color is believed to be the luckiest) to large fireworks displays believed to keep evil spirits away, this annual celebration provides a constant reminder to the vividness that is Chinese culture and heritage.
For your pleasure and planning purposes here are the dates for latest 12 year cycle complete with zodiac animal.
Year Date Animal
2008 February 7 Rat
2009 January 26 Ox
2010 February 14 Tiger
2011 February 3 Rabbit
2012 January 23 Dragon
2013 February 10 Snake
2014 January 31 Horse
2015 February 19 Sheep
2016 February 8 Monkey
2017 January 28 Rooster
2018 February 16 Dog
2019 February 5 Pig
So in the words of The Spring Festival celebration “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (Have Great Fortune) too all this year!
That’s it for today. Stay tuned for the next weeks post.
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