Chinese New Year 2023 – Are you aware of the lunar calendar? Among many other countries that celebrated the New Year calendar on the first of January, it might be a little bit surprising to find that China is by to celebrate their own new year, or should I say they are yet to have their new year yet. Yeah! It’s called the lunar calendar, this calendar is being used by the Chinese and some other Asian countries. On comes 1st of January 2023, China would be stepping into 2023 officially following the lunar calendar.
The Chinese New Year which is also referred to as the lunar year starts with the uprising of the second new moon immediately after the winter solstice. This usually happens every 21 December. This could also occur on any date between 21 January and also 20 February.
What is the Chinese New Year All About
The New Year is believed to usher in good luck and prosperity while the old year is bid abye with it ill luck. During this festive period, the Chinese get to celebrate with one another. However, they organize a series of outdoor spectacles. It includes fireworks, firecrackers, dancing dragons, and family banquets that are not left out. During the Chinese New Year, families and friends travel across China from distant countries to celebrate with families. During Chinese New Year, people create several designs. They decorate their homes and houses with the color red. Meanwhile, it stands as them a symbol of good luck. Nonetheless, little children are also given money in a bright red envelope.
This is a culture that the Chinese believe in. The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for two weeks. the celebration is closed with the lantern festival which marks the full moon. This celebration also grants residents of China to go on a week off from every activity for the celebration. It was stated by China’s ministry of commerce, that people on these days spend more than £96bn on their shopping and merriments during this period.
Is the Chinese New Year Also Known As the Year Of the Rabbit?
Just like every other tribe, race, and region, each year in China is been associated with 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac and so the year 2023 is been referred to as the Year of the Rabbit as it falls to the Rabbit year. Children born in China during this period are said to be born with a brave attitude in them.
At this kind of celebration, the people greet each other with “Gong Hei Fat Choy”. This simply means “I wish you prosperity”. This is used by people who speak the Cantonese language, while the Mandarin people greet with “Xin Nian Kuai Le” which interprets, “Happy New Year”.
Where China Originate in New Year From?
The Chinese New year is said to be dated as far back as the 14th century BC, during the tenor of the Shang Dynasty. It was said that it originated from a popular story about a beast named Nian which means “Year”. In the story, the monster would always come to attack the villagers every year. But then it was later discovered that Nian gets scared of noises, bright lights, and the color red.
The villagers used these things to put the beast to flight. Dragons are seen as the Chinese symbol of power and good fortune. They appear in several areas of the country dragons are seen dancing. Also, they appear in various colors, and the dragon puppet is been paraded through the streets. During the New Year, people are seen thoroughly cleaning their homes and houses. This is to get rid of any bad luck from the previous year.