10 Things To Know For Chinese New Year
In the western world the month of February is remembered for Black History and Valentine’s Day, but for 1/4 of the world’s population this time of year is dedicated to the Chinese Lunar New Year. Blending old traditions with the new, Chinese people living in many countries around Asia enjoy an extensive holiday with families, food, and fun. Oh, and firecrackers. A LOT of firecrackers.
While living in Beijing, I didn’t spend much time in China for the holiday. Actually, a large fraction of the Chinese leave the country as well. Despite hopes of costume filled parades, my discussions with Chinese friends revealed there were no unmissable celebrations to experience in Beijing. Maybe I was misinformed?
But there has to be a unique experience for this world celebrated holiday somewhere in China, right? Right. Tucked in the southwest region is the Sichuan Province, home of world famous spicy Chinese cuisine and the giant pandas. My week long trip to Chengdu proved to be a great destination to soak up China’s most important family holiday.
1. Each Chinese New Year Is Different
The lunar new year can actually fall anywhere between the end of January to the middle of February. In 2018, the official date is February 16th, with the conclusion of festivities on March 2nd.
2. The Dog Rules Chinese Zodiacs In 2018
Each year is labeled with one of 12 Chinese zodiacs, and 2018 happens to be the year of the dog! If you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, or 2018, the dog is your Chinese zodiac. There are 5 types of dogs, and if you were born in 1982 like me you’re a water dog! Our lucky numbers are 3, 4, 9 and lucky colors are red, green, and purple.
Some famous dogs include Winston Churchill, Donald Trump, Elvis Presley, Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa, and last but not least…Justin Bieber.
3. Chinese New Year Is The World’s Largest Human Migration
When you think about how many people live in China, it’s really no surprise that the holiday season is commonly referred to as the world’s largest human migration. The holiday travel season generally lasts for around 40 days, as many people extend their holidays at the beginning or end to avoid the madness of travel. For perspective, statistics show that nearly twice as many Chinese will travel for this holiday than Americans do for Christmas!
4. Chinese New Year Is For Families
China’s incredible growth and revolution lead many citizens to move from rural areas for work opportunities in one of China’s fast growing cities. During holiday season, priority is to make the journey back to see family…often bearing gifts or even just cash.
The eve of the lunar new year likely involves families congregating for the annual reunion dinner. In addition, each family will perform a thorough cleansing of their homes. The idea here is to discard any ill fortune and welcome future luck and prosperity.
It’s common to decorate windows and doors of homes with red-colored artifacts drizzled with Chinese calligraphy. The intent is to encourage good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity.
5. Firecracker Wars Light Up Chinese New Year
My favorite tradition of all…the absolutely obnoxious amount of fireworks. Men are commonly the culprits, gathered around bonfires ablaze right in the middle of the city’s streets. No surprise that consumption is greater for this Chinese holiday than for Independence Day in the USA. The Chinese do not play around when it comes to CNY fireworks.
For those visiting a major city during the Chinese New Year, expect to be woken up quite often as firecrackers pop at all hours. There were nights in Beijing I felt like I was in the middle of a war zone…3am and perpetual rounds being fired away at will. And just when you think you’ve seen the end of it, another parade has just begun.
Research is showing that maybe it’s too late to experience the madness, as I’ve read some major cities including Beijing have now banned fireworks? But I’m skeptical. Based on a commonly seen disregard for past bans like these, I’d guess there’s still quite a show to be seen.
6. Baijiu Dominates Chinese New Year Parties
As most do, I left the country for Russia during the holiday. But not before my Chinese colleagues invited me for a dinner party. We shared a variety of traditional dishes washed down by an uncomfortable amount of Moonshine’s distant cousin, Baijiu.
I’m assuming most have never heard of it, but it’s actually the world’s most popular liquor. Not because of its taste, no chance! There are 1.4 billion people in China and they drink Baijiu like water!
It’s pretty common to share amongst friends and family, even more so at business functions. Pungent doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Distilled at several different levels of potency, indulge at your own risk.
7. Chinese New Year, AKA The Spring Festival
Modern Chinese have labeled the lunar new year as The Spring Festival. Technically the holiday falls near the end of winter, making the name appropriate as a celebration of what’s to come in the spring season.
8. 7 Days of Public Holiday for Chinese New Year
You read that right. A minimum of 7 days is granted to working citizens for this holiday season. Several businesses provide even more, as I know Chinese friends who stop working for nearly a month!
9. 25% of Global Population Celebrate The Spring Festival
The Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated all over the world. Most of Southeast Asia actually recognizes it as a national public holiday, considering the large amount of Chinese immigrants inhabiting these countries.
10. The Lantern Festival Marks The End of CNY
Every holiday season must come to an end. In 2018 it will be March 2nd. The Chinese are sure to show-out in high spirits for The Lantern Festival. Streets and parks decorated with a stunning collection of colors makes this a family favorite activity.
The 2019 Chinese New Year will commence on February 5th as the year of the pig!
