How to Celebrate Chinese New Year

The 1st of February marks the start of Chinese New Year! Also known as the Lunar New Year and the Spring Festival, this festival is celebrated in China and within Chinese communities across the globe. You’ll find that many other East and South East Asian countries also take part in the festivities such as South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines!

What is it about?

Just like the typical western New Year’s, Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of a new year but is based on the traditional lunisolar and solar Chinese calendar. These celebrations are meant to bring prosperity and luck as everyone welcomes the new year. Traditionally, this was a time to honour one’s ancestors and the deities. Families will usually come together and have a big, hearty feast! Together with a feast, you’ll witness fireworks and dancing dragons too!

Unlike the New Year celebrations we’re familiar with, these celebrations often last for around two weeks. They begin when the new moon appears, which can rise anywhere in between the 21st January-20th February, and ends on the 15th February. The celebrations will usually come to a close with the lantern festival, marking the full moon.

What are its origins?

According to the BBC, the Chinese New Year was thought to originate from the Shang dynasty and is surrounded by legend. This legend talks about a monster called Nian (‘Year)’, who attacked the villagers whenever the new year started. Since Nian was frightened of the colour red, loud noises and anything that was bright, the villagers used this to scare Nian away. This is why the celebrations include fireworks, dancing and lots of red!

How to celebrate it

If you want to participate and celebrate Chinese New Year, have a read through the suggestions below to help you get all festive!

Decorate your home with red decorations

In China, the colour red signifies good luck and is believed to frighten spirits of bad fortune. People’s houses are usually decorated with red lanterns, couplets, paper cuttings and New Year’s paintings. This is usually done on Chinese New Year’s Eve and is thought to give you blessing, longevity, health and peace.

Wear red clothing

As mentioned, red is a colour of good luck in China. Chinese people usually wear red to celebrate ringing in the new year. You’ll also find many people wearing traditional Chinese clothing such as the qipao or the Tangzhuang.

Have a feast with your family

Since families usually come together to have a feast, have a meal with your family members and enjoy quality time together!

Give out red envelopes

Red envelopes are usually known as ‘lucky money’ and are given to children during dinner. By giving out these red envelopes, you’re wishing them good health, growth and luck in their studies!

Attend a festival

To get into the festive spirit, why not go to a Chinese New Year festival? This is a great way for you to see what the festivities are like and to learn more about Chinese culture. If you’re in the Hampshire area, have a read through the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Southampton, which you can find in our ‘What’s On’ section!

This is everything you need to know about Chinese New Year and a few of the ways to celebrate it! For advice, help or for any enquiries, have a browse through the activity directory on our website here. Alternatively, you can also have a chat with our event experts.

Happy Chinese New Year!