In 2023, the Chinese New Year is placed under the sign of the Rabbit. Origin, history, traditions… Here’s how to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
In 2023, the Chinese New Year began on Sunday January 22, under the sign of the water hare or the rabbit, which therefore follows the year of the Water Tiger. A new year that portends good things according to the meaning of the fourth animal of the Chinese zodiac. The festivities last 15 days until the Lantern Festival. In 2024, the Chinese New Year will be the year of the dragon!
The Chinese New Year started on Sunday January 22, 2023 and lasts for 15 days. In 2024, the Chinese New Year will be held on Saturday February 10, 2024 and it will be the year of the Dragon, under the element of Wood.
Why is the Chinese New Year delayed this year?
Chinese New Year date varies every year because it is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The first day of the Chinese year therefore corresponds to this date, it usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, before the lunar phase of vernal equinox. In general, it falls between January 20 and February 21.
Why does the Chinese New Year last 15 days?
Following the tradition, the Chinese New Year begins during the winter solstice on the second new Moon and ends fifteen days later, until the first full Moon of the year, which falls on the day of the Lantern Festival. During this fortnight, many events are organized in honor of the deities but also to get rid of the negative things that have taken place during the past year, in order to start a new balanced, lucky or even providential year. You should also know thatin China, the Chinese New Year is a holidaythe longest of the year.
When the Chinese New Year takes place, it is common to wish loved ones a Happy New Year. For this, you can simply say “happy new year” to them and accompany it with wishes, wishing them luck, success and health for the new year.
What is the Chinese New Year animal in 2023?
According to Chinese astrology, 2023 will be the year of the Rabbit (or water hare), associated with the water element. In Chinese astrology, the new year is each time placed under a specific sign (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Rooster, Dog or Pig) which is itself associated with an element (Fire, Water, Earth , Metal, Wood). In 2024, the rabbit will give way to the dragon.
What does the Chinese zodiac sign of the Water Rabbit represent?
In Chinese culture, the sign of the Rabbit is linked to longevity, peace and success. It is associated with the element of water which symbolizes its ability to adapt and wealth. A cautious and sensitive animal, supposed to bring harmony. The rabbit is generally an auspicious sign. He is certainly the most sensitive of the Chinese zodiac signs, he is particularly vigilant, a bit clumsy but that does not prevent him from being skilful in all circumstances. He is also very intuitive and creative thanks to his sensitivity. As a result, 2023 placed under the sign of the Water Rabbit promises to be a year of hope and victories.
What are the Chinese New Year traditions?
If you are lucky enough to visit a country or a neighborhood in a city celebrating the Chinese New Year, you will observe many traditions. In order to celebrate the event with dignity, the houses and buildings are adorned with red decorations. During the Chinese New Year dinner, multiple chinese dishes, with very precise meanings, follow one another. At the end of the meal, the guests usually exchange red envelopes. They can contain money or congratulatory messages. The finishing touch: no Chinese New Year without firecrackers and fireworks ! In the streets, one can also witness the dragon and lion dance and savor traditional snacks. After fifteen days of celebrations, on the last day, custom dictates that we celebrate the lantern festival.
Our manual activities around the Chinese New Year
To occupy the children and make them participate in the preparation of the Chinese New Year, Hugo the snail offers you manual activities to be carried out as well as Chinese New Year themed coloring pages. A dragon to make with rolls of toilet paper, dragon heads to cut out, Chinese New Year calendars to print or even a lantern making workshop… Find all our DIY ideas for young and old :
Chinese New Year Parade in Paris in the 13th: date and program
After two years of absence caused by the pandemic, the famous capital chinese new year parade, in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, is back! The event takes place this year on Sunday January 29, 2023 in Paris’ Chinatown, near Avenue de Choisy, Ivry and Porte de Choisy. The parade will start around 1 p.m. but it is strongly recommended to come early. In the program of the Paris parade: music, costumes and colorful parades with dancers in traditional costumes, carrying the majestic paper dragons while doing the dragon dance. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes luck and power.
How to dress for Chinese New Year?
If you want celebrate chinese new year with family following tradition, you can don red traditional outfits. This hue that is noticeable in the distance is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. For the Chinese New Year, women usually wear tunics or chinese dresses mandarin collar, made in brocade (a fabric recognizable by embroidered designs). The men also wear a short red tunic with long sleeves which they put over black trousers. These outfits are also designed for children.
Our decoration tips for the Chinese New Year
Decorating your home and its interior is part of the Chinese New Year customs. Here are all our decoration tips :
What do we eat for Chinese New Year?
Another activity to do for Chinese New Year is in the kitchen! The Chinese New Year meal is also called “spring banquet” and is most often shared with family. What is on the menu is never chosen at random because the dishes must bring happiness and prosperity for the whole year to those who taste them. This is also why the dishes are generous!
On the tables, we almost necessarily find Fish, for what comes from the sea is considered a sign of abundance in China. Noodles, symbols of longevity, accompany the main course. It is not uncommon forChinese fondue is prepared, allowing meat, vegetables and fish to be cooked. Sometimes we also find a meat dish, such as Peking duck or pork with caramel. Jiaozi ravioli, imperial rolls are also served on the side. Finally, for dessert, fruits are very present because many of them have a symbolic value and all represent health, happiness and prosperity. Clementines have pride of place, as they are synonymous with happy events in Chinese tradition. Cakes also hold an important place, such as “fortune cookies” and nougats, but on the Nian gao. It’s about traditional chinese new year cake and it is made from sticky rice and red bean paste. Obviously, all this represents a gargantuan meal, but it is a way to celebrate the new year in style and each dish is only tasted in small quantities by each guest. In addition, leftovers are highly regarded as they would ensure success in the coming year.
The Lantern Festival, which also bears the name “Little New Year”, closes the Chinese New Year festivities. It takes place on Sunday February 5, 2023. During this party, the Chinese meet with family or friends to eat yuanxiao, stuffed rice balls, served in a soup whose rounded shape symbolizes the reunited family. In the evening they go out into the street with lanterns in their hands to watch the moon, admire the fireworks, and play riddles written on the lanterns. During the day, are also organized different dances and marches on stilts. This custom dates back to the time of Emperor Qin Shihuang, who unified China around 3 centuries BC. The lantern riddles appeared later during the Song dynasty (960-1279).
Why do we celebrate Chinese New Year?
In Chinese culture, the Chinese New Year is linked to the rhythm of the seasons. Historically, it was an agricultural festival that allowed farmers to welcome the new season, spring after winter, and to express their wishes for the success of their crops. Since, Chinese New Year is always celebrated to mark the beginning of the new year.
What is another name for Chinese New Year?
In China, the Chinese New Year is also called “Spring Festival” Where “Lunar New Year”.