Chinese New Year takes place in February. A traditional festival which celebrates Chinese traditions for two weeks. Here is the sign of the year 2024, and all the information you need to know about this event.
In a few weeks, Chinese communities around the world will celebrate a very special event: the Chinese New Yearalso called “Spring Festival” Or “Lunar New Year”. After a year 2023 under the sign of the rabbit or water hare, a new animal will be in the spotlight. The festivities last fifteen days in total until the Lantern Festival. The opportunity for families to spend many moments together, while respecting certain traditions.
This year, Chinese New Year begins on Saturday February 10, 2024 and ends two weeks later with the Lantern Festival, Saturday February 24, 2024.
What is the Chinese New Year animal in 2024?
According to Chinese astrology, 2024 will be the year of the Dragon, associated with the element of Wood. 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 Chinese culture, the sign of the Dragon is linked to power and success. It is associated with the element of wood which symbolizes growth and vitality. The dragon is generally an auspicious sign. As a result, 2024 generally looks like a rich and prosperous year.
Why do we celebrate Chinese New Year?
In Chinese culture, Chinese New Year is linked to the rhythm of the seasons. Historically, it was an agricultural festival which allowed farmers to welcome the new season, spring after winter, and to express their wishes for the success of their harvests. From, Chinese New Year is always celebrated to mark the start of the new year.
Why does Chinese New Year last 15 days?
Following the tradition, Chinese New Year begins on 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 Lantern Festival. During this fortnight, many events are organized in honor of the deities but also to get rid of the negative things that took place during the past year, in order to start a new year that is balanced, lucky and even providential. You should also know thatin China, Chinese New Year is a holiday periodthe longest of the year.
What are the traditions of Chinese New Year?
If you are lucky enough to travel to a country or neighborhood in a city celebrating Chinese New Year, you will observe many traditions. In order to celebrate the event with dignity, 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, guests usually exchange red envelopes. They may contain money or congratulatory messages. The final touch: no Chinese New Year without firecrackers and fireworks ! In the streets, you can also witness the dragon and lion dance and enjoy traditional snacks. After fifteen days of celebrations, on the last day, the custom is to celebrate the lantern festival.
Our manual activities around Chinese New Year
To keep children busy and get them involved in preparing for 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 toilet paper rolls, 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 :
Our decorating tips for Chinese New Year
Decorating your house and its interior is part of the customs of Chinese New Year. Here are all our decorating tips :
What do we eat for Chinese New Year?
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. On the tables, we almost necessarily find Fish, because 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 fora Chinese fondue is prepared. Sometimes, there is also a meat dish, like Peking duck or caramel pork. Jiaozi ravioli, imperial rolls are also served on the side.
For dessert, fruits are very present because many of them have symbolic value and all represent health, happiness and prosperity. Clementines have pride of place, because they are synonymous with happy events in Chinese tradition. Cakes also hold an important place, like “fortune cookies” and nougatsbut on the Nian gao, a traditional cake. If there are leftovers, it is welcome because they would ensure success in the year to come.
The Lantern Festival, which also goes by the name “Little New Year”, ends the Chinese New Year festivities. It takes place this year Saturday February 24, 2024. During this celebration, 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 walks 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).