The Chinese New Year takes place this Tuesday, February 1, 2022. A year placed under the aegis of the Water Tiger. Find out when this thousand-year-old custom dates back to and what traditions are linked to this event.
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, takes place Tuesday, February 1, 2022. This traditional celebration, which dates back more than 4,000 years, will mark the start of theyear of the water tiger, which follows that of the Metal Ox, started on February 12, 2021. The date varies every year because it is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar : the first day of the year must be on the second new moon after the winter solstice, before the lunar phase of vernal equinox.
What is the sign associated with the Chinese New Year in 2022?
According to Chinese astrology, 2022 will be the year of the Water Tiger. An independent animal, the Tiger is more moderate when under the Water element. He sometimes lacks self-confidence, but that does not prevent him from having courage. He is sensitive and wise, but also very intuitive. He does not act in a hurry, which allows him to act with prudence and creativity. On the family side, he is very warm and attentive.
What are the Chinese New Year traditions?
If you are lucky enough to travel to a country (or neighborhood) celebrating the Chinese New Year, you will never forget this unique experience. In order to celebrate the event with dignity, houses and buildings are adorned with red decorations. During the New Year’s Eve dinner, multiple dishes, with very specific meanings, follow one another. At the end of the meal, the guests exchange red envelopes. They can contain money or congratulatory messages. No Chinese New Year without firecrackers and fireworks! For hundreds of years, they have accompanied the transition to the new year. In the streets, one can also witness the dragon and lion dance and savor traditional snacks.
The Chinese New Year Parade
Generally in Paris, the procession that celebrates the Chinese New Year takes place in the 13and borough : it starts from avenue d’Ivry, then passes through avenue de Choisy, place d’Italie, avenue d’Italie, rue de Tolbiac, before returning to avenue d’Ivry after a detour via boulevard Masséna. The opportunity for children (and their parents) to attend an enchanting show, punctuated by the dance of the dragons.