The date of Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, changes each year, but still always falls in January or February.
This year it begins on 1st February 2022. Originally celebrated in Asia and also referred to as Chinese Chunjie (春節), Vietnamese Tet, Korean Solnal, Tibetan Losar, and the Spring Festival, this celebration has been gaining popularity all over the world in recent years.
According to legends, there was a monstrous creature named Nian (年). Once a year, it would come out of the forest at night and devour entire villages. The steps of protection against Nian during New Year’s Eve transformed into the Spring Festival celebration.
This year is the Year of the Tiger. Tigers are the third of the Chinese zodiacs. The qualities associated with the tiger are competitive, self-confident, brave, willpower and strength.
In China, there will often be a week long public holiday, people taking seven days off work, from January 31st January to February 6th this year, to celebrate fully. Although celebrations will typically last 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve (January 31st) until February 15th. The final day of the celebrations is marked by the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao元宵). Many people celebrate this festival by letting paper lanterns off into the sky.
Each year on the Chinese calendar is linked to one of 12 zodiac animals, each with their own specific characteristics.
This is similar to how each month of the Gregorian calendar is often linked to a zodiac in other countries.
The twelve animals are:
The animals are assigned in cycles of twelve years, so 2022 is the Year of the Tiger, and so was 2010, 1998, and so on.
The cycle is based on an old folk tale called the Great Race. All twelve animals take part in a race to reach the Jade Emperor. The order they completed the race is the order in which the years are named. The Rat won out against the bigger animals by catching a ride on the back of the ox and then jumping off its back at the last minute.
This means the Ox, who had been due to win the race, had to settle for second place and the others fill in the places behind, with the Pig coming last.
We are currently on the third Chinese zodiac animal, the Tiger, which last fell in 2010, 1986, 1974, 1962, and so on.
Next year, you can see it will be the Year of the Rabbit, then the Dragon, and so on throughout the cycle.
Which Chinese zodiac sign are you?
Rat: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972
Ox: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973
Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
What does the Chinese zodiac sign mean?
In Chinese astrology, each of the 12 animal zodiac signs have unique characteristics:
Rat: Intelligence, adaptability, quick-wit, charm, artistry, gregariousness
Ox: Loyalty, reliability, thoroughness, strength, reasonability, steadiness, determination
Tiger: Enthusiasm, courage, ambition, leadership, confidence, charisma
Rabbit: Trustworthiness, empathy, modesty, diplomacy, sincerity, sociability
Dragon: Luckiness, flexibility, eccentricity, imagination, artistry, spirituality, charisma
Snake: Philosophical, organised, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive
Horse: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong
Sheep: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm
Monkey: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart
Rooster: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident
Dog: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart
Pig: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable
Popular Chinese New Year Greetings
Here is a handy guide to the most essential Chinese New Year phrases:
1. 新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (xīn nián kuài lè) “Happy New Year!”
In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen kweye-luh/
In Cantonese: /san nin fai lok/
2. 新年好 / 新年好 (Xīn nián hǎo) “New Year goodness!”
In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen haoww/
In Cantonese: /sen-nin haow/
3. 恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái) “Happiness and prosperity!”
In Mandarin: /gong-sshee faa-tseye/
In Cantonese: Kunghei fatchoy /gong-hey faa-chwhy/
4. 步步高升 / 步步高陞 (Bùbù gāoshēng) “A steady rise to high places!” / “on the up and up”
In Mandarin: /boo-boo gaoww-shnng /
In Cantonese: /boh-boh goh-sshin
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