Celebrating Chinese New Year

Today is the start of Chinese New Year, which happens to fall on Valentine’s Day this year. The tradition follows the lunar calendar, so it takes place on a different day each year, either in January or February.

And, unlike in the West, where New Year’s typically revolves around a night of partying followed by a day (or two) of recovery, Chinese New Year lasts 15 days, with specific activities for each day (however, in China, most people are back to work after the first week).

Typically, houses are cleaned top to bottom to “sweep away” bad luck. Doors and windows are decorated with red paper cutouts (red is considered auspicious). The first night revolves around a feast with family, followed by the tradition of setting off firecrackers. In northern China, families usually have jiaozi, or dumplings, around midnight, while in southern China they make a cake called niangao. In the morning, parents give their children money in red envelopes for good luck.

For those who practice Buddhism or Taoism, this is a time to clean home altars and visit temples to light the first incense of the year and pray for prosperity. In other parts of the world, from Canada to the U.K. to Australia, Chinese New Year is celebrated with parades, dragon boat races, lion dances and other festivities. But if you happen to be traveling in China during this time, keep in mind that many restaurants and shops shut down.

This is the Year of the Tiger, one of 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. The third sign in the cycle, it’s a symbol of passion, bravery and power. Here’s wishing you luck, happiness and prosperity this coming year.

Photo Credit: p_a_h @ Flickr