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Toronto Seasonal Guides -
New Year
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All About Chinese New Year
February 14, 2010 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Not sure what Chinese New Year is exactly? Here’s the scoop on the most important holiday of the year for Chinese families.
The Chinese year 4708 officially begins on February 14, 2010. Last year the festivities began on January 26th and next year everything begins on February 3rd. The date of Chinese New Year changes every year because it is dependant on the Chinese calendar. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon-- which has a shorter cycle than the sun--Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but typically falls somewhere between January 21st and February 20th. The lunar calendar can be complicated to understand even though it is the most widely used calendar system in the entire world. Months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. Emperor Huangdi invented the calendar in the year 2637 B.C.E.
New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is at its brightest. Typically it is celebrated after the fall harvest and before the spring planting season. Chinese New Year is really more than a holiday… it is away of life. For example in China most people may take their holidays in preparation of the celebration. The holiday is generally celebrated with large family gatherings, the eating of symbolic foods, gift giving and tons of festive decorations. Of course all of these aspects are focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring season.
Preparations for the Chinese New Year include: cleaning and decorating the house, getting a haircut, buying new cloths, decorating with the colour red everywhere. Once New Year’s Eve comes it is time for families with a massive family dinner, much like Thanksgiving dinner. After dinner it’s time for red packages and fireworks! Traditionally red packages or envelopes symbolize luck and fireworks are the sign of getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.
It's The Year of the Tiger!
The lunar calendar is represented by twelve animals. Each year is represented by one animal. This year is the year of the tiger. The 12 animals in order are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
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