Chinese New Year falls on February 12 this year, and it is an important holiday that is celebrated by more than 20% of the world. This includes not only those from Chinese culture, but also Korean, Vietnamese, Burmese and Mongolian cultures too, just to name a few! Here are some fun facts you may not know about the holiday traditions and celebrations:
- It is the longest Chinese holiday
Celebrations start on New Year’s Eve and then the festival portion begins, which lasts 15 days!
- There is no showering allowed
Showering isn’t allowed New Year’s Day. This is to make sure you don’t wash away the good luck.
- Children receive lucky money in red envelopes
In many cultures, children receive gifts for holidays, but Chinese children receive gifts and more commonly, red envelopes with money. This money is supposed to help transfer fortune from the elders to the kids. They can also be given between bosses and employees, co-workers, and friends.
- Everything gets decorated in red
Families will deck their homes in this color, hanging red lanterns, strings of chili peppers, pasting red paper onto doors and windows, and more. New clothes are also believed to bring good luck, and many will add new red clothing to their wardrobe.
- Every year has a zodiac animal
Western horoscopes include 12 zodiacs, one for each month. There are 12 Chinese zodiacs as well, but the animal is for the entire year. 2021 is the Year of the Ox.
- Chinese New Year is celebrated all around the world
One out of every 5 people in the world is Chinese, and millions more are of Chinese descent. Outside of Asia, London, England, San Francisco, California, and Sydney, Australia are also known to have large Chinese New Year celebrations.
Want to learn more? Check out this article: 21 Things You Didn’t Know About Chinese New Year.
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