Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year History

The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, celebrates the start of a new year according to the traditional lunar calendar, it embraces reunion, renewal, and prosperity. Significant traditions include family gatherings, feasting on symbolic food, giving red envelopes, and participating in dance parades and firework displays. These traditions serve as ceremonies to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new through connecting generations, acknowledging heritage, and fostering a sense of community.

Chinese New Year traces back to the Shang Dynasty (1766 BC - 1122 BC), with its elements deeply embedded in China's longstanding cultural and historical context. Over the years, this celebration has found its place globally, with Chinese communities in different parts of the world, including New Zealand, embracing and keeping these traditions alive. For New Zealanders, understanding the symbolism and significance of Chinese New Year provides a deeper insight into Chinese culture. It also fosters multicultural awareness and mutual respect within New Zealand's diverse society.

In New Zealand, Chinese New Year is recognised and celebrated with much enthusiasm across urban centres, particularly in cities with significant Chinese populations like Auckland and Wellington. Events typically include vibrant parades featuring lion and dragon dances, Chinese lantern festivals, and various cultural performances. Many businesses take part in the festivities, offering Chinese New Year specials and displaying traditional decorations. The Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year based on the lunar calendar but usually takes place between January 21 and February 20.

Facts about Chinese New Year

• Chinese New Year in 2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. In 2023 it was the Year of the Rabbit, and in 2022 it was the Year of the Tiger.
• The names of the Chinese calendar are repeated every 60 years.
• I wish you happiness that comes from within, the best of luck to keep you pushing and peace in all days of the New Year - Gong Xi Fa Cai, Popular New Year song
• Red decorations (such as lanterns, banners, and red envelopes called hongbao) can be seen throughout communities and Chinese shops during this time. Symbols of luck, such as the Chinese character for "fortune" (福) are also commonly displayed.
• One of the most prominent Chinese New Year events in New Zealand, the Auckland Lantern Festival is held annually at the end of the Chinese New Year period.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Chinese New Year

Top things to do in NZ for Chinese New Year

• Clean your house. It is customary for Chinese to clean their homes in preparation for the New Year and the fresh start.
• Get together with friends and create a long dragon on sticks. One person gets to create the head, and the others can create the long flowy tail. Remember to use bright colors.
• Prepare a traditional Chinese meal such as Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings): These delicious dumplings have a centuries-old significance during Chinese New Year, symbolising wealth and prosperity.
• Attend Auckland Lantern Festival: Held in Auckland's Domain (Auckland War Memorial Museum), this is one of New Zealand's most popular and largest Chinese festivals.