Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year History

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the reunion of families, paying respects to ancestors, and welcoming in the new year with joy and prosperity. This festival is marked by various customs and rituals including the preparation of a reunion dinner, the giving of red envelopes known as 'hongbao' filled with money for good luck, and spectacular firework displays to ward off evil spirits.

The Chinese New Year's importance dates back to ancient China, with historical evidence suggesting it began as early as the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago, where it was celebrated to honour deities and ancestors. For the British-Chinese population and those in the UK intrigued by the rich culturally diverse celebration, the Chinese New Year provides a culturally thrilling experience. The practice of gifting 'hongbao', or red envelopes, has even reached British shores, not only within Chinese communities but among those wishing to celebrate or learn more about Chinese traditions and customs.

In the United Kingdom, Chinese New Year is celebrated with festive vigour, especially in cities with significant Chinese communities like London, Manchester, and Liverpool. Events include dragon and lion dances, colourful parades, music and dance performances, and lantern festivals. Authentic Chinese food is also a significant part of these celebrations. The Chinese New Year does not have a fixed date, and in the UK it is observed based on the lunar calendar, similar to China, usually falling between January 21 and February 20. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, which adds an exciting dimension to the celebrations.

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
• Manchester also has one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in the United Kingdom, and its Chinatown dates back over a century. Manchester stages some of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of London, with colorful parades, fireworks, lion dances, and traditional music performances.
• Red is the dominant colour in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolising good luck, happiness, and prosperity. It is also believed that red wards off evil spirits, so you will often see homes, businesses, and streets decorated with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and banners.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Chinese New Year

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Watch a film about the Chinese New Year:
  A Bite of China: Celebrating the Chinese New Year - This documentary explores the customs around the Chinese New Year holiday, as seen through the eyes of immigrants and their families living in Great Britain.
• Attend Trafalgar Square Celebrations, London: This free event features Chinese New Year highlights including the traditional Dragon and Lion dances and stage performances by music bands, Peking Opera, and Kung Fu troupes.