Today is the Chinese New Year: traditions and prohibitions
10 February 2024 20:13
Today, February 10, China celebrates the New Year. The New Year’s festival lasts 15 days – until the full moon. tells about interesting traditions and prohibitions of the holiday.
In modern China, the New Year is celebrated twice a year: together with the whole world (on the night of January 1) and according to the Eastern calendar.
When is Chinese New Year 2024
The main difference between the Chinese New Year is the absence of a fixed celebration date. Every year it is appointed on a different day. And all because the first day of the New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice (after December 21). That is, according to the Gregorian calendar, it can be any date from January 21 to February 21.
The winter solstice of 2023 was December 22. And therefore, the second new moon after this date falls on February 10, 2024. It is on this date that China will celebrate the New Year according to the Eastern calendar.
New Year 2024: what a symbol
Each year in China has a combination of elements and a patron that repeats itself once every 60 years. It is one of the 12 zodiac animals of a certain color and one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, Water).
The New Year 2024 will pass under the symbol of the Green Wooden Dragon, the only mythological animal in the entire zodiac circle, and a symbol of spirituality and wisdom in China.
Celebration traditions
It is believed that if you follow New Year’s traditions, you can attract well-being, abundance and harmony into your life. The Chinese themselves are quite serious about traditions and believe in omens. Some Chinese New Year traditions are no different from ours: for example, before the New Year you need to pay off all debts and make peace with your enemies.
On the eve of the New Year, the whole Chinese family gathers at the festive table. There is a lot to cover it, usually favorite dishes of all family members are prepared, but traditionally meat and fish dishes, jiaozi (dumplings) should stand on it. The latter are a symbol of one of the most important New Year’s wishes – the birth of sons.
At the same time, even those family members who live or study in another city must come to the festive dinner. The celebration ends with festive fireworks, which, according to tradition, should scare away evil spirits and bring happiness.
The next day, early in the morning, children greet their parents, wish them happiness and health in the New Year, and in return receive red envelopes, hongbao, with money.
After that, they go to greet their relatives. Usually, the first five days of the year are dedicated to this, because the Chinese have quite large families.
It is customary to give gifts of paired items, which are a symbol of family harmony and unity. Two tangerines are considered special symbols of financial well-being here, so they are always brought to guests, and then they receive the same two as a gift.
Rules and superstitions
Believers and supporters of the celebration carefully follow the traditions. On the first day of the New Year, haircuts and washing are not allowed, as this can wash away wealth and success. Buying shoes is also considered unlucky, as it is associated with “loss” and “sighing”.
Instead, it is considered a duty to wear red clothes, symbolizing luck and prosperity. Such beliefs and superstitions are deeply rooted in the culture of celebrating this special day.
