Like the Western New Year, the Chinese Lunar New Year is one of the most important events in the Asian calendar, if not the most important. Each year, its date varies in the Gregorian calendar. However, the Lunar New Year is always celebrated between January 21 and February 20, on the second new moon since the winter solstice.
Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year was originally an agricultural festival, allowing peasants to observe the rhythm of the seasons and see the arrival of the long-awaited spring.
The origins of the Lunar New Year also refer to Nian, a monster who, according to legend, attacked and devoured villagers on New Year's Eve. According to legend, one evening, the Nian was frightened by the color red. Since then, the Chinese have taken to decorating their homes at this time by hanging strips of red paper from their doors and windows. They also light torches and set off firecrackers to scare off the Nian.
In China, there are many celebrations around this festival. They begin on New Year's Eve. On this day, the Chinese gather as a family and cook traditional dishes, using ingredients with very special meanings. For example, there's always fish on the table, for abundance, but also ravioli, symbolizing family reunion and happiness, or noodles, referring to longevity. It's also customary to eat glutinous rice cakes (Niangao), signs of prosperity for the coming year.
Traditions continue after dinner, when the youngest members of the family present their best wishes. For their part, the adults offer them hong-bao, red envelopes containing a small amount of money. At midnight, it's time for the famous firecrackers.
The New Year celebrations continue on the following days. On the third day of the New Year, in the morning, the house is hushed so as not to disturb any mice that may be living there. The family even drops them some food. The end of the Lunar New Year celebrations is marked by the famous Lantern Festival, featuring the impressive Dragon Dance.
Each new year of the calendar is represented by an animal and its element. In all, there are 12 animals, referring to the twelve-year cycle of Chinese astrology. In 2024, the Lunar New Year begins on February 10 for 15 days, and the Water Rabbit gives way to the Wooden Dragon!
Chinese New Year - Lunar New Year 2024 in Paris and Ile-de-France, the program
The Chinese, Vietnamese (Tet), Korean, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino New Year, more commonly known as the Lunar New Year, falls this year on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Looking for a great way to mark the occasion? Discover the best ideas for celebrating the Year of the Wooden Dragon, with parades, entertainment and good restaurants. [Read more]
Chinese New Year - Lunar New Year 2024 in Paris and Ile-de-France, the program
