February 17th, 2026

Chinese New Year

Welcome to Chinese New Year, a time when fireworks light up the sky and dragons dance in the streets! It's a festival of family reunions, vibrant parades, and delicious dumplings. Each year is ruled by a zodiac animal, so maybe it's your lucky year! Homes are decorated in red for good fortune, and there's a whole lot of cleaning to sweep away the bad vibes of the past. With traditions like giving red envelopes filled with money, it’s a celebration that's as rich in culture as it is in joy. So get ready to feast, laugh, and embrace the new beginnings!

Written by: Carlos Hernandez Carlos Hernandez - (updated: January 28th, 2025 at 9:00AM)

Chinese New Year, also widely recognized as the Spring Festival, is a vibrant and joyous celebration that ushers in the new year according to the traditional Chinese calendar. This 15-day festival typically occurs between January 21st and February 20th, with the precise dates shifting annually based on the lunar calendar.ChineseNewYear

The origins of this grand celebration are steeped in ancient history and mythology. According to legend, a mythical creature known as Nian would emerge each New Year's Eve to wreak havoc on villages. To fend off this beast, villagers used loud noises, bright lights, and red decorations. These protective measures have evolved over centuries into the colorful and festive traditions that define Chinese New Year today.

Preparations and Traditions

As the lunar new year draws near, families embark on a flurry of preparations. Homes are meticulously cleaned to sweep away bad fortune, and adorned with auspicious symbols that herald good luck. New clothing is purchased to signify a fresh start. A quintessential aspect of the celebration is the exchange of red envelopes, or hongbao, which are filled with money and symbolize wishes for prosperity and good luck.

Culinary traditions play a significant role in the festivities. Families gather to enjoy traditional dishes such as dumplings, which symbolize wealth, and fish, representing abundance. The air is filled with excitement as lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and parades weave through the streets, adding to the jubilant atmosphere.

The Significance of Red

The color red dominates the Chinese New Year festivities, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and energy. From decorations to clothing, the vibrant hue is believed to repel evil spirits and attract positive fortune. Red envelopes, in particular, are a cherished tradition, embodying the spirit of giving and receiving blessings.

Zodiac Animals and Astrology

Each year in Chinese culture is represented by an animal from the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. These animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each zodiac animal is thought to influence the characteristics and destiny of individuals born in its year, adding a personal dimension to the new year's celebrations.

As families prepare to welcome the new year, they often adorn their homes with auspicious symbols such as the Chinese character for "good fortune" () and couplets. These decorations are believed to attract positive energy and blessings.

New Year's Eve and the Reunion Dinner

New Year's Eve is marked by a grand reunion dinner—a cornerstone of the celebration. Families gather to share a lavish meal and exchange gifts, creating cherished memories of togetherness. This tradition underscores the importance of family bonds as loved ones unite to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.

As midnight approaches, the sky is illuminated by spectacular fireworks displays. Lion and dragon dances, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals, enliven the night, setting the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

The festival culminates with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day, where lanterns of all shapes and sizes light up the night sky, symbolizing the end of the celebrations and the hope for a bright future.

A Global Celebration

Chinese New Year is not confined to China alone; it is celebrated in many other countries with significant Chinese communities, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Indonesia. The festival has also captured the imagination of people worldwide, with cities from Sydney to San Francisco hosting their own festive events in Chinatowns and cultural institutions.

The universal appeal of Chinese New Year lies in its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, uniting people in a shared celebration of hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is a vibrant and joyous festival steeped in rich history and cultural significance. Its traditions and celebrations continue to captivate people globally, offering a moment to reflect on the past and embrace the future with optimism and joy.

Updated on January 28th, 2025 by Carlos Hernandez:

As the world prepares to usher in the Year of the Snake, Apple has released its annual Chinese New Year "Shot on iPhone" film, titled "I Made a Mixtape for You". This 90's-inspired short film is a nostalgic tribute to the art of mixtape-making, and marks the beginning of the lunar new year on January 29.

In related news, brands and designers are also getting into the festive spirit, with Dover Street Market and VERDY teaming up to release a limited-edition Chinese New Year T-shirt. Meanwhile, Hypebeast has rounded up a selection of the best red packets for the Year of the Snake, featuring luxurious takes on the traditional envelopes from top brands.

These celebrations and collaborations serve as a reminder of the joy and spirit of the Chinese New Year, and the many ways in which it brings people together across cultures and borders.

Recipe for Chinese New Year

As the Chinese New Year festivities unfold, the sweet aroma of Fortune Cookies wafts through the air, carrying with it the promise of good luck and prosperity. Inspired by the traditional red envelopes filled with money, these crunchy cookies are filled with a sweet and tangy lychee and rambutan filling, symbolizing the abundance and joy of the new year. Share them with loved ones and spread the festive cheer!



Nutrition Facts
Calories120 calories
Total Fat6g
Total Carbohydrate20g
Protein2g

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Method: Baking

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 12-15 cookies

Suitable For Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

FirstdayofPassover recipe

Materials

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, egg, and water to the dry ingredients, whisking until a dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten each ball into a thin circle.
  5. Place a small spoonful of the lychee and rambutan filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal.
  6. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
  7. Brush the tops with a little water and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Timeline
1046
Song Dynasty Celebrations
Chinese New Year celebrations spread throughout China during the Song Dynasty, solidifying its importance in Chinese culture.
1368
Ming Dynasty Revival
The Ming Dynasty revived the celebrations, adding new customs like lion dances and dragon performances.
1644
Qing Dynasty Adaptations
The Qing Dynasty introduced new traditions, such as the use of fireworks to scare away evil spirits.
1912
Republic of China Celebrations
The Republic of China established Chinese New Year as a national holiday, promoting unity among Chinese citizens.
1996
Global Celebrations
Chinese New Year celebrations spread globally, with parades and festivities held in cities around the world.
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Quiz

What is the primary purpose of the Chinese New Year parade?

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FAQ
What is the significance of Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. It is a time for families to reunite, exchange gifts, and celebrate with traditional foods and festivities.
How is Chinese New Year celebrated?
Chinese New Year is celebrated with lion dances, dragon dances, fireworks, and family gatherings. It is customary to wear new clothes, give red envelopes with money, and decorate homes with festive decorations.
What are traditional Chinese New Year foods?
Traditional Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, niangao (sticky rice cake), and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). These dishes symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and abundance.
What are the Chinese New Year animals?
The Chinese New Year animals are part of the 12-year zodiac cycle, with each year represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
Some Chinese New Year traditions include cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck, giving and receiving red envelopes with money, and visiting temples to pray for good fortune and health.
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