When does the year begin according to the Chinese calendar? When does Chinese New Year start? New Year celebration traditions

Coming Chinese New 2017 Year of the Rooster, differs from ours, if only in that for the Chinese, any event in life is permeated with a spirit - evil or good, but always alive. This means that he should either be appeased or driven away if he came with bad intentions, or treated and honored if his arrival will bring good to the family.

The Chinese live according to the lunisolar (Chinese) calendar, so their chronology does not coincide with what we are used to. For example, in 2016, residents of the Celestial Empire celebrated the advent of the 4714 New Year of the Monkey, which took place on February 8.

In 2017, Chinese New Year begins on January 28th.

It is not for nothing that this event is otherwise called the Spring Festival, because for the Chinese this date symbolizes the beginning of sowing (often several ears of rice are inserted into the buttonhole of outerwear as a symbol of the abundance of the harvest). In honor of this event, all Chinese gather at their hearth - in their parents' house. If someone is away, they definitely try to make it to the family table - this is the most persistent tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Celebrating New Year according to the Chinese calendar

Gifts are not common in China. However, after the first day of the Chinese New Year arrives, parents always give their children money in a red envelope with the hope of their material well-being. Greeting Cards also hard to find in China. But the color red hits the eyes from all possible places - red is the main color of the New Year. After all, he is so afraid of the evil spirit, whom the Chinese call New Year. It should also be driven away by the noise of fireworks and loud laughter. Houses are decorated with many red lanterns and scrolls with good wishes for one's family, protecting the home from evil spirits.

In honor of the New, the people of China will change old clothes new, they will clean the house (so that the favorable energy of the house circulates freely in it and does not stagnate), and prepare treats. Their favorite dish is dumplings, whose shape resembles a gold bar - a symbol of prosperity. Often houses are decorated with tangerines, always eight of them - a number symbolizing infinity.

When does Chinese New Year 2017 end?

Chinese or Oriental New Year is a grandiose event that lasted a whole month in the old days, but now with the modern busy lifestyle, Chinese residents cannot afford so many days off, and the holiday ends on the fifteenth day (in 2017 this date falls on February 11) with the huge Chinese Lantern Festival.

If traditional Ukrainian holidays weren’t enough for you, then you can celebrate the New Year again! By Chinese calendar. By the way, we will be celebrating not 2019, but 4717. What is different about the celebration and how to prepare to unforgettably celebrate the Year of the Yellow Earth Pig - read on.

When to celebrate

Of course, let's start with when this Chinese New Year is celebrated. The current celebration will begin February 5th and will continue until February 20th. New Year's Eve eastern calendar will come February 5 at 23:03 Kyiv time or 5:03 Beijing time. This time will be considered the beginning of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar. Previously, the celebration lasted a whole month (and they also say that Ukrainians rest a lot), but in modern world a month of holidays is too much, so holidays reduced somewhat. This year the festivities will last 15 days.

Chinese New Year 2019

Chinese New Year has a variable date as it depends on the lunar calendar. Therefore, the holiday falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21.

What does the holiday mean for the Chinese?

Like our ancestors, for the Chinese the New Year is associated with the beginning of spring. With the awakening of nature and the start of sowing. It is believed that on Chinese New Year, winter meets spring and a new countdown begins. Reminds us of our Candlemas, doesn’t it?

For the Asian world, New Year is family celebration. Family members come from different parts of the world to celebrate the beginning of the new year together. It is believed that at this time even the spirits of deceased relatives join the family circle.

During these two weeks, people visit and have lavish feasts. There is also enough time for fairs, masquerades, and open-air folk festivals!

There are many shows and masquerades held in China.

During Chinese New Year celebrations, people exchange gifts. What to give if you decide to celebrate? Traditionally, the Chinese exchange red envelopes containing money, coin beads and tangerines. But anything that symbolizes wealth will do. With this gift you wish the person well-being and prosperity next year.

How to celebrate

The celebration of the aromas of the East and fireworks begins! For what? It's very simple to scare away evil spirits from the harvest. Of course, in the modern world this is only a tradition, but the Chinese carefully observe it.

So don't forget to buy sparklers and incense sticks for the celebration. Or an aromatic lamp, if you’ve been dreaming about it for a long time - here’s a great opportunity. Choose aromatic oils that you like and enjoy the scent all evening. But we advise you to avoid firecrackers and fireworks. They are dangerous for you personally and have a very negative impact on people who have been in a combat zone. Sparklers are a great alternative!

Sparklers: cheap, beautiful and safe

On the last day, the Chinese traditionally light red lanterns. You can also launch a lantern into the sky in Ukraine. It is on this day that people put on a necklace of tangerines and have a family feast. All this can be repeated with us without any problems.

Festive lanterns for Chinese New Year

Prepare a necklace, invite family and friends, and to avoid standing at the stove, you can order food from a Chinese restaurant. There are now enough of them in all major cities of Ukraine. Just be careful with the exotic: don’t try everything at once, otherwise the digestive system may not be able to cope and the holiday will be ruined.

Chinese food is very tasty

There should be plenty on the table, since the Pig loves to eat well. You can prepare a variety of salads. Give preference to plant foods, fruits and vegetables; you can also serve baked goods and fish dishes.

What to wear

If you can “go crazy” with holiday dishes, then we advise you to take a responsible approach to your choice of clothes. The Chinese use clothing to appease the patron animal of the year.

Considering that a year goes by Yellow Earth Pig, wear yellow, green or brown clothing and accessories. A natural palette will be suitable, which will bring you closer to harmony with nature. Moreover, nude tones are in trend! But bright, overly sophisticated things are best left for another occasion.

The pig will appreciate your efforts

The table should be decorated in the same colors as the clothes: pastel colors, yellow, mustard.

You need to carefully prepare for the celebration of Chinese New Year

But most importantly - good mood and positive thoughts! We wish you a happy celebration.

In China, the New Year is celebrated twice: once according to the European calendar, and once according to the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year in 2019 will be celebrated according to lunar calendar. Traditionally, the date of the celebration is “floating”. It depends on the state of the moon, so every year the Chinese celebrate Chun Jie (Spring Festival) on different days.

This period is the most favorite for many residents of the Middle Kingdom, and they are looking forward to the celebration, which lasts for 15 days.

When does New Year start in China?

It is believed that a new period comes into its own on the second new moon after winter solstice, that is, after December 21 or 22. In 2019, the Chinese New Year begins on February 5th. On this day, a series of bright events and a period of national fun will begin.

For two weeks, the Chinese observe traditions and customs. Every day holiday calendar dedicated to something. On New Year's Day they give gifts to relatives and friends, visit each other, honor the memory of the deceased and release lanterns into the sky. For lovers of Chinese culture, this is the best time to visit the country. Cities are transformed, the streets are filled with festive bustle, and cultural events take place.

Since the start date of the celebrations is not hidden, it is not difficult to predict that the holiday will end on February 19, 2019. For information: in some areas the weekend lasts not 15 days, but only a week. At the end of the events, the hardworking people will begin work with renewed vigor.

Symbol of 2019

In the eastern horoscope, each year has its own symbol in the form of an animal. There are 12 of them in total: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each symbol is assigned the color of a natural element. He is changing too. There are 5 colors and elements:

white - metal;
blue - water;
green - tree;
red - fire;
land is indicated in yellow.

According to the Chinese calendar, the year 2019 has the symbol of the Yellow (Earth) Pig. According to legend, the Jade Emperor chose the most beautiful animals living on earth for the zodiac calendar. The pig arrived by accident: it became a replacement for the cat, who slept through the reception of the heavenly emperor due to the fact that the rat did not wake him up.

The pig is considered sociable, friendly, but at the same time pragmatic. Therefore, it is necessary to celebrate the holiday in the cheerful company of your closest friends and relatives.

Residents of the Celestial Empire expect success in business and in their personal lives from this year. The pig loves to dig in the ground, so 2019 will be favorable for people who are engaged in agriculture and work on the land. The pig will also favor those who decide to enter into a marriage.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year under this sign, you need to properly prepare. The color of the symbol is of great importance, so for a festive outfit it is recommended to choose clothes in yellow and brown shades. The gold color is suitable for both outfits and room decor. The pig loves acorns, so creating decorative compositions with them is encouraged.

The animal loves to eat, so New Year's table must be rich. Dishes made from vegetables, legumes, meat, poultry and fish are welcome.

Secrets of celebrating Chinese New Year according to Feng Shui

Today, there are more and more adherents of the Taoist practice of Feng Shui. This practice helps to organize space in such a way that the favorable energy of Qi works for the benefit of a person.

On the eve of the New Year, the Chinese people try to follow the main rules of Feng Shui so that good luck and happiness await them in the future.

Since the Chinese celebrate the holiday for more than two weeks, preparations for the celebration are carried out thoroughly. According to ancient practice, the first thing to do is to clear the house of junk and old unnecessary things. Before the celebrations, housewives carry out general cleaning. Every corner is washed, broken items and old unnecessary clothes are thrown away. Every person must put their thoughts in order, let go of problems and forgive old grievances.

It is important that there are clean windows in the house, because in the morning, with the sun's rays, Qi energy enters the room. She must enter the room without hindrance.

According to Feng Shui, it is necessary to correctly install the main decoration of the house - the Tree of Light. In China, this is an ordinary tree decorated with red lanterns, envelopes and ribbons. Depending on the wishes of the family, the implementation of which is planned for the coming year, a place for the tree in the house is selected:

the southeast side is responsible for attracting wealth to the house;
the eastern part - for peace and happiness in the family;
the southern side of the world - fame and recognition in society;
The Tree of Light, installed in the center of the room, promotes health and vitality;
the western part of the room is chosen for the tree by those who wish to add to the family;
the north side will help you advance your career and achieve success in business;
the northeastern part attracts energy that stimulates mental activity;
Travel lovers are recommended to install the Tree of Light in the northwestern part.

According to ancient practice, it is necessary to place figurines with the symbol of the coming year in the house. They are placed in that part of the room whose energy they want to attract into the house. It is important that at the end of the celebrations, you should not hide the mascot-figurines. It is advisable to treat them with care throughout the year.

Particular attention should be paid to gifts. They don't have to be expensive. You can give money, but it is advisable that the number of bills be equal to eight, since eight is an infinity sign.

In Russia, preparations for the New Year begin in mid-December. Both children and adults enjoy the holiday with its solemn atmosphere. In China, this celebration is celebrated twice a year - first with the whole world on January 1, and then according to the lunar calendar every year on different dates. Most residents will look forward to the Chinese New Year in 2019 with great anticipation, since Chun Jie (as the New Year is called in China) has a special meaning for the indigenous people of the country.

Date of celebration and symbol of the year

Every year the Chinese celebrate Spring Festival on different dates. The date is calculated according to the lunar calendar. So, when does Chinese New Year 2019 celebrations begin and end?

According to the Chinese calendar, 2019 will begin on February 5, when the main festivities will be held in the country (lasting 15 days until February 20). The Year of the Pig itself will last until January 25, until 2020 comes into power. The main celebration will begin on February 5th and end on February 6th.

Chun Jie symbolizes the arrival of spring, wealth, therefore they carefully prepare for it, and family and folk festivals last 15 days. During this period, many government institutions and private companies have 2 weeks off, and some - only a week.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2019 is the year of the Yellow (brown) Earth Pig. This animal is revered in the Middle Kingdom. It symbolizes family happiness and wealth. Once upon a time, pork meat was only on the tables of rich people. The pig represents kindness, gentleness, peacefulness and patience.

According to an ancient parable, the pig accidentally became the 12th animal in the eastern horoscope. There should be a cat in her place, but the rat did not wake him up when the Supreme Ruler collected all the animals. Then the choice fell on the first animal that came across, which turned out to be a pig.

On the eve of the holiday

New Year in China is a special holiday and preparations for it are no less intense. According to beliefs and traditions, before the holiday, the Chinese must cleanse themselves and put their home, body and soul in order.

Preparation includes the following actions:

Housewives carry out general cleaning. Women wash their homes thoroughly, as the presence of dust is unacceptable.
Old things must be thrown away so that there is room for new ones.
The day before, all Chinese go to the bathhouse to cleanse the body.
Women prepare many delicacies for the celebration. On the first day of the New Year you cannot cook anything, so the day before you prepare meat and fish dishes, sweets and other treats.
Tangerines and other citrus fruits are placed on the table, which symbolize well-being.
Prepare the robes. You need to celebrate the Spring Festival in clean, ironed and smart clothes.
The house must be decorated paper garlands, lanterns and other holiday decorations. A hieroglyph denoting happiness, inverted, is hung on the door.

When preparing for the holiday, do not forget to prepare gifts for loved ones, relatives and friends. Before the New Year, the family gathers for a pre-holiday dinner. This evening several generations gather at the table.

Features of New Year celebrations in China

Chinese New Year is celebrated every year with tradition and 2019 will be no exception. Celebrations stretch over 15 days and take place in the following sequence:

The night before, the family gets together for dinner. Adults and children do not sleep all night. They watch on TV entertainment programs, sing and dance, have fun from the heart and definitely set off fireworks. It is believed that fun and loud noises scare away evil spirits.
On the second day they go to visit relatives. In some regions this day is called Son-in-Law Day.
On the third day, sacrifices are made - paper “sacrifices” are burned. They pray and don’t leave the house, except to go to church.
In the following days they go to visit colleagues and friends. They prepare goodies and set off firecrackers.
From the 6th to the 8th day, the Chinese spend time with their families, and on the ninth day they honor the memory of the dead.
The second week is less busy; workdays begin in many provinces. People prepare for the Lantern Festival, go to visit people, and folk festivities are held on the streets.
On the 13th day it is customary to eat vegetarian food.
On the 14th day, sheds are built for launching lanterns and the final preparatory work is carried out.
The Lantern Festival concludes the New Year celebrations. Thousands of hot lanterns rise into the sky on this day. The mesmerizing spectacle has a special meaning for the Chinese. It is believed that this ritual helps refresh the sky and help the souls of the dead find their way upward.

During the New Year celebrations, Chinese people spend time with family, visit relatives and friends, and honor the memory of the dead. Any action is accompanied by bright saturated colors, lights shining everywhere and sincere fun. Laughter and songs are heard in the streets, firecrackers and fireworks explode.

Traditions

The indigenous population of the Celestial Empire will celebrate 2019 according to Chinese traditions. Each region has its own characteristics of celebration, but there are also common ones throughout the country:

Red clothes are chosen for the celebration. You can choose an outfit of a different color, but there must be red elements in the image. This color scares away the terrible monster that in ancient times attacked people.
When guests enter the house, they are sure to give two tangerines, which symbolize happiness and prosperity. The owners of the house give this amount of fruit to the guests when they go home.
IN New Year's Eve and on other days, fireworks are always set off to scare away evil spirits.
Ribbons or red paper are attached to the windows to protect it from evil spirits.
On the first day of the New Year, you cannot sweep the floor, as happiness will be swept out of the house. For the same reason, you cannot take out the trash.

In China, it is not customary to give expensive gifts. People present money to each other in red envelopes. Since the number 8 is considered a symbol of happiness and prosperity, eight bills are placed in the envelope. You cannot put an odd number of pieces of paper. Sweets and inexpensive souvenirs can also be given as gifts.

How to celebrate New Year 2019 according to Chinese traditions?

Every year the number of fans of Eastern religion and customs is growing, so many are interested in how to celebrate the New Year. According to the Chinese calendar, 2019 will be the year of the Yellow Earth Pig, so when preparing for the holiday you need to consider the following:

For the celebration, you can choose clothes in yellow, brown or green, as well as their shades.
There should be abundance on the table, since the Pig loves to eat delicious food. Various salads would be appropriate. Give preference to plant foods, fruits and vegetables, but you can also serve baked goods, meat or fish dishes.
You need to celebrate the New Year in the company of friends or family. In China, the symbol of the year means family well-being, and the animal itself lives in a herd, so don’t be alone.

And most importantly, create a comfortable and festive atmosphere, have fun from the heart. In China they believe that only positive emotions, joy and laughter can attract prosperity and happiness into the home.

Look video about how New Year is celebrated in China:

Chinese New Year 2019 is the main celebration and a great occasion to get together with the whole family. The Chinese themselves call this day the Spring Festival, and the history of this holiday goes back more than 4,000 years.

Every year, China, along with other countries, celebrates the New Year on January 1st. But main holiday Chun Jie, when the Chinese truly enter the New Year according to their calendar, is held much later. This celebration lasts for several days and has its own characteristics and traditions.

What date is Chinese New Year in 2019 according to the Eastern calendar?

The date of Chinese New Year is determined by the lunar calendar: the holiday falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice on December 21. Thus, every time the New Year in China falls on different dates the familiar Gregorian calendar, between January 21 and February 20. Last year, Chinese New Year 2018 was celebrated on February 16, marking the beginning of the Year of the Dog.

In 2019, for a quarter of the population of our planet, the New Year - the Year of the Pig - will come on February 5th. On the streets and in the homes of residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will appear holiday decorations. The holiday is eagerly awaited in Singapore, South Korea and Chinatowns around the world.

Passion for Eastern culture and Chinese traditions has become firmly established in our daily lives, affecting our habits and customs. The celebration of the New Year according to the eastern calendar is supported by an increasing number of people, while the rest simply keep track of which animal corresponds to the coming year.

The eastern calendar is based on the Chinese time system, which consists of a cyclical twelve-year repetition of the zodiac signs. Each year in this cycle corresponds to a specific zodiac patron animal.

Depending on which totem animal corresponds to a certain period, it determines what trials and surprises will be encountered in the near future. The Chinese calendar also prescribes to people which undertakings will be appropriate and which ones should be postponed.

Traditions of celebrating Chinese New Year

Traditionally, holiday festivities last 16 days. In 2019, the Chinese New Year will last from New Year's Eve to February 19 (Lantern Festival). Official holidays in the country are from February 4 to February 10, 2019.

The whole country and each family individually begin to prepare for the New Year in advance. There are a number of rules that must be followed before the holiday from year to year.

Houses are being thoroughly cleaned. The housewives wash and clean everything so that good luck can settle in the house. The wardrobe is completely reorganized, everything old and unnecessary is thrown away to make room for the new. It is also believed that negative energy is released with old, unusable things.

To celebrate the New Year, elegant clothes are prepared. If it is not new, it must at least be clean and ironed.

Houses are decorated with bright garlands, red lanterns, paintings and paired inscriptions with wishes of health, happiness and prosperity. Five multi-colored ribbons are hung on the front door so that in the New Year health, love, success in business, financial well-being and family happiness will come knocking on the door.

Before the holiday, every Chinese resident goes to the bathhouse to prepare their body for the New Year.