what is lunar new year?

7/29/2019 What is Lunar New Year?

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What is Lunar New Year? By Melissa Chan

Each year the streets of Chinatown would be filled with people and festivities in the

celebration of the beautiful Lunar New Year. Not only is it celebrated in Chinatown and Chinese

people, but also in Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and many other countries. In Asia, it is

known as the Spring Festival which marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new year.

This year, the festivities start on February 9-15 honoring the Year of the Snake. The Chinese

mark their calendars every year with one of the twelve animals, beginning with the rat and

ending with the pig. These animals are also matched to five different elements of Chinese

Astrology which include metal, earth, fire, water, and wood. Last year was the reign of the

Water Dragon and this year is the beginning of the Water Snake. What is your zodiac sign?

Zodaic Sign Character Description New Year Dates

(yyyy-mm-dd)

Snake - Sh

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of

the Snake are seductive, gregarious,introverted, generous, charming, good with

money, analytical, insecure, jealous, slightly

dangerous, smart, they rely on gut feelings,

are hard-working and intelligent. Compatible

with Rooster or Cow.

1953-02-14

1965-02-02

1977-02-18

1989-02-06

2001-01-24

2013-02-10

2025-01-29

Horse -M


the Horse love to roam free. Theyre

energetic, self-reliant, money-wise, and they

enjoy traveling, love and intimacy. Theyregreat at seducing, sharp-witted, impatient and

sometimes seen as a drifter. Compatible with

Dog or Tiger.

1954-02-03

1966-01-02

1978-02-07

1990-01-272002-02-12

2014-01-31

2026-02-17

Sheep - Yng


the Sheep enjoy being alone in their thoughts.

Theyre creative, thinkers, wanderers,

unorganized, high-strung and insecure, and

can be anxiety-ridden. They need lots of love,

support and reassurance. Appearance is

important too. Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.

1955-01-24

1967-02-09

1979-01-28

1991-02-15

2003-02-01

2011-02-03

2023-01-22

Monkey - Hu

Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign ofthe Monkey thrive on having fun. Theyre

energetic, upbeat, and good at listening but

lack self-control. They like being active and

stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before

pleasing others. Theyre heart-breakers, not

good at long-term relationships, morals are

weak. Compatible with Rat or Dragon.

1956-02-121968-01-30

1980-02-16

1992-02-04

2004-01-22

2016-02-08

2028-01-27


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Rooster -J


the Rooster are practical, resourceful,

observant, analytical, straightforward,

trusting, honest, perfectionists, neat and

conservative. Compatible with Cow or Snake.

1957-01-31

1969-02-17

1981-02-05

1993-01-23

2005-02-09

2017-01-28

2029-02-13

Dog -Gu


the Dog are loyal, faithful, honest, distrustful,

often guilty of telling white lies,

temperamental, prone to mood swings,

dogmatic, and sensitive. Dogs excel in

business but have trouble finding mates.

Compatible with Tiger or Horse.

1958-02-18

1970-02-06

1982-01-25

1994-02-10

2006-01-29

2018-02-16

2030-02-03

Pig -Zh


the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered

and tasteful. Theyre perfectionists who enjoy

finer things but are not perceived as snobs.

They enjoy helping others and are good

companions until someone close crosses

them, then look out! Theyre intelligent,

always seeking more knowledge, and

exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Sheep.

1959-02-08

1971-01-27

1983-02-13

1995-01-31

2007-02-18

2019-02-05

2031-01-23

Rat - Sh


the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming,

sharp and funny. They have excellent taste,are a good friend and are generous and loyal

to others considered part of its pack.

Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever

curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes

challenges. Compatible with Dragon or

Monkey.

1948-02-10

1960-01-28

1972-02-151984-02-02

1996-02-19

2008-02-07

2020-01-25

Cow - Ni

Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs,

the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented

leader, detail-oriented, hard-working,

stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel

lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friendsand family and is a reliable, protective and

strong companion. Compatible with Snake or

Rooster.

1949-01-29

1961-02-15

1973-02-03

1985-02-20

1997-02-072009-01-26

2021-02-12


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Tiger -H


the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed,

have strong leadership qualities, are

charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-

hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense,

and theyre ready to pounce at any time.

Compatible with Horse or Dog.

1950-02-17

1962-02-05

1974-01-23

1986-02-09

1998-01-28

2010-02-14

2022-02-01

Rabbit - T


the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family

and friends. Theyre popular, compassionate,

sincere, and they like to avoid conflict and are

sometimes seen as pushovers. Rabbits enjoy

home and entertaining at home. Compatible

with Sheep or Pig.

1951-02-06

1963-01-25

1999-02-16

1975-02-11

1987-01-29

1999-02-16

2011-02-03

2023-01-22

Dragon - Lng

A powerful sign, those born under the

Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are

energetic and warm-hearted, charismatic,

lucky at love and egotistic. Theyre natural

born leaders, good at giving orders and doing

whats necessary to remain on top.

Compatible with Monkey and Rat.

1952-01-27

1964-02-13

1976-01-31

1988-02-17

2000-02-05

2012-01-23

2024-02-10

*compiled fromhttp://www.chinesezodiac.com/signs.php

In mythology, the beginning of Lunar New Year started with the fight against a mythical

beast called the "Year". It looked like an ox with a lions head and stayed in the sea but harmed

people, animals, and property on New Years Eve. The Chinese believed that Year was afraid

of the color red, fire, and loud noises. Therefore, many Asians celebrate the New Year to ward

off ominous signs and welcome the New Year. You will often see people posting red Dui Lian

(antithetical couplet) in front of the house, launching fireworks, and setting up lanterns. Many

stunning, decorative paper crafts are displayed and the air is filled with strong Chinese

emotions.

During New Years Eve Dinner (February 9), it is an important day for a family reunion

and mostly celebrated at home. Savory fish and dumplings are typically the New Year cuisineand many children receive red envelopes from older family and friends. Growing up as a

Chinese American girl, the best things about Lunar New Year was the red envelopes. Why?

Because they had MONEY in them! It is believed that the money in the red packet will suppress

the evil from the children, keep the children healthy, and wish children longevity. Other than

giving out red envelopes, people will do a complete cleaning of the house and themselves as a

way to rid the old and welcome the new. During the other days, people would go out and see
http://www.chinesezodiac.com/signs.phphttp://www.chinesezodiac.com/signs.phphttp://www.chinesezodiac.com/signs.phphttp://www.chinesezodiac.com/signs.php


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the lion and dragon dances. Performed mostly by martial artists, lion and dragon dances

invigorate celebrations with their acrobatic skills.

The Lunar New Year is a time of goodwill and enjoyment. Here are some Lunar New

Year greetings, so I encourage you to learn some and go and have fun!

Mandarin Pinyin: gong x f ci

Cantonese: Kung Hei Fat Choy

* means Congratulations and be prosperous

RESOURCES

http://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-calendar.php http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htm
http://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-calendar.phphttp://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-calendar.phphttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htmhttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htmhttp://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htmhttp://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-calendar.php

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