Intro: The Chinese New Year is a holiday celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore, and other parts of the world. It is also called the Lunar New Year and it celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival falls on the last day of the final month of the traditional lunar calendar, which means it changes annually.  

Chinese New Year falls on a new moon day, which typically occurs two weeks after the winter solstice.

When is Chinese New Year in 2023?

The year of the RABBIT will begin on Sunday, January 22, 2023, which is Chinese New Year. Chinese citizens will have seven days off work from January 21 through January 27 in 2023 as a public holiday. The exact new moon time is at 4:53 on 2023-01-22, in the China time zone.

More specifically, the year 2023, which begins on January 22 and lasts until February 9 of the following year, is a Year of the Water Rabbit.

A Brief History of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and most important celebrations in all of Asia. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Chinese New Year celebrations dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.).

Starting on Chinese New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival, the holiday is traditionally celebrated for 16 days. 

How to Say Happy New Year in Chinese

 Chinese New Year Dates in 2023, 2024, 2025…

Year of the Rabbit

The Rabbit is the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. According to legend, the Rabbit was proud, even arrogant, of its speed.

Because 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, those born in previous Rabbit years will be “Fan Tai Sui,” indicating a year with many fluctuations in luck, when your highs are very high, but your lows can be quite devastating as well.

This year should be full of excitement, prosperity, and unexpected twists and turns – anything but boring for dear Rabbits!

Customs and Traditions During Chinese New Year

There are many customs associated with this celebration: red is seen as a lucky colour because it means good fortune; hiding gifts is thought to bring good luck; giving money in red packets called ‘ang pao’ or huat kyi) is an act of giving that should be reciprocated in the coming year; firecrackers are lit as a way of driving out evil spirits; and there are various foods which represent prosperity or wealth.

Gifting: Chinese New Year is the perfect time to give gifts. The best gifts are red in colour to bring good luck and prosperity. Other lucky colours include silver, blue, purple, and gold.

Eating: The Chinese New Year is a time for feasting and thanksgiving. Chinese New Year dishes are Spring Rolls, Dumplings, Noodles, Nian Gao (New year Cake), Hot Pot and many more. Though every region (even household) has different customs, there are some common dishes seen on every table.

Cleaning: Cleaning the home and getting rid of clutter is a common Chinese New Year practice meant to bring good luck and prosperity. People use different decorations like Paper Cutting Arts, Door Gods, Spring Festival Couplets, Kumquats etc.

Worshipping: People visit their local temples and shrines to thank the gods for their good fortune and wish for prosperity. – Red Clothing: Red is a prominent colour during Chinese New Year.

Celebrating: The Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and making wishes. People attend fireworks shows, visit the temple, and attend festive dinners to celebrate the holiday.

The Best Gifts for Chinese New Year: That will start the good vibes.

• Red Pockets: It is customary to give red gifts during Chinese New Year. The cash in red envelopes. It means literally “money to anchor the year(s).” ‘Lucky money’ and ‘New Year’s money’ are other names for it. Elders hope to give children a year of luck and blessings by giving them the money. Money is the greatest gift of all.
• Traditional Idea: Some of our go-to suggestions for presents for friends. Tea, Fruit Basket, Alcohol, Home Supplies.
• Elaborate Chinese knotwork: You can give presents like candies, classical paintings, books, necklaces, accessories like bracelets, or earrings, nuts, or chocolates.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals for people with Chinese heritage.