Chinese New Year Symbols And Traditions

Some do not have fillings.

Chinese new year symbols and traditions. Chinese new year falls on a different date each year due to the chinese lunar calendar. Family unity is the most important aspect of lunar new year and for the chinese roundness is symbolic of unity which is why the all important reunion dinner has to take place over a round table and oranges and pomelos are presented during the lunar new year. Get to know some of the traditional customs of chinese new year.

The lunisolar chinese calendar determines the date of lunar new year. It s easy to see when the lunar new year is around the corner festive scarlet decor adorns every street storefront and home. This year the year of the earth pig starts on february 5.

The year of the rat officially begins on january 25 2020. Guo nian hao which means happy new year is a common chinese new year greeting chen said. In south china the glutinous rice ball yuanxiao or tangyuan in chinese is a traditional food for the chinese new year just as the dumplings in north china.

The balls are made of sticky rice flour stuffed with different fillings. A very old new year symbol for the chinese spring couplets are traditionally written with black ink on red paper and hung in front of the doors before the new year day. Bringing best wishes and fortune along with it they happen to be an important chinese new year symbol.

One of the most famous chinese new year traditions is giving red packets. Legend spoke of the wild beast nian which also is the word for year that appeared at the end of each year attacking and killing. The calendar is also used in countries that have been influenced by or have relations with china such as korea japan and vietnam though occasionally the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to using a meridian based on a different capital city in a different time zone or different.

In chinese the word for fish 鱼 or yú sounds similar to surplus which makes it a dish that symbolizes prosperity. Chinese new year celebrations were born out of fear and myth. By giving ang pao or ong bao or red envelope red packets with new money to children elders are hoping to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings.