We answer the questions we’re sure everyone is asking…
Why is the lunar calendar different to the Gregorian calendar? The western or Gregorian calendar is based on the earth’s orbit around the sun, while the lunar calendar – used by most Asian countries – uses the moon’s orbit around the earth.
What are the origins of Chinese New Year? The celebration is based on a centuries-old tale of an angry monster called Nian (nian also happens to be the Chinese word for year). On the first day of the year it would terrorise villagers and eat livestock, crops and even children. One wise old man told the villagers to chase away Nian by beating loudly on drums and letting off firecrackers. Nian was also afraid of the colour red, so he advised they hang red lanterns outside their homes. Nian was defeated and eventually captured by a Taoist monk called Hongjun Laozu.
What traditions are associated with Chinese New Year? In China, families travel far to be in their hometowns during the 15 days of celebration. People thoroughly clean their homes to remove any bad fortune and leave room for incoming luck. Foods such as sweet rice cake and dumplings, which symbolise prosperity, are served. Sometimes children are given red envelopes containing money. These days, some of the traditions – dragon and lion dances, fireworks, drumming and the hanging of lanterns – are practised around the world.
What shouldn’t I do on Chinese New Year? Don’t clean your house! For the first five days, you should avoid housework, especially sweeping, since it will sweep away good luck and fortune. You shouldn’t wash your hair on the first day of the New Year either, since that also symbolises the washing away of future prosperity.
