Celebrated by over 1.4 billion people in more than 20 countries like Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia and Bhutan, the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is one of the oldest and biggest celebrations in the world. This fifteen-day festival begins with the Little Year and concludes with the Lantern Festival and is celebrated based on the sighting of the New Moon. This festival marks the beginning of a year in the traditional Lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is also the most important holiday season for the people of China.

The origins of the New Year celebrations can be traced back to 3000 years ago, during the reign of the Shang and Han dynasties. The Chinese calendar follows a twelve-year cycle, represented by twelve animal signs, five elements, and the Ying and Yang, the two opposite and complementary forces believed to be constantly in balance.

The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. These animals are paired with the five elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. Each zodiac animal has a fixed element. There are also annual elements which are associated with the year. This amalgamation of animals with the elements continues for sixty years, creating sixty unique combinations. Additionally, the Chinese zodiac years are categorized as Yin or Yang, where Ying represents the odd-numbered years, and Yang represents the odd-numbered years.

Chinese New Year Dates

Given below is a list of years from 2006 to 2021 showing the Chinese New Year dates for each year according to the English Calendar. English dates on the right represents the first day of the first Chinese month as per the Chinese calendar.

  • Chinese New Year date 2006 - January 29, 2006
  • Chinese New Year date 2007 - February 18, 2007
  • Chinese New Year date 2008 - February 7, 2008
  • Chinese New Year date 2009 - January 26, 2009
  • Chinese New Year date 2010 - February 14, 2010
  • Chinese New Year date 2011 - February 3, 2011
  • Chinese New Year date 2012 - January 23, 2012
  • Chinese New Year date 2013 - February 10, 2013
  • Chinese New Year date 2014 - January 31, 2014
  • Chinese New Year date 2015 - January 20, 2015
  • Chinese New Year date 2016 - February 8, 2016
  • Chinese New Year date 2017 - January 28, 2017
  • Chinese New Year date 2018 - February 16, 2018
  • Chinese New Year date 2019 - February 5, 2019
  • Chinese New Year date 2020 - January 25, 2020
  • Chinese New Year date 2021 - February 12, 2021

    • The fifteen-day celebration begins with the Spring Festival, also known as New Year's Day, which is called the "Birthday of the Chicken." On this day, people visit loved ones to exchange greetings and gifts. The second day, "To the In-laws' Day" or the "Birthday of the Dog," is when married daughters visit their parents with their husbands. The third day, known as the "Day of the Rat" or "Birthday of the Pig," is considered unlucky for social visits, so people traditionally stay home. The fourth day, the "Birthday of Sheep," is ideal for temple visits, fortune-telling, and honoring the kitchen gods. On the fifth day, called "Break Five" or the "Birthday of the Ox," firecrackers are set off to dispel bad luck, and families await the arrival of the Lord of Wealth, believed to bring blessings.

    The sixth day, known as the "Day of the Horse," marks the time to clean the home and return to work. On the seventh day, the "Day of Humans," people eat special foods to invite good fortune. The eighth day, the "Day of Millet," is a time for family reunions and shared meals and is believed to be when gods and goddesses visit. The ninth day, known as "Providence Health," celebrates the birthday of the Jade Emperor, an important spiritual figure. The tenth day is observed as both the Stone Festival and Mother Earth's Birthday, honoring nature's strength and stability.

    The eleventh day of the New Year celebrations is celebrated in honor of Sons-in-law, while on the twelfth and thirteenth-day people prepare for the grand lantern festival. The celebrations conclude on the fifteenth day with the Lantern Festival. The day is celebrated with a great show and pomp with dragon dances, riddle games, and feasts.

    There are several legends associated with the traditions and celebrations of the Chinese New Year. One popular legend of Chinese New Year is about the monster Nian, who terrorized the villagers. Discovering the monster being frightened of red color, fire, and loud noises, the natives used these to frighten the monster. The things they used to frighten the monster, like the firecrackers, red lanterns, and red scrolls, later became a major part of the New Year celebrations.

    The Chinese New Year is a time of reconciliation and renewal, where people forget all their previous grudges and look forward to harmony, peace, and happiness. It is also a moment to honor traditions, strengthen family bonds, and welcome new beginnings with hope and positivity.

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