Did you know that it's Chinese New Year! Here are some things you might not know!
We know the New Year has just begun, but did you know that the Chinese New Year is still yet to come?
The traditional Chinese lunisolar year has 353 to 355 days, and it is celebrated on the second new moon after winter solstice and before spring equinox.
This year making it happen on January 29th! Today!!
Here are some fun facts about this celebration...
1. Each year is represented by an animal and element
According to tradition, each year is represented by one of five elements and one of twelve animal signs.
The animals include Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The elements include wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
This year, 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake.
2. The festivities last for a while
Unlike the celebration of the New Year in the Georgian calendar, this celebration extends to more than one day, making it last for 15!
Celebrations range from fireworks to family dinners, but this is also a great time to celebrate with friends, and why not do it close by?
Atmosphere has a deal of £3 Lucky Buddha! And get this... you even get a fortune cookie with each pint! Why not find out what’s coming this next year?
3. The legend of Nian
Many of the traditions in Chinese New Year are linked with the “Guo Nian” which means surviving Nian’s attack. This is believed to be a monster that comes out during New Year’s, to protect themselves people light up fireworks to scare it away.
As well as wearing red, which is also associated with warding off negative energies and bringing good luck, prosperity and vitality.
So, make sure to add some of this colour in your wardrobe!
4. Don’t clean! Keep your luck!
During this holiday it is believed that sweeping and removing trash will take your luck away, especially during the first 3 days of the New Year. This is why most families clean before, so that they get rid of the bad luck, but they can keep their good luck.
Also, there’s many people who will not wash or cut their hair as the Chinese character for hair is the same for prosper, so doing any of this is seen as taking your prosperity away.
5. Red envelopes are given out
It is tradition to give family and friends red envelopes filled with money, they symbolize food wishes and good luck for the upcoming year.
However, the amount of money never includes the number four because the Chinese pronunciation of “four” sounds like the word for death.
So, there you have it, fun facts about Chinese New Year! Be on the lookout for any fireworks or celebrations around Greater Manchester to enjoy this holiday!
Know any more fun facts? Let us know in the comments!