灯笼
dēnglóng
(The Tradition Of Lanterns)
Red lanterns are one of the most recognizable symbols of Chinese celebrations. They appear especially during the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year festivities.
春
节
CHINESENEWYEAR
chūn
jié
The Legend of Nian
In ancient China, people told the story of a monster called Nian (年) that lived deep in the sea or high in the mountains. It would come out only once a year, on the first day of the lunar calendar, to attack villages, destroy crops, and spread fear among the people.
Over time, the villagers discovered that the monster had three major weaknesses.
红
hóng
(Red)
Nian was terrified of the color red. No one knew why, but soon villagers began covering their doors, windows, and even their clothing with bright red decorations. Today, this survives in the form of red couplets, red lanterns, and the famous red envelopes used during the New Year.
火
huǒ
(Fire)
Villagers learned that fire could keep the monster away. They started lighting bonfires and carrying torches on New Year’s Eve. This tradition evolved into today’s lanterns, glowing decorations, and festive lights that symbolize protection and good luck.
声
shēng
(Noise)
According to the legend, a wise old man taught villagers to burn bamboo, which exploded with loud cracks. These “bamboo explosions” eventually became firecrackers, now an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
LUNARCALENDAR
Unlike fixed-date holidays, Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year because it depends on the lunar cycle. Chinese New Year begins on the first new moon of the lunar year, which usually occurs between January 21 and February 20.
As a result, the exact date changes annually when viewed on the Western calendar. This shifting date reflects the natural rhythm of the Moon rather than a fixed solar schedule. This flexible timing symbolizes renewal and harmony with nature, reinforcing the idea that Chinese New Year marks a fresh start aligned with natural cycles rather than a fixed point in the calendar.
TYPICAL FOOD
jiǎozi
饺子
Dumplings are one of the most iconic New Year foods, especially in northern China. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity for the coming year.
yú
鱼
Fish is served whole, including the head and tail, to represent completeness and abundance. The word fish (鱼, yú) sounds like surplus (余, yú), which is why it symbolizes having more than enough every year.
tāngyuán
汤圆
The glutinous rice balls are traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival, at the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Common fillings include black sesame (黑芝麻), peanut (花生), and red bean paste (红豆沙).
xiā
虾
Shrimp symbolize happiness and laughter because the pronunciation of 虾 sounds similar to laughter (“ha”). They are associated with joy and celebration.
shòumiàn
寿面
Longevity noodles are very long noodles eaten without cutting them. They symbolize long life, good health, and a smooth year ahead.
HOROSCOPE
shǔ
鼠
hǔ
虎
tù
兔
yáng
羊
lóng
龙
shé
蛇
niú
牛
mǎ
马
jī
鸡
hóu
猴
zhū
猪
