Happy Chinese New Year – Year of the Ox

新年快乐

The Chinese New Year (also called the Lunar New Year), denotes the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is celebrated on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20, so the date varies slightly from one year to another. This year, Chinese New Year is on February 12. As is customary, the New Year is ushered in with a big celebration on New Year’s Eve (Feb 11, this year).

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the year of the Ox. People born under the Ox tend to be more traditional, patriotic, faithful, have ideals and ambitions for life, and attach importance to family, work, and their children’s education.

The Chinese New Year’s Gala, a dazzling music and entertainment extravaganza, is viewed by 700 million people and is the largest TV show on the planet! Since 1983, China Central Television (CCTV) has broadcast it to the delight of numerous viewers across the globe. This spectacular program, a triumph of imagination and technology, consists of music and artistic dance performances, breath-taking acrobatics, magicians’ performances, comedy, Chinese opera, and more.

The New Year’s Gala is a contemporary take on several thousand years-old traditions. It is a happy occasion that gathers families together in the spirit of joy, connectedness and celebration. It is but the beginning of a ten-day long festival, also known as the Spring Festival. In addition to China, this colourful ten-day holiday is celebrated in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mauritius, the Philippines, Thailand, and in North America and Europe, wherever there is a significant Chinese population.

Read more about Chinese New Year rituals, food and customs:

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/10-chinese-new-year-traditions/
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/new-year/decorations.htm

HCCA wishes a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year to all those who celebrate its traditions of generosity, joy and prosperity!

吉祥如意 (Good Luck)