Which sentence from the article suggests people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year in different ways?

Chinese New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon.

Chinese New Year

See all media

Category: History & Society

Also called: Lunar New Year

Related Topics: China New Year festival Lunar New Year January February

The origin and traditions of the Lunar New Year, explained

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian countries and the Asian diaspora.

See all videos for this article

The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general.

The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honour relatives who have died.

Chinese New Year: Lantern Festival

Light display of a dragon at a Lantern Festival marking the end of the Chinese New Year.

Discover the myth behind the Chinese zodiac

Find out why 2008 and 2020 were both the year of the rat.See all videos for this article

Among other Chinese New Year traditions is the thorough cleaning of one’s home to rid the resident of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the celebrations. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Since the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This procession involves a long, colourful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

This article was most recently revised and updated by Rick Livingston.

National Day

Home

Lifestyles & Social Issues

Festivals & Holidays

History & Society

National Day

Chinese holiday

Written and fact-checked by

Last Updated: Jan 25, 2024 • Article History