Chinese New Year has become famous all over the world thanks to its bright and unique traditions.

New Year 2023 is not celebrated in the same way in all countries. The unique New Year traditions of the Chinese have become known all over the world. Their customs are completely different from the Ukrainian New Year. And even the number is different – in China it will not be 2023, but 4720.

When does Chinese New Year 2023 start and end?

Chinese New Year does not start on January 1. The date of the holiday is determined by the lunar calendar and is different every year. The year in China begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Thus the Chinese New Year 2023 will arrive January 22and will end on February 9. According to Kyiv time, the New Year in China will come at 18:00 on January 21.

In China, the celebration will last from January 21 to January 27 – these days will be weekends. On these dates, there can be heavy traffic jams in the Celestial Empire, and many shops and banks will be closed. This should be taken into account if you plan to visit China during the holidays.

Chinese New Year 2023 – the history of the holiday

The Chinese have an ancient legend associated with the New Year. According to legend, twice a year in China appeared the terrible monster Nian, which lived at the bottom of the sea. When he went ashore, he brought death and destruction with him, plundering homes and killing livestock.

Once Nian broke into the village and was frightened by the children in red clothes. Since then, the Chinese on New Year scare away evil spirits with the color red, lanterns and fireworks.

The Chinese consider their New Year to be the beginning of spring. According to their ideas, nature awakens and life blossoms on this date.

Traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year

New Year in China is celebrated very lavishly and brightly: with fireworks, firecrackers, lanterns, dances and masquerades. Red color is considered lucky on this holiday, so people dress in it and decorate the house. Red envelopes with money are also given on New Year’s Day in China.

The celebration of the New Year lasts an average of 2 weeks. Before the New Year, the Chinese clean the house and gather for a joint dinner. All relatives come to dinner, even if they have moved away. On New Year’s Eve, it is customary to stay up late and set off fireworks. Then after the holiday, the Chinese make offerings to the ancestors, visit and eat special rice cakes.

Patron of 2023 according to the Chinese calendar

There are 12 animal signs of the Zodiac in the Chinese horoscope. Each year is dedicated to one of the animals, as well as one of the five elements. The patron of 2023 will be the Water Rabbit. Before that, the years of the Rabbit were 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and 2011, and the next one will be 2035.

If you are a Rabbit, then your year 2023, according to the Chinese, will be special. You will often be lucky in various matters, but at the same time, fate can “throw” many difficulties and unpleasant trials for you.

The character of the Water Rabbit is delicate, friendly and very tactful. He is very respectful of other people’s space. He easily adapts to changes, but is very self-confident and has no clear life principles. He highly values ​​comfort and family.