Fun facts about Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year!

What does the year of the dog actually mean?

Each year of the Chinese 12-year cycle is named after an animal; this year is the dog which is the 11^th. The year of the dog represents people born in the following years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1994, 2006 and 2018

The qualities of a dog are meant to be true, honest, loyal and reliable.

What does Chinese New Year involve and how can you celebrate?

• There are many traditions for a celebration of the Chinese New Year the most common one is children receiving a red envelope of money for good luck. Many people also believe in the theory of if you clean your house, cut your hair and avoid using negative words this will also bring you good luck for the year ahead. It goes with the saying “out with the old and in with the new”.
• Fireworks are a big part of the tradition these are symbolised as scaring away the evil spirits and bringing more good luck!
• A traditional family dinner is where all the family gather together and eat traditional Chinese food for example dumplings and watch the spring festival gala.
• Why not get the whole flat or friends together and try this dumpling recipe? They eat round dumplings shaped like the full moon. The round balls symbolize reunion and are filled with glutinous rice flour sugar.
• Or why not get everyone together and let off lanterns into the sky, this represents letting go of bad vibes or negative feelings.

Why does the date change and how long does the celebration last?

The reason why the Chinese New Year changes every year is because it starts with a new moon so it is different every year, it can be any of dates! The celebration lasts 15 days and is known as the longest holiday of the year.

We have Chinese New Year events at the villages; please see the Village Guide to see what events are on at your village. Get involved and enjoy!

Happy New Year! 新年快乐