11 Captivating Insights About Chinese New Year

Known to some as the Spring Festival, this event marks a significant period in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. Others refer to it as the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year. Starting on January 22, 2023, China will usher in the Year of the Rabbit, a key symbol in the Chinese zodiac, with celebrations spanning 15 days.

If this sounds new to you, don’t fret: Explore these 11 fascinating details about how over 20 percent of the global population welcomes the new year.

1. The origins of Chinese New Year trace back to warding off a mythical beast.

According to legend, many traditions of Chinese New Year originate from the ancient fear of Nian, a fearsome beast that would emerge on the first day of the year to terrorize villages. Following the guidance of a wise elder, villagers used loud noises from drums, fireworks, and the color red to drive the creature away—elements that remain central to the festivities today.

2. The holiday’s date varies each year.

Unlike the U.S., where New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are fixed on December 31 and January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar. Its start date changes annually, typically aligning with the first new moon of the year (often in late January), and the celebrations continue for 15 days until the next full moon.

3. For many families, Chinese New Year serves as a reason to thoroughly clean their homes.

Over time, the ways of celebrating Chinese New Year have evolved, but it remains a chance for families to purge their homes of huiqi, or unfortunate energies and lingering negativity from the previous year. Cleaning before Lunar New Year’s Eve (this year, January 21, 2023) is believed to invite good fortune, and historically, some families conducted elaborate cleaning ceremonies to welcome deities they thought would visit.

4. The festivities will lead to billions of journeys.

With Chinese New Year emphasizing family bonds, countless individuals travel home during this lunar period. Despite COVID-19 travel limitations in recent years, analysts forecast that the 2023 holiday season will see 2.1 billion trips across China, spanning from mid-January to mid-February.

5. The celebration is steeped in numerous superstitions.

While not everyone adheres to the traditional beliefs about what to avoid during Chinese New Year, many strive to follow specific taboos. Going to a hospital or taking medication is thought to bring poor health; lending or borrowing money may lead to financial struggles; and washing or cutting your hair is seen as washing away good luck, potentially hindering prosperity in the coming year.

6. Dumplings are regarded as a symbol of good fortune.

Dumplings rank among the most beloved dishes during Chinese New Year celebrations. Chinese-style dumplings, in particular, are said to resemble ancient Chinese gold coins, and tradition holds that consuming more of them during the festivities increases your chances of prosperity in the new year.

7. Oranges and tangerines are ideal gifts for Chinese New Year.

Tangerines and oranges, with their round shapes and golden colors, are believed to symbolize the sun and attract prosperity for the year ahead. These fruits are among the most popular gifts during the Spring Festival, representing wishes for good luck, wealth, and abundant blessings in the coming months.

8. Some individuals rent partners for the holiday to appease their parents.

In China, staying single into your thirties can sometimes be met with disapproval. To avoid parental pressure, some singles choose to hire someone to pretend to be their partner during family visits. On TikTok, some users offer themselves as holiday boyfriends or girlfriends, with rates starting at under $37 per day (though some have charged up to $145 daily in the past).

9. Red envelopes are a ubiquitous part of Chinese New Year.

A key tradition during the Spring Festival involves gifting red envelopes filled with money. (Red symbolizes vitality and good fortune.) Fresh, crisp bills are preferred, as old or crumpled money is viewed as a sign of carelessness. Many carry these envelopes filled with cash in case they encounter someone deserving of a gift. When receiving an envelope, it’s customary to accept it with both hands and open it discreetly.

10. The celebrations can result in alarming levels of smog.

Fireworks are a hallmark of the Spring Festival in China, but the tradition carries risks beyond accidents. Cities such as Beijing often see a sharp rise in air pollution. In 2016, Shanghai prohibited fireworks within the city limits to address this issue.

11. Wearing certain colors during Chinese New Year is believed to bring bad luck.

In Chinese culture, black and white clothing is traditionally linked to mourning and is generally avoided during the lunar month. Red garments, preferred during the holiday, represent good luck and prosperity.

This article was first published in 2019 and has been updated in 2023.