Chinese New Year 2023

The most important holiday of China and all East Asia is Chinese New Year. It will begin this week. Other words it is called Spring Festival because according to Chinese belief, nature starts reunion and rebirth marking the end of winter and the start of spring. This is a very important holiday for the East Asian people, therefore it is accompanied by large-scale festivities and celebrations.

Chinese New Year does not have a fixed date and is based on the lunar calendar. The first day of New Year is a new moon day, usually the second after the winter solstice, i.e. after December 21st. Therefore, Chinese New Year always falls between January 21st and February 20th and is celebrated for 15 days, so the Chinese love this holiday. 

Chinese New Year will fall on January 22nd this year and will last until February 5th. 4720 year will be celebrated according to the Eastern chronology.

Every year in China is symbolized by a certain combination of symbols which is repeated only once every 60 years. This combination consists of one of 12 zodiac animals corresponding to one of five elements (water, earth, metal, fire and wood) and a certain color. So, 2023 will symbolize Rabbit (Cat) as an animal and Water as an element. The main colors are black and all shades of blue. In addition, one of the main colors Chinese New Year is red, which is the color of good luck and protection from evil spirits.

According to ancient beliefs, year characteristics usually correspond to the nature of the animal that symbolizes symbolizes grace, beauty, mercy and good luck. A Rabbit or a Cat is soft and affectionate creature that do little harm to anyone. Therefore, the year promises to be the same. In addition, the Rabbit is a family creature. According to Chinese traditions, you should give special attention to your family, relatives and friends in year 2023. Another characteristic of this year is that the year will be successful for people who devote it to developing themselves and gaining new knowledge and experience.

Chinese New Year is a family holiday, similar to other countries of the world. That is why during this period everyone who lives far from their family tends to return home. The whole family gathers together at the festive table on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the end of the year and wish each other happiness in the new year.

Chinese New Year is very rich in traditions. So, for example, general cleaning is necessarily done, traditional dishes are prepared on the table, and all houses are decorated in red and special holiday lanterns before New Year. Another tradition is the launch of fireworks. People celebrate New Year magnificently and for a long time.

Life in the country literally freezes during the holidays. Offices, banks, factories, shops, and most non-essential services will close doors for a week’s holiday. Only some shops are open. Most of the country’s population has a rest. Therefore, delivery time and goods production may be changed during Chinese New Year.

The official days off will end on January 25th-26th. Some government agencies, banks and many shops will open at this time. After the holidays are over, life will return to normal.