Unique Facts about Chinese New Year Celebrations

Chinese New Year always falls in January or February

In China, besides being a symbol of the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year also marks the change of seasons from winter to spring. Therefore, Chinese New Year falls in January or February each year on different dates. Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or 'Chunjie'.

Synonymous with returning home

People in China also celebrate Chinese New Year by returning to their hometowns. This is done to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their families, while performing typical Chinese New Year traditions, some of which are also observed by Chinese communities in Indonesia.

Tradition of cleaning the house

Usually, before Chinese New Year, Chinese people start cleaning their houses as a symbol to ward off bad luck. The dirt that is thrown away symbolizes the removal of all evil that prevents good fortune and blessings from entering the house. However, on Chinese New Year's Day, they are forbidden to clean the house, so that the good fortune and blessings that have entered the house are not swept out.

Meaning of Angpao

Chinese New Year is synonymous with giving angpao. Angpao are red envelopes containing money given by married people to unmarried people. The recipients are believed to receive prayers, blessings, good fortune, prosperity, and happiness in the new year. Angpao is also considered a way to ward off misfortune and disaster for the recipient.

Meaning of the color red

Besides angpao, Chinese New Year is also synonymous with red ornaments. The color red has meaning for the Chinese community, symbolizing happiness. Celebrating Chinese New Year with everything red at the beginning of the year is believed to always bring happiness.

Meaning of the greeting 'Gong Xi Fa Cai'

This greeting is very familiar during Chinese New Year. However, 'gong xi fa cai' actually has nothing to do with Chinese New Year. This phrase means wishing someone wealth and good fortune. The origin of this greeting is about Chinese mythology defeating a monster named Nian and everyone saying 'gong xi' which means congratulations.