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Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, annual 15-day festival in Chinese communities around the world. The celebration begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. This year Chinese New Year occurs on Friday, February 12, 2021.

The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honor relatives who have died.

More on this year’s Chinese New Year – the Year of the Ox

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