Chinese New Year 农历新年, 春节

The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year，新年，农历新年，春节 is the most important event in the social calendar of ethnic Chinese around the world.

It usually falls in January or February. The following are dates for the first day of the Chinese New Year:

2010: 14 Feburary
2009: 26 January
2008: 07 February

Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. 2008 is year of the Rat, the start of a 12 year cycle. 2009 is the year of the ox.

The Chinese New Year celebration last for 15 days but in most countries, the first and usually the second day of Chinese New Year is designated as public holidays. In places where Chinese New Year is not official holidays, the Chinese population either applies for leave or celebrates during the nearest weekend. Preparation for Chinese New Year occurs at multiple levels.

The major celebrations during the Chinese New Year are New Year eve reunion dinner 除夕团年饭, visiting on New Year’s Day 拜年and the yuanxiao 元宵the 15th day and the last day of the new year.

The Chinese New Year celebration is a colorful, symbolic and joyous time. Many customs have a long history and may not be understood by all. Some dismiss certain aspects as superstition but a more in depth and detailed analysis suggest that cultural practices relating to the Chinese New Year do have social functions even if it is not immediately obvious.

Therefore, the celebration of Chinese New Year is also a form of cultural transmission and illuminates the values and aspiration of ethnic Chinese.

The series of articles discuss various aspects of Chinese New and its celebration:

Preparing for Chinese New Year