Lunar New Year | Year of the Rabbit

Everything you need to know about Lunar New Year!

Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar which starts the day after the first new moon rises between January 21 and February 20 every year. Having been celebrated in China for thousands of years, the Chinese New Year or ‘Lunar New Year’ is thought of as China’s most important festival by many. Here’s what you should know about the Chinese Lunar New Year or ‘Spring Festival’ in 2023 including dates, what this year’s zodiac animal is, how it’s celebrated and how to say ‘Happy New Year’ in Chinese.

When is Chinese New Year 2023?

Chinese New Year always takes place on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and this starts the day following the first new moon between January 21 and February 20. In 2023, the Chinese New Year will take place on Sunday, January 22. The celebration lasts for over two weeks in China but people mark the occasion similarly in other places like East Asia too.

What is the Zodiac animal this year?

Last year was the Year of the Tiger but in 2023 it’s the Year of the Rabbit. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, all associated with certain character traits, and the featured animals alternate on a yearly basis. According to the Travel China Guide, for “Chinese people, the rabbit is a tame creature representing hope and life for a long time. It is tender and lovely.” If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit (e.g., 1975, 1987, 1999) then you are said to be a kind, thoughtful and intelligent person. However, your generosity could be taken as weakness by others and you may be seen as overly cautious or even self-absorbed.

How is Chinese New Year celebrated?

Across China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with a variety of events like dragon or lion dances, imperial performances (such as an emperor’s wedding) or the wearing of traditional dress. During this time you can find gifts wrapped in red packaging, red clothes and red decor placed all over the place. It’s common for adults to give children small red envelopes of money as well and these bestow good luck upon the recipient. On New Year’s Eve families will celebrate with a dinner that takes place in the home allowing all the family members to connect, some Chinese expats living overseas will travel thousands of miles to join the occasion. After dinner, the family will enjoy a tradition named ‘Shou Sui’ which sees everyone reminiscing over the year that just passed before launching fireworks at midnight.

How to wish someone a Happy New Year in Chinese?

If you want to wish someone a ‘Happy New Year’ and they’re from mainland China then you should use Mandarin, but if they’re from Hong Kong then it’s better you use Cantonese as it’s more prominent there. To wish someone a ‘Happy New Year’ you can say ‘Xīnnián hǎo’ (新年好), here are some phonetics to help you: Cantonese – “sen – nin – haow” Mandarin – “sheen – nyun – haow”