On Tuesday this week, almost two billion people all over the world celebrated the Lunar New Year which is also called the Chinese New Year (or the Spring Festival in China). Traditionally, it’s a time to get together with families to honor ancestors and deities and to enjoy the exciting street parades and firework shows that are meant to drive off evil spirits.
The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar but is also celebrated in Korea, Singapore, Mongolia, Tibet, Vietnam, and in Asian communities internationally.
This year, the celebration marks the end of the Year of the Ox and the start of the Year of the Tiger.
Qin Gang, China’s ambassador to the US, released a statement last Sunday, calling on the American and Chinese people to “further our friendship in the new era.”
When is Lunar New Year 2022?
The Lunar New Year follows the lunar, rather than the solar calendar. The most widely used, standardized calendar is the Gregorian calendar, which is an example of a solar calendar, and thus the Lunar New Year falls on a different day every year. This year, the Lunar New Year’s Eve fell on January 31st, and the new year began on February 1st.
Celebrations usually begin the weekend before and carry on for weeks after, but only the first seven days (January 31st to February 6th) are considered public holidays. The New Year season comes to a close during the Lantern Festival, a Chinese tradition celebrated on the first full moon of the year. It occurs on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, which falls on February 15th this year.
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year marks more than just the beginning of a new calendar year. It is celebrated as a time of reunion and rebirth.
Which Chinese Zodiac animal is honored this year?
The Chinese calendar is on a 12-year-cycle. Each year is linked to one of twelve animals: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
“In Chinese culture, the tiger is the symbol of bravery, wisdom, and strength. But interestingly, the tiger is not mentioned in the Bible, while the lion, a Western astrological sign, is absent from the Chinese zodiac,” Qin explained. “Different places and peoples have different cultures. This is only natural, but such differences should not prevent us from understanding, respecting, and appreciating each other’s history, culture, and tradition.”
What are the personality traits of people born in the Year of the Tiger?
According to Asian culture, the characteristics of those that are born during the year of the Tiger are thought to be brave and thrill-seeking. They also demonstrate natural leadership and often crave attention.
“They are courageous and energetic, love a challenge or competition, and are prepared to take risks,” says the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. “They can also be rebellious, short-tempered, and outspoken, preferring to give orders rather than take them, which often leads to conflict.”
Were you born in the year of the Tiger? In the past century, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010 were all Tiger years.
