Chinese New Year 2022 falls on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 15th, 2022. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (February 1st–7th, 2022).
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year.
It is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.
In Chinese tradition, each year is named after one of 12 animals, which feature in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
So the animals will have a year dedicated to them once every 12 years, in a cycle.
Millions of people in China normally travel across the country in the lead up to the new year as they go to spend time with family, but this year people are being encouraged not to. Those who do travel, have to be tested and their health is also monitored.
Usually before the festivities begin, people clean their homes really well to make them ready for the celebrations.
Then, when New Year's Day comes, there is a tradition not to pick up a broom, in case you sweep the good luck for the New Year out of the door!
In China, schools and businesses can close for the first few days of the new year, so that everyone can spend time with their families.
People enjoy eating lots of delicious food, including noodle soup, which traditionally brings luck for the year ahead.
There are typically parades and performances, with people dressed in traditional clothes.
Fireworks are also set off, because it is thought that noise and lights will scare away any evil spirits for the coming months.
Adults might give red envelopes to children with money inside too.
The festivities continue for two weeks, finishing with a special lantern festival, which signals the end of the new year celebration period.
China’s Spring Festival is rich in tradition and customs. The main Chinese New Year activities include 1) putting up decorations, 2) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve, 3) firecrackers and fireworks, 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts, and 5) watching lion and dragon dances. 1. Cleaning and Decorating House