The holiday season feels already like a distant memory, but we’re not done yet. The Chinese New Year falls on February 16, 2018 this year, ending all winter holidays, so get ready to party!
Today’s infographic showcases 50 little-known facts about the Chinese New Year. Did you know that, even though it changes every year, the first day of the New Year always falls between January 21 and February 21?
Another cool thing? The holiday lasts longer than western New Year celebrations, which typically only last a night. The Chinese counterpart goes on for 15 days, and ends with the well-known lantern festival that has become the main icon of the festivities.
So why exactly do the Chinese celebrate the new year at a different time than the rest of the world? It all comes down to calendars. Western society measures time with the solar calendar, while China (and other Asian countries) still use the Lunar Calendar in combination with the solar one.
So are you planning on celebrating this year? Get ready by paying all your debts and staying away from the shower: Old debts are a bad omen for the new year and washing your hair also washes away the good luck of the new year. It’s also traditional to greet your friends, colleagues and neighbors with lucky new years blessings. Now grab your lantern and Happy New Year!