The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is observed for two weeks. The timing varies based on the changes in the track of the new moon, but it generally begins in late January or early February. In the year 2014, the Chinese New Year begins on January 31st. The New Year's Festival will be celebrated from midnight of January 31st (Chinese New Year's Eve) to February 14th (Lantern Festival).
Based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2014 is the year of the Horse. The year of the horse is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things, according to Cal Luthern University (CLU) faculty member Debby Chang. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. People who are born in the year of the horse are smart, active and energetic, and they are fabulous speakers and dress fashionably. They seek freedom and happiness.
Based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2014 is the year of the Horse. The year of the horse is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things, according to Cal Luthern University (CLU) faculty member Debby Chang. In Chinese culture, the horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. People who are born in the year of the horse are smart, active and energetic, and they are fabulous speakers and dress fashionably. They seek freedom and happiness.
The color red, thought to keep evil spirits at bay, is popular during the Chinese New Year Festival. Citizens often wear the color red. In addition, red banners are posted in the cities. Elder family members often offer gifts of money to younger members. Likewise, married couples may offer monetary gifts to single persons. These gifts are offered in small red and gold envelopes called "Lai See". The envelopes are usually filled with small denomination bills (not coins) and it is considered a special show of "extra thoughtfulness" to use only new bills.
Symbolic decorating traditions of the Chinese New Year include decorating the house with plum blossoms, bamboo, and pine; making a "tray of togetherness" filled with candies and sweet treats, such as candied melon, kumquat, red melon seed, lotus seed, peanuts, and coconut; the use of animals to adorn the walls (particularly animals that represent the zodiac sign, thus the horse would be a prominent adornment in 2014); the use of Chinese lanterns, especially in bright red and golden paper, for decorating ceilings; and the use of red tablecloths and gold napkins for the table setting.
During the first five days of the Chinese New Year Festival, Chinese natives greet each other with "Guo Nian Hao," which means "Happy New Year." People may wish one another Happy New Year by exchanging "good words," sending greeting cards or e-cards, forwarding Chinese New Year "wallpaper," etc. The government wishes its citizens a Happy New Year with fireworks. As mentioned above, it is also common for cities to hang red banners in honor of the New Year.
