Xīn nián kuài Lè! Happy Chinese New Year 2020!
The Chinese Zodiac goes by a twelve-year cycle with each year is represented by a different animal. The twelve animals that represent the Chinese Zodiac are: Rat, Dog, Pig, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, and Rooster. According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2020 is the Year of the White Metal Rat.
The Chinese New Year always coincides with the first day of Spring. The 2020 Year of the Rat officially begins on January 25, 2020, with festivities beginning in the weeks leading up. The celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival which is held on February 8th.
Also known as the Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year is a time of change and new beginnings in Chinese culture. Many of the traditions are done for the purpose of removing old items to make room for new good fortunes to come your way in the new year.
You are a RAT if you were born in 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and of course 2020.
Lucky numbers: 2 & 3 (unlucky numbers are 5 & 9)
Lucky colors: blue, green & gold (avoid yellow & brown)
Lucky flowers: African violet & lillies
According to astrologists, here is a brief overview of what you can expect during the year of the rat based on your sign.
Air signs: Gemini, Libra & Aquarius are known to have good communication skills and to be detail oriented. In the year of the rat they should strive to be more industrious, increase social activity, but also know when to listen and not to speak. Expect some obstacles or push back to get ahead this year.
Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces will have strong emotions, and be more willing to pick away and work towards goals. Get rid of things, thoughts or people that have a negative affect on you. Romance is in the air and whether single or married, a marked improvement in your relationships can be expected.
Earth signs: Virgo, Capricorn & Taurus: It’s time to de-clutter & simplify your life. Get rid of things, thoughts or people that have a negative affect on you. No lending or borrowing money. Use what you have and watch it grow. Take extra care of your health.
Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius: This year will motivate to focus on long term goals and projects to get them done. Common sense and good investments will lead to stable financial gains. Be strategic & not impulsive.
Here are some popular Chinese New Year traditions to make way for good luck in the new year.
Spring Cleaning
Preparing your home for the New Year is one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture. In the days leading up to the New Year, Chinese families will completely clean and de-clutter their homes. This includes disposing of any broken, ripped, or damaged items in order to bring good luck in the coming year.
Decorations
It is also tradition to decorate your home with red symbols that represent wealth, good fortune, happiness, and longevity. Red symbolizes joy, virtue, and sincerity, and is considered an extremely auspicious color in Chinese culture to bring you good luck.
Firecrackers
Setting off firecrackers just after midnight is a popular tradition to scare off evil spirits during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Red Envelopes
Another good luck tradition is elders giving out small, red envelopes filled with cash called hóng bāo to the children in the family.
Open the Windows
Opening up windows and doors allows for good fortune to enter your house as the Chinese New Year begins.
Superstitions & Taboos
There are also a number of superstitions and taboos that are thought to bring you bad luck in the new year. Here are things you should avoid doing during the Chinese New Year.
Pay-off Debt
It is considered bad luck to go into the new year owing money. If you owe a family member or friend money, pay them back before the new year begins.
Negative Words
You should also avoid using words that have a negative connotation. Words such as death, sick, poor, broken, etc. can jinx you in the coming new year.
Don’t Clean or Sweep
You should clean before new year festivities begin. Cleaning or sweeping during the Chinese New Year is thought to sweep away your good luck. You should also avoid showering on Chinese New Year to avoid washing away your good luck.
Avoid Breaking Things
Accidentally breaking something is thought to break your connection to prosperity and fortune. Be extra careful and don’t break any glasses or dishes.
Don’t Use Scissors or Knives
Using sharp objects during Chinese New Year is believed to cut your stream of wealth and prosperity. This includes slicing food, haircutting, and sewing.
Food Traditions
It is customary for families to gather for a feast for the Chinese New Year. Here are some lucky foods for Chinese New Year.
- Pork symbolizes strength and abundance.
- Rice symbolizes wealth and good luck. You should have an abundance of rice during the Chinese New Year!
- Long noodles symbolize longevity. You should avoid cutting or chewing your noodles if possible. The longer the noodle, the longer your life. So slurp up!
- Spring rolls are shaped like gold bars and represent wealth.
- Dumplings symbolize coins for good fortune in the coming year.
- Oranges symbolize luck and prosperity. Fill a bowl with an even amount of citrus fruit for good luck in the new year.
- In Chinese, the word fish sounds much like the Chinese word for surplus or extra. Therefore, eating fish on the Chinese New Year is believed to bring you wealth.
- Nian Gao is sticky and sweet rice cakes that are thought to bring wealth and good luck in the new year.
Other blog posts that may interest you include Chinese New Years Sup
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Chinese New Years Traditions and Superstitions
You may also want to check out our Chinese New Years Lucky Foods Pinterest Board.
