10 Fun Historical Facts About Chinese New Year AKA Lunar New Year

Enjoy learning Historical and Fun Facts About the Lunar New Year One. Lunar New Year has been celebrated for over four millennia. It originated during the Shang Dynasty, 1600–1046 BCE, as a way to honor deities and ancestors. Two. The festival is rooted in the legend of Nian, a mythical beast that terrorized villagers. To scare it away, people used red decorations, loud noises, and firecrackers, traditions that continue today. Three. Known as Chunyun, the Lunar New Year triggers the largest human migration on Earth, as millions travel to reunite with their families. Four. Hongbao, red envelopes, filled with money, are given to children and unmarried adults to symbolize good fortune and ward off evil spirits. Five. The Chinese zodiac features a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal, such as the Rat, Ox, or Tiger, are believed to influence personality traits and fortune. Six. Before the New Year begins, families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for incoming good fortune. Cleaning during the festival itself, however, is avoided to prevent "sweeping away" good luck. Seven. While primarily celebrated in China, Lunar New Year is observed in countries like Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), and Singapore, each adding their unique cultural practices. Eight. China's Spring Festival Gala, televised annually on New Year's Eve, is the most-watched TV program globally, featuring music, dance, and comedy. Nine. Festive meals are laden with symbolic dishes: dumplings symbolize wealth, fish symbolize surplus, and long noodles symbolize longevity. These are staples of Lunar New Year feasts. Finally, Ten. Activities like crying, borrowing money, or cutting your hair are avoided during the New Year to prevent bringing bad luck or misfortune into the year ahead. #lunarnewyear #China #snake