For more than 1.3 billion people the new year has not yet begun! Chinese and supporters of oriental culture will count down only on January 25, the date when the Chinese New Year 2020 begins for real.
Quite different from Western culture, the Chinese New Year follows an ancient tradition and is calculated according to the movement of the moon, that is, it is considered lunar. Unlike the Western calendar, which relies on the movement of the sun to calculate the passage of time.
Therefore, the date can vary between one year and another, but in general, the Chinese New Year always happens between the period of January 21 to February 21. That date, even, comes right after the Spring Festival, a time of harvest and plenty for the Chinese.
The Chinese New Year is full of traditions, symbolisms and rituals. All this to ensure that the beginning of the new cycle is prosperous and full of good energies.
Do you want to prepare for that moment too? So come follow this post with us, we brought tips and suggestions there, welcome, after all, good luck never hurts!
Chinese New Year 2020
The question that remains: when is the Chinese New Year in 2020? In that year, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 25, when the moon enters the new phase.
The new year will continue until February 11, 2021, when a new cycle begins.
2020: the year of the rat
It is impossible to talk about the Chinese New Year without talking about the Chinese horoscope. Quite different from the western horoscope, which is determined annually by the sun, the Chinese horoscope is based on 12-year cycles, where each year is represented by an animal.
In 2019, the boar ended one of those twelve-year periods and now, in 2020, it is the rat that resumes the beginning of another cycle.
The way to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year depends on the animal that will be the conductor of that new period. The year of the rat, for example, is celebrated with nuts and cheeses, some of the favorite foods of this small rodent.
But, contrary to the western view, the mouse in the east is seen as an intelligent, skilled and courageous animal. The rat is also a symbol of fertility and reproduction, bringing energies of creativity, prosperity and expansion.
The rat also represents socialization, friendly interaction, as well as power, prestige and influence.
According to the Chinese horoscope, the mouse opens a new cycle of twelve years, so this is a great time to carry out new projects and pursue that dream. So, if you want to get married, start a venture or invest in something, count on the energy of the mouse to do it.
Chinese New Year traditions and customs
If you have had the opportunity to follow the celebrations of a Chinese New Year, you probably have noticed the presence of traditional elements and full of symbolism. And, in fact, without them, the Chinese New Year would not be the same. Therefore, we list below the main traditions and customs of this party, check it out:
Red and gold
Red and gold are colors that represent Chinese culture very well and are also very common in the celebration of the new year there.
Red is the representation of fortune, joy, kindness and it also helps to ward off bad luck. Gold is the color of prosperity and abundance.
The combination of the two colors is a guarantee for a year full of good energy.
Dragon and lion
Animals like the dragon and the lion are also very popular at the Chinese New Year celebrations. During the celebrations, dancers wear costumes that represent these animals in order to chase away bad spirits and bad luck.
Red envelopes
Red envelopes are another great symbol of the Chinese New Year. In them, money notes are placed to give gifts to people close and dear with the aim of offering luck and prosperity for the coming year. Remembering that the intention is worth more than the amount of money that is put in the envelope.
Family dinner
The Chinese New Year's Eve is very important and should be received with a rich and delicious dinner, where friends and relatives will be together.
Number eight
The number eight has a very special meaning in Chinese culture. For them, the number is related to good luck and good omens.
Unlike number four, for example, which is seen as a number of bad luck.
A good tip is to offer money notes inside the red envelope that count values with the number eight, like R $ 88, for example. And don't even think of putting R $ 44 in the envelope. The amount would be interpreted as an offense.
Reverence for ancestors
Something very beautiful about Chinese culture is the reverence offered to ancestors. Families usually set up an altar of thanks and honor to their ancestors, placing their intentions, thanks and the request for a prosperous and happy new year there.
Fireworks
The Chinese New Year is also celebrated with many fireworks. For the Chinese, the sound of fires helps to ward off evil spirits and bad energies.
Decorating the house for the Chinese New Year
House cleaning
Keeping the house clean and organized is always good, but when it comes to the Chinese New Year, this practice becomes even more important. For the Chinese it is essential to receive the new year in a clean, organized and free of unused or broken objects, this way you guarantee the entry of good energy.
It is also worth knowing that after the new year you should not clean the house. According to Chinese tradition, wait at least 15 days. This ensures that the good energies received are not "thrown" out.
Gateway
The gateway is very important for the Chinese New Year. She must be decorated and receptive, ready to receive the good news.
Flowers and fruits
Flowers and fruits are also a must in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The preferred flowers for this time are those of the peach tree, which represent luck, the chrysanthemums, symbols of longevity and the daffodils that bring the energy of prosperity.
For fruits, choose oranges and tangerines. They are unanimous in Chinese celebrations and symbolize happiness. Tradition tells us to eat the fruit in pairs.
Couplets
Chinese couplets are very traditional at New Year's parties, so don't leave them out of the decoration. You can use them in thematic options or with personalized Chinese messages.
Chinese food on the menu
Chinese delicacies cannot be missed in the celebration of the Chinese New Year. And believe me, the menu goes far beyond yakissoba.
Most foods have a meaning and symbolism for the Chinese. Red peppers, for example, mean good luck. Rice brings harmony, while radish represents longevity.
A typical dish that can be prepared during celebrations is guioza, a type of dumpling filled with jam. Bet on spring rolls, varied fish and pasta.
Chinese New Year in Brazil
Brazil has one of the largest Chinese colonies in the world. According to Federal Police immigration data, about 200 thousand Chinese live in the country today, most of them (80%) being concentrated in the southeast region.
It is no coincidence that the Liberdade neighborhood, in São Paulo, is the biggest reference of Chinese culture in Brazil.
So anyone who wants to check out a real Chinese New Year party up close should not miss the opportunity to stop by the neighborhood.
40 decoration ideas with Chinese New Year
Check out a selection of photos now to inspire you to celebrate the Chinese New Year 2020 in style and attract great energy:
Picture 1 – Table set for family dinner in the Chinese New Year. Fortune cookies, tangerines and peach blossoms cannot be missing.
Picture 2 – Red and black to bring glamor and good energy to the Chinese new year.
Image 3 – Typical Chinese sweets decorated with the regent animal.
Picture 4 – Envelopes to offer good luck and prosperity
Image 5 – Even the drinks go into the decoration of the Chinese New Year. Chinese coins were used here.
Image 6 – For the year of the rooster a very themed decoration.
Image 7A – Chinese new year party in shades of white and red. Highlight for the ideogram printed on the wall.
Image 7B – Chinese table must have chopsticks!
Image 8 – Here, the appetizers were served on a beautiful tray decorated in golden tones.
Image 9 – The animal of the year should be highlighted in the celebration.
Picture 10 – How about cookies decorated with Chinese lanterns?
Picture 11 – 2020, the year of the rat!
Picture 12 – There is cupcake in the Chinese New Year! This one still has tangerines to add flavor and happiness.
Image 13 – Flowers are always an invitation to good luck and good fluids.
Picture 14 – Chinese sweets and snacks for the New Year's menu.
Picture 15 – Fortune cookies in the color of joy and abundance!
Picture 16 – Mini Chinese lanterns for decoration.
Image 17 – Besides being beautiful, the peach blossoms still fill the house with good energy.
Image 18 – A modern touch for the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
Image 18B – Here, the Chinese lanterns form the perfect background panel for the cake.
Picture 19 – Porcelain cups ready to receive tea.
Image 20 – Flowers and a lot of red to get in the positive mood of the Chinese New Year.
Picture 21 – An abundant new year begins with a rich and well served table!
Picture 22 – Invitation inspiration for the Chinese New Year.
Image 23 – Already here, the Chinese New Year became a children's party theme.
Picture 24 – Simple but perfect decoration to welcome the Chinese New Year.
Picture 25 – Dried fruits for dessert!
Image 26A – Suggestion of souvenir for the Chinese New Year party.
Image 26B – Chinese chocolate coins.
Image 27 – Take time to get to know and learn Chinese recipes.
Picture 28 – Little red and colorful fish symbolizing an abundant new year!
Picture 29 – Nuts, pistachios, peanuts and olives as appetizers for the Chinese New Year party.
Image 30 – A lot of light to receive the lunar year.
Picture 31 – Personalized and original version of fortune cookies.
Image 32 – Pots decorated in gold and red to embellish the party.
Picture 33 – How about a dash of cuteness at the Chinese New Year party?
Image 34 – The leaves of the tangerine also have symbolic value for the Chinese.
Image 35 – Chinese lanterns cannot be left out of the party.
Image 36 – A legitimate Chinese party displays beautiful and delicate porcelain.
Image 37 – Mini sparkling wine to toast the arrival of the Chinese New Year.
Image 38A – Appetizers organized in the tray.
Image 38B – Alias, it is not a mere tray. It's an art!
Image 39 – Buddhas!
Image 40 – Red and gold to attract prosperity and good fluids.
