Something You Probably Didn't Know About Chinese New Year
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese new year, also known as Spring Festival, is the grandest festival in China. Many people think that lunar new year and Chinese new year are the same, but they are not. Chinese New Year uses the lunisolar calendar instead of the lunar calendar. When it comes to the lunisolar calendar, we have to mention the solar terms. "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" is the product of ancient farming civilization. It occupies an extremely important position in Chinese traditional farming society. Farming production is closely related to the rhythm of nature. It's a knowledge system formed by changes in time, climate, phenology, etc. The Chinese New Year originally refers to Li Chun (the beginning of spring) in the twenty-four solar terms.
As the most colorful annual event, the traditional CNY celebration lasts longer, and the climax arrives around Chinese New Year’s Eve. During this period, China is dominated by iconic red lanterns, loud fireworks, massive banquets and parades, and the festival even triggers celebrations across the globe.
2023 - The Year of the Rabbit
In Chinese culture, one of 12 different animals represent each new year. These animals form the Chinese zodiac, which repeats every 12 years. According to historical records, a relatively complete zodiac system existed in the pre-Qin period (before 221 BC). 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, which is the fourth year of the Chinese zodiac's 12-year cycle. In 2023, the Chinese New Year falls on January 22.
Chinese New Year Greetings (Mandarin)
- 新年快乐 - Happy New Year
It's the most common greeting used during the Chinese New Year.
Pronunciation: xīn nián kuài lè
- 兔年大吉 - Wish you good luck in the Year of the Rabbit
This is a more authentic Chinese New Year greeting, which only refers to the New Year blessing in the Year of the Rabbit.
Pronunciation: tù nián dà jí
- 身体健康 - Good Health
It is also a very commonly used and important New Year greeting, which can be used in any age group.
Pronunciation: shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
- 阖家幸福 – Happy Family
It’s often used in formal occasions and in written to wish someone a happy family.
Pronunciation: hé jiā xìng fú
- 心想事成 - May All Your Wishes Come True
Pronunciation: xīn xiǎng shì chéng
- 恭喜发财 – Wish You Prosperity And Good Fortune
Gong hei fat choy (Cantonese) has become one of the most recognizable Chinese New Year greetings outside of China.
Pronunciation: gōng xǐ fā cái
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, we also launched a new collection - Année du Lapin 2023. It's a New Chinese style, based on various Chinese New Year elements, which is the perfect fusion of oriental aesthetics and western art, and it is also one of the most popular design styles in China.
May good luck and health be with you throughout the new year and wishing you a prosperous year of the rabbit!
