The Year of the Rabbit is here!

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, or also lovingly known as the Spring Festival, is a celebration anointed to much cultural and historical heritage in China. This festival heralds the beginning of spring season and the start of a new year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. 2023 will usher in Year of the Rabbit, which starts on January 22. A festival of much significance far and wide across the globe, the Chinese New Year is a very special observance in China.

What makes the Chinese New Year so special?
The lunisolar nature of the old Chinese calendar denotes that it is based on astronomical measurements of the Sun’s position and the Moon’s phases. Since its inception back in the 14th century BCE, this ancient calendar was used to commemorate household and celestial deities as well as ancestors. The occasion marks a new beginning and the renewal of prosperity, happiness, and health. It is one of the major celebrations in Asia and the Asian diaspora. Each new year on the lunar calendar corresponds to one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac.

As “rabbits,” those born in the year of the rabbit are regarded as being creative, intelligent, sharp-witted and vigilant. In fact, the rabbit stands for peace and longevity in Chinese culture and is regarded as the luckiest of the 12 zodiac animals.
Chinese zodiac signs of tigers, snakes, and oxes are some other zodiacs who are predicted to have a lucky 2023.

A ceremony of winter solstice
The gloomy darkness of the night is cast out with the light of fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Of special significance in the Chinese New Year , the cities are studded with lanterns in the ushering in good luck for the people. Dragon dances, shows, and festival parades with music and acrobatics all take place. Two weeks of festivities culminate in a special lantern festival that marks the conclusion of the New Year’s celebrations.

Of course, a lot of delectable food is another important part of this grand celebration! Serving long noodles for the New Year is customary and represents a long life.

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