Mouth-watering food shared with loved ones, loud celebrations, colorful lantern displays lining the streets, shopping sprees, troupes of mesmerizing lion dancers, and spreading wishes of prosperity with lucky money (Red Envelopes). It’s easy to see why the Chinese New Year (aka. Spring Festival) is one of the most important times of the year for billions of people in China and across the globe.

The annual celebration, which has been practiced for millennia, is marked by the traditional lunisolar calendar – i.e., based on the astronomical observations of the Moon’s phases and Sun’s longitude. This means that the dates for the Spring Festival are constantly changing each year.

In 2021, the Chinese New Year starts on February 12—with festivities continuing for 40 days, characterized by multiple rituals and sub-festivals.

2021 is the Year of the OX

In Chinese astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs—derived from the year of birth. They include the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—in that order. These Zodiac signs stem from an ancient Chinese folk story about “The Great Race.”

In the story, the Jade Emperor summoned 13 animals and announced that their order of arrival would determine how their names would appear in the calendar. (If you’re wondering why there are only 12 animals, the cat drowned).

The coming Chinese New Year 2021 ushers in the year of the Metal Ox. As a valued animal in Chinese culture, the Ox is believed to bring longevity, stability, and plenty of great things/achievements. This is set to be a productive and positive year – i.e. when all the hard work finally pays off.

Why is the Chinese New Year Important?

Since its inception thousands of years ago, the Chinese New Year has grown in importance in several countries—including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Tibet, South Korea, other countries with Chinese populations.

Eye-catching decorations aside, the Chinese New Year holds a special place in people’s lives for one reason; it’s a time for generations of families to spend time together and strengthen their bonds.

It is a prime opportunity for everyone to leave behind their every day obligation (school, work, etc.) and gather under a common purpose. One of the main themes of the occasion is spreading hope, promoting happiness, and wishing property for the coming lunar year.

As a testament to the significance of the Spring Festival, the event spawns one of the largest annual migrations in the world. Dubbed Chunyun, the spring migration attracted a staggering 3 billion travelers in 2020. As you might guess, this puts a strain on even the highly-developed infrastructure in China—but it’s definitely worth the hassle when it means spending valuable time with your kin.

Away from China, the festival is also a way to appreciate the uniqueness of traditional Chinese culture and to spread it to the world. Talking of traditions…

Chinese New Year Traditions and Taboos

The Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in tradition. And that’s clear right from the use of the traditional lunisolar calendar. The period is also characterized by several age-old practices and beliefs. For example, it is customary for people to clean their houses thoroughly and put up red decorations before the festival.

On the eve of the Chinese New Year, a family gathers in the home of the eldest member for a hearty traditional feast—often overflowing with dumplings and fish. This is followed by the Shou Sui dinner as the family stays awake through midnight to usher in the New Year. Customarily, people light firecrackers as a way to chase away evil monsters.

Another noteworthy tradition is gifting children with hongbao (red envelops/packets with money). The underlying idea is to wish them good health, prosperity, and ward off evil. (PS: The color red in Chinese culture symbolizes happiness, joy, vitality, prosperity, and wards off evil).

There are also some superstitions and taboos that surround the Spring Festival, especially on the first day. According to the beliefs, you should avoid sharp objects, brooms, crying children, theft, debt, laundry, porridge, damages clothes, monochrome fashion, and washing hair, among other taboo items/activities.

Please note that the traditions and practices may differ from one country to another—but the general idea of reuniting families is the same.

The Chinese New Year in the 21^st Century

Times have changed since the inception of the Chinese New Year over 3,000 years ago. While most people still hold onto the foundational values and beliefs that define the festivals, elements of modernity also have an impact.

In our technologically-focused world, Spring Festival shopping has gone online as people prefer the convenience of home delivery, minimal hassle, tons of options, and awesome offers in eCommerce marketplaces. Even the iconic Red Envelopes can be sent over apps like WeChat in a colorful greetings message.

And due to the effects of pollution and safety reasons, many cities in China have banned private firework shows. But you can expect a couple of spectacular displays in public squares.

With that, the team here are Tech Armor wishes everyone New Year Goodness.

恭喜发财 / 恭喜發財 (Gōngxǐ fācái) “Happiness and prosperity!”