Celebrate Chinese New Year 2021 – Year of the Ox

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Celebrate Chinese New Year 2021 - Year of the Ox

Chinese New Year 2021 is this Friday, February 12th. The Chinese zodiac animal for 2021 is the ox. Since the Chinese New Year (which marks the start of a new lunar year) is China’s most important holiday, I want to share some of the things that are a part of it.

My friend Jerry Zee did a short, interactive Q&A about the holiday at our church midweek service last week. I learned some new information, so I asked him if I could share the questions and answers with you. He kindly said, “yes” so enjoy and share with your family!

Chinese New Year 2021 Q&A

1. Who celebrates in the world and how many people do?

China, Vietnam, North and South Korea, Singapore and Chinatowns across the world celebrate.  1 in 5 people in the world celebrates the Lunar New Year.

2. What is another term that is synonymous for Lunar New Year?

Spring Festival / Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year

3. Why celebrate it?

Just like January 1st of each year, it’s the same concept.  It’s a new start with the cycle of 4 seasons.

4. How long is it celebrated for?

It varies depending on the country.  In China, it’s officially 3 days on paper, but people celebrate for a whole week. In Singapore, it’s 2 days.

5. What are some of the traditional foods eaten during this celebration?

Dumplings (a dish popular in northern China), and Rice Soup Balls/Cakes (a dish popular in southern China)

My sons making dumplings at a celebration years ago

6. What do you do and NOT do during this time of celebration?

No foul language since that would be a bad omen at the start of a new year, and that would mess up the rest of the year.  You give and receive red envelopes (with money inside) to give and receive good fortune.  

7. What do you wear?

Red color cloth and new cloth/shoes are preferred.

8. How many animals are involved in the Lunar New Year cycle, and what are they?

There are 12 animals (12 years) per cycle – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/Goat, Monkey, Hen/Rooster, Dog and Pig.   

9. Why firecrackers and lion dance/dragon dance?

They are to scare away evil spirits and evil omen.

10. What do you say in Chinese Mandarin during this time?

 Gong xi fa cai (pronounced gong-zee-fah-tsai). This is a wishing of prosperity, literally translating to “wishing you enlarge your wealth”.

Happy Chinese New Year 2021!

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