January 22, 2023 marks the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, better known as Chinese New Year.
It is a holiday celebrated all over the world and especially in Asia.
Because it is not only in China that this date is important: South Korea, Tibet, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia or Malaysia are also preparing for the festivities which will last 40 days, indicates
National Geographic
.
While most countries in the world use the Gregorian calendar on a daily basis, in China festivals are governed by the traditional lunisolar calendar.
The Year of the Water Rabbit
The date of the New Year is not fixed and depends, each year, on the phase in which the Moon is.
The sign depends on the 12 zodiac animals which are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
According to Voyages Chine, this sign is associated with one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
In 2023, therefore, the year of the water rabbit will begin.
These 40 days are synonymous with festivities and rituals, with a holiday week on New Year's Eve.
It is also on this date that families come together for an important meal, traditionally at the home of the oldest person in the family.
These days are marked by major population movements.
Many residents are returning to their hometowns or to their relatives.
Several traditions
During these New Year festivities, red dominates.
A color symbol of happiness and luck.
It is not uncommon for dwellings to be decorated.
Red is also displayed on the envelopes filled with gifts distributed to the entourage, the hongbao.
Envelopes that can now be sent electronically.
In the streets, traditional performances are celebrated.
There, firecrackers and fireworks are used to chase away Nian, a monster.
But this practice is in decline, due to pollution.
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