How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2019: Year of the Pig #ChineseNewYear

Chinese New Year 2019 marks the Year of the Pig — a year that, according to Chinese astrology, will be filled with fortune and luck; a great year to make money, and a good year to invest! 2019 is going to be full of joy, a year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs; an auspicious year because the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life. With this rosy outlook, let the celebrations begin!

2019 Year of the Pig. PC: CrystalWind.ca

When is Chinese New Year 2019?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, begins on the new moon that occurs between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20 every year — with this year’s falling on Tuesday, February 5th. It is a time for honoring deities and ancestors with prayers, offerings, and other acts of devotion. It has been the most important and widely celebrated holiday in the world for over 1,000 years and is filled with many fascinating legends and customs. Much like the western New Year, it is a time of celebration and an occasion for joyous family reunion to welcome a new beginning.

Red lanterns at night in Shanghai.

What is the Animal for Chinese New Year 2019?

This year marks the the year of the Pig – the twelfth and last year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Your Chinese zodiac animal is the Pig, if you were born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, or 2019. The Chinese Zodiac describes the Pig as representative of diligence, kindness, and generosity. It is a “yin” and also a water sign – the closest Western correspondent sign is the Scorpio. Read more about this most reliable sign that is intelligent, tolerant, and sociable at astrology site Crystal Wind.

South Coast Plaza Lunar New Year celebration

Chinese New Year 2018 – Year of the Dog celebration at South Coast Plaza.

Chinese New Year Traditions:

At midnight on New Year’s Eve fireworks and firecrackers are set off to welcome the new year and ward off evil spirits.

The color red is associated with fire, which is thought to ward off evil spirits, this is why many Chinese people wear red. Red is also a predominant color in decorations.

Dragons are legendary creatures believed to be helpful and friendly and guard against evil spirits, bring wisdom, good luck, wealth and prosperity. Silk, paper, and bamboo dragons are seen in decor, cards, gifts, etc.

Houses are thoroughly cleaned the week before New Year’s to “sweep away any bad luck”.

Man sweeping street in front of the Langham Hotel in Shanghai

Keeping the streets clean at The Langham, Xintiandi in Shanghai.

Repaying debts, making amends, reconciling with people, avoiding offenses, and reestablishing relationships and friendships are important things to accomplish before the New Year.

Chinese New Year cake, Nian Gao, is made of glutinous rice.

On the final day of the festivities, everyone dines on nian gao, sweet rice cakes, or “go.” Shaped like the full moon (and eaten on the full moon) these glutinous cakes are shared amongst family and friends as a sign of unity. In this case the word “go” sounds similar to the word for “high.” For the Chinese, this translates as doing all things in life at the highest level; careers, education, etc.

How to Celebrate Chinese New Year:

With food and family reunions of course! The weeks surrounding Chinese New Year is the busiest travel time in China. Children are off from school during the holiday period (often an entire month) and many companies close.

For New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, 8 courses are usually served because 8 is considered to be a lucky number.

Long uncut noodles represent longevity and are a main dish on New Year’s Day.

Fish also brings luck and prosperity. Any kind of fish or bird is traditionally served whole for Chinese New Year, including the head and feet.

Tangerines and oranges are placed in bowls throughout the house to bring wealth and prosperity.

Grilled Red Snapper with Ginger Soy Sauce recipe.