Committee
Celebrating Chinese (Lunar) New Year
January 27, 2022
To: All MoveUP Members
The first day of Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) begins on the new moon that appears between the end of January and the end of February. This year, that day falls on February 1.
Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, observances traditionally take place from New Year’s Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year, to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration observed in China, with cultural and historic significance.
The festival signals the beginning of spring, and the start of a new year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated across the country, but also has many related celebrations in nations and ethnic groups deriving from China and East Asian countries.
How do Chinese people celebrate the Chinese New Year?
- Chinese New Year Decorations — Lucky Red Items. Every street, building, and house where Spring Festival is celebrated is decorated with red.
- Chinese New Year’s Eve — Family Time.
- Firecrackers and Fireworks at Chinese New Year.
- Chinese New Year Gifts and Red Envelopes.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao (/shnng-sshyao/ ‘born resembling’), is a repeating cycle of 12 years, with each year being represented by an animal and its reputed attributes.
2022 will be a year of the Tiger, starting on February 1 and ending on January 21, 2023. Those born in a year of the Tiger are believed to be extremely competitive, but also extremely generous with a penchant for seeking justice. The Year of the Tiger is expected to be a year that brings about big change.
To see what animal represents your zodiac year, click here.
Personality of the 12 animals:
- Rat: quick-witted, smart, charming, and persuasive
- Ox: patient, kind, diligence, and honest
- Tiger: confident, optimistic, courageous, and intense
- Rabbit: popular, compassionate, and sincere
- Dragon: energetic, fearless, warm-hearted, and charismatic
- Snake: charming, gregarious, generous, and smart
- Horse: energetic, independent, perceptive, and popular
- Sheep: imaginative, considerate, kind, and peace-loving
- Monkey: fun, energetic, and active
- Rooster: independent, practical, hard-working, and observant
- Dog: patient, diligent, generous, faithful, and kind
- Pig: loving, tolerant, honest, and sincere
In solidarity,
Christy Slusarenko & Gunter Seifert
Co-chairs, Human Rights & Multicultural Committee
