Happy Lunar New Year!

Linguajoy wishes you a Happy Chinese/Lunar New Year! 新年快乐! (xīn nián kuài lè) Happy Year of the Tiger! 虎年大吉! (Hǔ nián dàjí) ?

The Chinese/Lunar New Year is celebrated not only in China, but many other Asian countries as well, such as Vietnam, the two Koreas, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The lunar new year is also called the Spring Festival since it always occurs in transition from the winter to spring season. Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2022 is the year of the noble and courageous Tiger (虎 hǔ).

Every year China witness the world’s largest migration around the new year period, with over 200 million people making long travels to return back to their hometown to celebrate with family.

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, people eat auspicious food to bring good things for the new year. For instance, dumplings represent “wealth” and noodles represent “longevity.” Red is considered a lucky color in China, and is used everywhere in decorations and clothing around this holiday celebration.

Do you celebrate the lunar new year? What good things are you hoping for this year?