As we approach the end of January, we can say the New Year is well and truly behind us as 2022 continues to tick on .
However, the celebrations are just beginning for a large section of people around the world, with Chinese New Year just around the corner.
Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the beginning of a new year means that a new animal from the Chinese Zodiac will be taking over.
Here’s what you need to know about Chinese New Year including what date it falls on this year and what animal is taking over.
When is Chinese New Year 2022?
In 2022 Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 1. This date varies from year to year as it's based on the lunar calendar, which always falls between 21 and 51 days behind the international calendar for new year.
Every year, the festival falls between January 21 and February 20, coinciding with the relevant year’s lunar cycle. However, celebrations usually begin as early as the day before the new year and continue until the Lantern Festival occurs on the 15th.
What is this year's animal?
Each year is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. The animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is also assigned an element from metal, earth, wood, water, or fire.
Chinese New Year 2022 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger, with the element Water. Since the Chinese zodiac has a 12-year cycle, Years of the Tiger previously came in 2010, 1998 and 1986.
The zodiac from the year you were born is thought to describe your personality. For instance, tigers are considered to be powerful and brave as well as kind and free in Chinese culture.
You can easily find out which animal’s year it was when you were born. Here's the full list:
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Rat: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972
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Ox: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973
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Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
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Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
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Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
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Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
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Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
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Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
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Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
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Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
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Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
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Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
How is Lunar New Year celebrated?
There are plenty of traditions associated with the celebration of Lunar New Year. The main activities include:
- putting up decorations
- offering sacrifices to ancestors
- having a reunion dinner with family on New Year's Eve
- giving red envelopes and other gifts
- firecrackers and fireworks
- watching lion and dragon dances
Besides the festivities, Chinese New Year is also linked to several superstitions which apparently decide how your year will unfold.
According to the traditions, washing clothes, using scissors and sweeping floors are some of the easier omens to avoid during this period. Crying children are also thought to be an omen and as something you want to avoid during celebrations.
