Lunar New Year 農曆新年 marks the first day of the year in the lunar calendar. The celebration generally runs for 15 days, with each day having special meaning and traditions to honor. The days' significance and customs vary between regions and beliefs. Many of the meanings also come from legends and folktales passed down from generation to generation. Among the many myths, there is one about Nüwa 女媧, the goddess who created the world. It is believed that she spent the first six days creating animals, the seventh-day creating humans, and the eighth day creating grains. Hence each day of the new year is considered to be the birthday of her creations. Then some folktales talk about the God of Wealth 財神 bringing good fortunes to people, about the God of Kitchen 灶神 watching households, and many more. No matter how different the meanings and traditions are, Lunar New Year is when people spend time with families and friends to celebrate traditions and make wishes for a good year to come.
This year in 2021, the Lunar Year, Year of Ox, begins on February 12 and ends on February 26, 2022.
The celebration starts on New Year’s Eve 除夕 when family members gather together for dinner 團年飯/團圓飯/年夜飯, to toast on the hard work and achievements throughout the year. In some regions, married people will give out red pockets 壓歲錢 to children to place under their pillows for good luck in the year to come. In some regions, family members stay awake all night 守歲, to say goodbye to the old year and to welcome the first day of the new year; it is also believed to bring blessings to the elderly members and increase their longevity.