Chinese New Year: how it is celebrated, what symbols are used, and what makes it special

Holidays may seem like fun and games, but behind the Chinese New Year lies a whole system of symbols, prohibitions, and wishes for the future. Why are red envelopes given as gifts, why are fireworks set off, and what does a family dinner really mean? We explain it all in simple terms. Find out what makes China's main holiday special and how the Chinese themselves understand it

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Chinese New Year is one of the largest holidays in the world. In China, it is called Chunjie, or Spring Festival, and it is not just a change in the calendar, but a symbol of a new cycle of life. In 2026, it falls on 17 February and marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse.

The date changes every year because it is calculated according to the lunar calendar — the holiday begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Therefore, sometimes it falls in January, and sometimes in mid-February.

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Why everything is red and noisy

An ancient legend about the monster Nian is associated with the holiday. It was believed that at the beginning of spring, it came out of the sea and brought misfortune. People noticed that the creature was afraid of the colour red, fire and loud noises — this is how the main traditions came about.

That is why during the New Year, China literally turns red: lanterns, inscriptions on doors, clothes, and gift envelopes. Fireworks and firecrackers are not for entertainment — they symbolically ‘disperse’ the misfortunes of the past year. The holiday begins with purification and ends with an invitation to good luck.

The most important night

The main event is a family dinner. Even if they live in another city or country, people try to visit their parents. During this period, the largest migration on the planet takes place: hundreds of millions of Chinese travel home.

The table must be laden with symbolic dishes — dumplings, fish, and long noodles. These represent wishes for prosperity, long life, and well-being. It is believed that the atmosphere of this night sets the mood for the whole year.

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Red envelopes with money

One of the main symbols of the holiday is hongbao, red envelopes. These are not just money, but wishes for good luck.

The banknotes must be new — passing on ‘old’ luck is considered a bad sign. The envelope is given with both hands, and it cannot be opened in front of the giver: this is perceived as greed.

Even the amount inside matters. In China, people like numbers that sound like the words ‘prosperity’ or ‘easy path’ and avoid numbers that sound like the word ‘death.’

Meaningful gifts

It's not the price that matters, but the symbolism. Therefore, gifts are most often related to luck and well-being: fruit, sweets, good tea or neat gift sets. The packaging is almost always red or gold.

At the same time, there are taboos — some items are associated with separation or misfortune. Even an expensive gift can be perceived as a bad omen if it ‘sounds wrong.’

For example:

Watch. Sounds like ‘seeing off on the last journey.’

Umbrellas. Sounds like the word ‘parting.’

Green hats. The expression ‘to wear a green hat’ means that a person is being cheated on by their partner.

Pears. Similar to the word ‘separation’, so they are not put in gift baskets.

The holiday lasts two weeks

Chinese New Year lasts 15 days. It is a time for gatherings, visits to relatives and small rituals ‘for good luck’. The finale is the Lantern Festival, when the streets and sky are filled with lights.

Why it is special

For the Chinese, it is not just the beginning of the year. It is an opportunity to reconcile, thank the family and leave the past behind.

In essence, it combines several meanings at once — a family holiday, spiritual purification, and hope for prosperity.

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Reminder! Tomorrow, Ukraine begins celebrating Maslyana, or Shrovetide week! This is an ancient Ukrainian tradition that combines folk rituals with preparations for Lent. In 2026, the celebrations will last from 16 to 22 February, and each day of the week has a special meaning and its own customs. Learn about authentic Ukrainian Maslyana traditions, daily rituals, and the main festive dish, which has nothing to do with pancakes.

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