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Chinese New Year
Yancy Lin, Joshua Zhu, and Sophia Zhu
Mar. 2 2026
This year, 2026, on February 16th (If you celebrate it in Chinese time) and 17th (according to local time), many families celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year. It is a holiday celebrating the New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture! It marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. The first day of the Lunar New Year falls on the new moon that appears between January 21st and February 20th. Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse (this year), Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
The story of the Chinese zodiac animals came from a famous folk tale about a great race. The Jade Emperor decided to create a calendar, and he announced that the first 12 animals to cross a wide river and reach his palace would earn a place in the zodiac.
The Story
The Story
Fun fact - the mouse and the cat were best friends, but the cat never showed up because he overslept.
The Rat - 1st. The rat was clever, knowing he was too small to cross and was not a good swimmer, he made a deal and asked the hardworking Ox for a ride. The Ox agreed, and when they reached the shore, the Rat jumped ahead and crossed the finish line first.
The Ox - 2nd. The Ox was determined and strong, so he still placed. He was kind and did not get mad at the rat.
The Tiger - 3rd. The Tiger battled the current and arrived third, exhausted but still proud.
The Rabbit - 4th. The Rabbit hopped across on stepping stones and logs, nearly falling into the river but managing to reach the shore in 4th place.
The Dragon - 5th. Many expected the mighty Dragon to win easily since he could fly. However, he stopped to help villages by bringing rain during a drought.
The Snake - 6th. The snake secretly wraps itself around the horse's hoof. When they reached the short, it slithered out and startled the horse, slipping ahead to claim 6th place.
The Horse - 7th. Even though it was frightened by the Snake, it managed to place in 7th.
The Goat, Monkey, and Rooster worked together, using a raft to cross the river. The goat stepped ashore first among the three, earning 8th, and then the monkey followed in 9th, and the Rooster in 10th.
The Dog - 11th. Though an excellent swimmer, it got distracted by catching fish in the river and spent too much time.
The Pig - 12th. It got hungry during the race, stopped to eat, and even took a nap. After waking him, he hurried to the finish line, securing the last spot.
Preparations began weeks in advance, and families cleaned their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. Windows and doors are decorated with red paper cutting and good luck signs. Families gather together for a reunion dinner, arguably the most important meal of the year. The food eaten often carries symbolic meaning; for example, the fish represents surplus and abundance. The dumpling symbolizes wealth, and rice cakes (niangao) signify growth and progress. Many adults (married) give red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried relatives, symbolizing blessings and good luck. Children are expected to say blessings in return, stuff like wishing you a year full of prosperity. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits in many cities. Traditional lion and dragon dances are performed in streets and public squares, bringing excitement to the holidays. The color red is also worn a lot, symbolizing protection, good luck, happiness, and prosperity. Legends have it that villagers were terrorized each New Year's Eve by a fierce beast named Nian. It will come down from the mountains to destroy crops, livestock, and homes. For one year, people discovered that the monster was afraid of the color red, loud noises, and bright light. An old man suggested that the villagers decorate their homes with red clothes and paper, light firecrackers, and keep lanterns burning through the night. When Nian appeared, it was frightened away by the decorations and explosive sounds. From then on, it has been a tradition to repeat these practices to keep the monster away.
Chinese New Year is not just a holiday, but a cherished time for family reunion, and a significant symbol of cultural heritage passed down through generations. It carries the warmth of home and the unity of communities. As the new year unfolds, it stands as a symbol of renewal and hope that everyone will move confidently toward a bright future.
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