The Chinese New Year, which starts on Wednesday, is one of the busiest times of the year in China. Homes and restaurants are decorated in red, while many residents travel around the country to spend time with loved ones. However, the occasion is also celebrated in other parts of the world. For the Chinese diaspora, it’s a time of festivities, home-cooked meals, reunions and quality time with family.
Elders often hand over red envelopes filled with money to children and modern-day celebrations also include lighting fireworks. Each year, Chinese New Year (also known as the Spring Festival) falls on a different day, typically in January or February, depending on the position of the Moon. The animals that make up the Chinese Zodiac, which runs on a 12-year cycle, include: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
During the Spring Festival, one of the 12 animals is celebrated, paired with one of the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth or metal. This year is calculated to be that of the Wood Snake. Those born in 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977 and every 12 years prior fall under this sign.
According to Travel China Guide, people born in the Year of the Snake are considered rational, calm, thoughtful and loyal to their loved ones. They are also thought to be precise, cool-headed, creative and logical thinkers.
There is countless literature on the zodiac signs, what they mean and how to navigate life using them. China’s agricultural roots are intertwined with the appreciation of nature, and the superstitions and philosophies of the spirit animals have become ingrained in the culture.
Those from the older generations may inquire about someone’s age based on the animal year they were born in, rather than ask a person’s actual age directly.
To date, there’s a sizeable industry in China and Taiwan dedicated to fortune-telling and matchmaking based on zodiac signs. In ancient times, marriages were set up for the prosperity of the family. It’s believed that people of different age groups are beneficial to each other and that marrying someone a few years younger or older can yield favourable results depending on the needs of the family.
Some favourable matches include: the talented snake and the sociable rooster as one likes to lead while the other likes to follow; the steady horse and the practical goat; the brave monkey and the gracious rabbit; and the sincere pig and the loyal dog.
In modern times, some still take it quite seriously, to the point where they make stock decisions and business moves using their foretold fortunes. Others may see it much like the monthly western horoscopes – as fun and speculative, but not life-altering.
Chinese New Year greetings
There are several ways to wish someone a happy Chinese New Year. One of the most popular is to say Gong Xi Fa Cai (or the Cantonese version of Gung Hay Fat Choy), which roughly translates to “I wish you good fortune” or “Congratulations and may you be prosperous”.
The saying is broken down as gong xi, which means congratulations, while fa cai refers to gaining wealth, prosperity and success.
Some other ways to share wishes include simple greetings such as “Happy Lunar New Year”, “Wishing you wealth and health this Chinese New Year” and “May good fortune shine on you in the new year”.
What's the difference between Chinese and Lunar New Year?
Across China, the Lunar New Year is commonly known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. However, in many neighbouring Asian countries, unique New Year celebrations have developed, having been influenced by the Chinese calendar.
Vietnam marks the occasion with Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, while South Korea celebrates Seollal, a three-day festival rather than a 15-day one. In Mongolia, the Lunar New Year is called Tsagaan Sar, and in Indonesia, it is known as Imlek, a holiday that has grown in popularity.
Tibet’s New Year, known as the Losar Festival, does not always fall on the same day as China’s Lunar New Year, though the dates are usually close. This year, Losar starts on February 28.
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines, along with other countries with large Chinese communities, also celebrate at the same time as Chinese New Year.
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Snake: calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Rat: witty, creative, charming
Ox: diligent, perseverant, conservative
Tiger: independent, successful, volatile
Rabbit: gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon: prosperous, brave, rash
Horse: faithful, energetic, carefree
Goat: easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey: family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster: honest, confident, pompous
Dog: loyal, kind, perfectionist
Pig: loving, tolerant, indulgent
Celebrations in the UAE
While many restaurants offer buffets and set menus for the occasion, there are also other activities happening to celebrate Chinese New Year. Dubai's indoor rainforest Green Planet, for instance, is putting its Burmese python centre stage from January 24 to 31. Guests can interact with the snake by way of safely monitored encounters, and learn more about its behaviour, habitats and role in maintaining ecological balance. The venue itself will be decorated with Chinese lanterns to add to the vibe.
Dragon Mart is hosting a line-up of performances from January 31 to February 2, including the Chinese thousand hand and face-changing shows, as well as the elegant Chinese umbrella dance. There is also a themed photo booth experience with traditional Chinese attire that can be worn for the pictures.
MotionGate Dubai is putting on a two-week celebration that runs until February 2. Activities include the Red Warrior Challenge, a park-wide quest in which guests compete to earn red ribbons that can be added to a wishing tree. There’s also a dragon dance parade and the Kung Fu Academy Show, plus live performances by characters from the film such as Master Shifu and Kung Fu Panda.
Legoland Dubai has a 10-day celebration until February 2. Festivities include a red envelopment hunt, lantern making workshops, an arts and crafts corner and a wishing wall to tack on your wishes.
In the capital, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will put on themed festivities until February 9. This includes live performances from lion dancers, acrobatic dance troupes and an art troupe from China.
Umm Al Emarat Park will host an exhibition in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and Chinese Language Institute until February 1. Titled Together in Light: 40 Years of China-UAE Friendship, the event will showcase four decades of strong ties between China and the UAE. There will also be lantern exhibitions, live performances and cultural activities.
Those looking for themed gifts can check out Laduree's limited-edition red and gold gift boxes with macarons for Dh210. It's available at the French patisserie's Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Yas Mall outposts. Swarovski has unveiled a capsule collection of pendants, bracelets, earrings and a brooch featuring snake charms, available in gold, rose gold and rhodium plating.
Check out more Chinese New Year-themed collectibles here.
