The Chinese New Year

A 12-year cycle, with its own symbols

An ancient tradition in brief

A lunisolar calendar

Unlike the Western Gregorian calendar, which is based on solar years, the Chinese calendar is lunisolar: it reconciles the solar year with the lunar months. That is why the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same date each year.

Well in advance, the upcoming year is interpreted according to the Chinese Zodiac, with its 12-year cycle, and each year under the sign of an animal and its attributes.

New Year's dates in lunar calendars involve complex calculations.

Chinese New Year Lunar New Year Table

Chinese New Year dates 1900-2050 by decade, with zodiac sign for each year

• 1900-1950
• 1951-2000
• 2001-2050

An ancient tradition, in brief

There is a mythical thread going on and uniting modern customs with those born thousands of year ago, when the first calculations of the New Year got underway.

Each year, towards the end of January or beginning of February, an unmissable phenomenon occurs in China and in the neighbourhoods inhabited by large Chinese communities around the world. The preparations for the Chinese New Year are being stepped up, with all due excitement.

Red, as a colour, becomes predominant. The art of decorating is taken to a new level. The Dragon Dance is eagerly awaited, same for fireworks.