Chinese New Year - January 2023
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| January 21 | Saturday | Chinese New Year's Eve |
| January 22 | Sunday | Chinese New Year |
Chinese New Year is coming soon, on January 22nd, 2023! It is a beloved holiday by millions of Chinese people around the world. Besides, this is a time for family and friends to come together, play with fireworks, and put up the most beautiful Chinese New Year dress in their wardrobes! Many legends and traditions are associated with the holiday.
Today, we will share some stunning legends and Chinese New Year dress ideas with you🖤 Let’s dive in right now.
Chinese New Year Legend
One of the most well-known legends related to Chinese New Year is the story of Nian (this name is also the Chinese pronunciation of “New Year“).
According to the legend, Nian was a fierce and terrifying beast that would appear on the first day of the New Year. It preyed on villagers. People lived in constant fear of Nian, eager for a way to protect themselves.
One year, an older man came to the village and offered to help people defeat Nian. He told villagers that Nian was afraid of three things: loud noises, red color, and the sight of extravagant human faces.
So on the first day of the Chinese New Year, villagers hung red lanterns and banners outside their houses. At the same time, they set off numerous firecrackers to scare Nian away. They also painted their faces and wore extravagant masks to frighten the beast. To their surprise, these strategies took effect quickly. Nian ran away from the village, never returning.
From then on, people in the village celebrated the Chinese New Year by decorating with red items, setting off fireworks, and wearing masks. They do these to honor the older man’s intelligence and to keep Nian away.
The next time you celebrate Chinese New Year, remember the legend of Nian and the intelligent older man. Whether decorating with red or setting off firecrackers, you are participating in a tradition with a thousand-of-year history! That is the beauty of ancient Chinese culture.
Which animal year is 2023? Story about it
According to Chinese astrology, 12 Chinese zodiac animals represent each year of the 12-year cycle. 2023 is the year of the rabbit. People born in this year are said to share the characteristics of the rabbit, being elegant and well-mannered.
Story about Rabbit
There are many Chinese legends and stories associated with rabbits. One such legend is the story of how the rabbit became one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
According to the legend, the Jade Emperor, who ruled the Chinese heaven, decided to hold a great race to determine which animals could become the zodiac. The first 12 animals that crossed a river and reached the other side would win the race.
The rabbit, who was not skilled in swimming, knew he could not compete in this race without a strategy. However, he was determined to be one of the 12 animals of the zodiac, so he came up with a plan.
On the scheduled day of the race, the rabbit approached the ox, a strong swimmer. He asked if he could ride across the river on the ox’s back. The ox, who was kind and generous, agreed. So the rabbit hopped on the ox’s back.
While crossing the river, the rabbit saw rats swimming toward them. Remembering that the rat was one of the main rivals in this race, the rabbit quickly jumped off the ox’s back and onto the back of the first rat in the river.
Finally, the rats, who were the best swimmers, reached the other side of the river first. And the rabbit crossed the finish line in fifth place.
Characteristics of "Rabbit" People
In Chinese culture, rabbits are kind, smart, and thoughtful. They are known for handling difficult situations with grace and poise. Thus, people around them often respect and admire them.
If you are born in the year of the rabbit, the Jade Emperor may bless you with many positive traits and qualities. You are likely to be successful in your endeavors and to be respected by those around you. You are also possibly a kind and thoughtful person with a strong sense of duty and responsibility toward others.
As a “rabbit” person, you can be proud of your unique qualities and characteristics. Just use them to positively impact the world around you~
Tips for Chinese New Year Dress
The Chinese New Year is a holiday all Chinese people would enjoy. Struggle with choosing Chinese New Year dresses? Here are some holiday-appropriate dress suggestions that will help you look your best!
Red
Red is the color representing happiness and good luck in China’s culture. Chinese people believe red colors will bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, so it’s a popular choice during the Chinese New Year.
A red outfit will make you stand out at a holiday party or family reunion. If you are uncomfortable wearing red dresses, red accessories, such as a red handbag or a pair of red shoes, can be perfect alternative options.
Gold
The color gold represents fortune, prosperity, and abundance. It is also a great fashion choice during the Chinese New Year because it symbolizes wealth and success. To add elegance to your outfit, consider wearing a gold dress or extravagant gold earrings.
Qipao
Many people will wear traditional Chinese clothes during the Chinese New Year celebration. A qipao (also called Cheongsam) is a form-fitting gown popular for special occasions like the Chinese New Year party.
Typically, a qipao has a high neckline and a slit on one side of the dress. Made of luxurious silk or satin, the qipao drapes gracefully over the body, highlighting the wearer’s curves. If you have a slim body and like traditional Chinese fashion, qipao is the best choice. Additionally, you can wear a classic Chinese jacket or tunic, a ChangShan or a TangZhuang, to add some casual tastes.
Hanfu
For a formal occasion, like a Chinese New Year banquet, you can choose a traditional floor-length gown, such as a Hanfu dress.
Hanfu is a sophisticated conventional Chinese dress. It was daily clothes in ancient China and has become popular recently. You can select a long red Hanfu dress or a Hanfu with unique Chinese patterns. No matter which kind of Hanfu you pick, this graceful dress will add a classic and glamorous sense to your whole style.
Hairpin
Don’t forget accessories! Accessories are the key to your style. You can add the perfect finishing touch to your Chinese New Year dress with accessories like jade or gold earrings.
Especially, a hairpin or a hair clip with traditional Chinese designs will sparkle your look.
Generally, the most important thing is to embrace the holiday spirit, no matter which kind of Chinese New Year dress you choose. Chinese New Year is a time to make new memories with your family and friends! Select an outfit that makes you feel melted in the holiday atmosphere, and get ready to celebrate the New Year with loved ones!
Interesting Facts about Chinese New Year
Many other interesting and unique aspects of the Chinese New Year are worth exploring. Here are a few examples of them:
- One of the most well-known traditions of Chinese New Year is the lion dance. This is a performance involving a team of dancers. They dance an ancient routine while carrying a giant lion costume to imitate lions’ moves. People in China believe the lion dance would bring good luck and prosperity.
- Chinese New Year is a time to have special feasts and meals. Traditional holiday dishes include dumplings, fish, and Nian Gao (a kind of sweet sticky rice cake). Based on customs, Chinese cooks will show their signature dishes on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
- The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each of these animals represents a year in the 12-year cycle. The lunar calendar determines the animal for each year, and people born in the year of a particular animal are said to share the characteristics of that animal. (Want to find out your zodiac animal? We made a funny zodiac calculator for you. Just input your birth year, and you will get your personal zodiac!)
Final thoughts
Chinese New Year is a fascinating and unique holiday that is steeped in tradition and rich in cultural significance. Celebrating this holiday with traditional dresses will deepen the bond between you and your family. If you have a Chinese friend, this is also the best chance to enhance your relationship.
With 2023 coming close, the year of the rabbit may be full of joy, prosperity, and all of the best things in your dreams. Gong xi fa cai (Hope you will be rich and happy in the new year), my friend!
If you want to get more fashion ideas and interesting facts, welcome to our website. We are always here to exchange brilliant thoughts!
