CHINESE New Year saw more than one billion people around the world celebrate the start of the Lunar year- but in a wide number of ways due to Covid-19.
The Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year – lasts for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival.
The Lunar calendar has 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs and 2022 will be a Year of the Tiger.
The Tiger is the third sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which also features the Ox, Rat, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
Read our Chinese New Year blog below for the latest updates…
- Louis Allwood
Charles and Camilla have roaring time as they celebrate Chinese New Year
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall — wearing red to bring good fortune — joined the party in London’s Chinatown to usher in the Year of the Tiger.
They wrote a Chinese symbol for “harmony” and Charles bashed a drum as lions danced.
The visit was designed as a boost to the community, whose businesses have suffered in Covid lockdown and whose members have endured rising racist abuse as a result of the pandemic.
Camilla wore a red dress by Fiona Clare, the colour symbolising good luck in the Lunar New Year, and both were draped in a red scarf as acrobats performed.
They took part in a traditional ceremony to "awaken" two dancing lions by painting eyes, tongue and spine, on two larger-than-life lion puppets.
- Joseph Gamp
What does nian nian you yu mean?
This is a common phrase wishing for abundance or surplus through the year.
As the word for abundance in Mandarin also sounds like the word for fish, a fish dish is usually featured in the Chinese New Year’s feast.
That’s why some families make two fish for Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner, and save one for the next day.
- Joseph Gamp
What is the Year of the Tiger?
The Year of the Tiger is the third zodiac.
According to legend, Tiger was confident that no one could compete with its speed and vigor for the celestial race that would decide the order of the zodiacs.
However, when Tiger climbed out of the river, thinking it was first, it was informed that Rat placed first for its cunning and Ox placed second for its diligence.
This left the king of the jungle having to settle for third place.
People born in years of the Tiger are vigorous and ambitious, daring and courageous, enthusiastic and generous, self-confident with a sense of justice and a commitment to help others for the greater good.
- Joseph Gamp
Which countries celebrate?
Beyond China, families across Asia will celebrate the annual event.
These include Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea and South Korea also celebrate the event.
It is widely believed that more fireworks are set off across the world for this festival than any other.
- Joseph Gamp
Feng Shui expert predicts Lunar Year ahead for Harry Styles
THE former One Direction star will be very successful in 2022, with his wealth increasing tremendously. And that’s not all, says feng shui guru Marites Allen.
There will be a lot of travelling and concerts, but at the same time there is a strong chance of him finding a lasting relationship.
However, he needs to protect his personal assets and maybe avoid lending money.
He needs to be careful of his attitude, too, as he could be prone to bad moods and poor health.
Otherwise, this is an excellent year.
- Joseph Gamp
Other Chinese New Year superstitions thought to bring bad luck
You should not wash on the first or second day as it is seen as washing away good luck.
The use of knives or scissors on the first day is believed to lead to inauspicious things.
The crying of a child is supposed to bring bad luck to the family.
Don’t give certain gifts, like clocks, scissors, and pears, as they have a bad meaning in Chinese culture.
- Joseph Gamp
What superstitions do Chinese people subscribe to over the New Year?
There are some bizarre superstitions that are widely followed during Chinese New Year.
One is that you should not take any medicine on the first day of the year, as you may stay ill for the whole year.
Another is that you should not take out the rubbish, as this symbolises you dumping out good fortune from the house.
You should also not eat porridge for breakfast as it is seen as something that poor people eat, and is a bad omen.
- Joseph Gamp
Pictured: People celebrate Chinese New Year in Bangkok
This stunning image shows worshippers wearing face masks and face shields pray at Wat Mangkon today.
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officially cancelled all public celebrations during the Chinese Lunar New Year.
However, Thai people continue to celebrate on in Bangkok’s Chinatown at Chinese temples and Yaowarat Walking Street.
Credit: Getty - Joseph Gamp
Which Chinese zodiac animal am I?
- Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960
- Ox: 2033, 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966
- Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
- Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
- Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
- Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959
- Joseph Gamp
How is each year’s zodiac determined?
The start of the Chinese Zodiac varies from year to year as it begins with the Chinese New Year which lines up with the moon cycle and can be anywhere from late January to early February.
There are two cycles in the Chinese Zodiac, one is the elements (water, fire, earth, and Metal). The element for 2022 is water.
The second cycle rotates the 12 zodiacs marking each year as one the year of one animal over the other. This year’s zodiac is the Tiger, meaning it is the year of Water Tiger.
Because the first day of the Chinese New Year varies from year to year, it is possible that if you were born between the end of January and early February, you associated yourself with the wrong zodiac.
- Joseph Gamp
Feng Shui expert says Harry & Meghan have 'a difficult financial year ahead'
THE Sussexes could have a difficult year ahead of them financially, feng shui guru Marites Allen says.
He writes for The Sun Online: "Perhaps something Harry has been working on will not come to fruition.
"This could also be an exhausting year for their relationship and in the future Harry might feel that no matter what he does, Meghan wants more.
"Financial opportunities for Meghan do not look promising.
"But there is a very senior, wealthy or powerful person who could give her a bit of a break.
"This especially applies to her career and she needs to find that person if she is to generate additional income.
- Joseph Gamp
What is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year – lasts for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
Each day of the festival has a name, including days for prayer, for visiting relatives, setting off firecrackers, and preparing for the Lantern Festival.
In China, you’ll hear the New Year being called chunjie (春节), or the Spring Festival.
- Joseph Gamp
What is the Lunar New Year?
2020 was the Year of the Rat and 2021 was the Year of the Ox.
The Lunar New Year also known as the Spring Festival marks the day the cycles of the lunisolar calendars reset.
It is the beginning of a calendar year whose months are cycles of the moon and cycles of the sun.
- Joseph Gamp
Change in store for the Queen during Year of the Tiger
This year,2022, is the Year of the Water Tiger, a “very energetic” zodiac animal that guarantees change.
Feng shui guru Marites Allen, 53, writes: "HER Majesty is very special, due to having all five elements within her birth chart.For 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, a “very energetic” zodiac animal that guarantees change.
"That makes her very strong, powerful and motivated.
"But in 2022, she should be very careful of her health and stay away from those who could give her illness.
"And that is not all.
"There is conflict in her family chart.
"Perhaps this could be brought about by Prince Andrew’s issues.
"Her family could also be challenged with health issues and that will really make her upset and sad."
- Joseph Gamp
What is Feng shui?
Feng shui forecasts centre around the balance of five “elements” – earth, fire, metal, water and wood – in each individual’s life.
These are determined by the hour, day, month and year in which that person is born.
Believers claim they help explain personality traits, and Marites warns The Sun that this is a Year of Separation, which threatens relationship break-ups and unemployment.
But what could all this instability have in store for some of our favourite stars?
- Joseph Gamp
Chinese zodiac expert predicts this year could see Holly Willoughby QUIT This Morning
Feng shui guru Marites Allen, 53, who lives in London and has given advice to global figures says Holly Willoughby could QUIT This Morning.
THE TV star is very lively and considerate, with natural maternal instincts.
That is why she works so well with her This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield.
Destiny is in Holly’s charts, with increased wealth and support.
It will be a very good year for her.
She could meet someone very senior – someone older than her – who could give her already stellar career another big break.
- Louis Allwood
Explained: Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year – lasts for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
Each day of the festival has a name, including days for prayer, for visiting relatives, setting off firecrackers, and preparing for the Lantern Festival.
In China, you’ll hear the New Year being called chunjie (春节), or the Spring Festival.
- Louis Allwood
How is the Lunar New Year celebrated?
Lunar New Year kicks off with a reunion dinner with family.
Millions travel to visit relatives for the celebration, this is known as Chunyun – a 40 day period of travel surrounding the Lunar New Year.
Another tradition is for older relatives to give red envelopes filled with money to younger family members.
Firework displays and parades including lions and dragons are a large part of the festivities as they are believed to ward off bad spirits – as are lanterns.
- Louis Allwood
Indonesia New Year
The Lunar New Year celebration in Indonesia is called Imlek.
President Megawati Soekarnoputri declared the day a national holiday starting from 2003 after it had been banned for many years.
Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines and Brunei also celebrate the day.
- Louis Allwood
South Korean new year
The Korean New Year is also celebrated on the Lunar New Year.
It is called Seollal and usually lasts three days.
In 1945 the liberated regime moved the new year in line with the Gregorian calendar to January 1 but public opinion reinstated the Lunar New Year in 1989.
- Louis Allwood
What superstitions do Chinese people subscribe to over the New Year?
There are some bizarre superstitions that are widely followed during Chinese New Year.
One is that you should not take any medicine on the first day of the year, as you may stay ill for the whole year.
Another is that you should not take out the rubbish, as this symbolises you dumping out good fortune from the house.
You should also not eat porridge for breakfast as it is seen as something that poor people eat, and is a bad omen.
- Louis Allwood
Other Chinese New Year superstitions thought to bring bad luck
You should not wash on the first or second day as it is seen as washing away good luck.
The use of knives or scissors on the first day is believed to lead to inauspicious things.
The crying of a child is supposed to bring bad luck to the family.
Don’t give certain gifts, like clocks, scissors, and pears, as they have a bad meaning in Chinese culture.
- Louis Allwood
How many zodiac animals are in the Lunar calendar?
The Lunar calendar has 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs and 2022 will be a Year of the Tiger.
The Tiger is the third sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which also features the Ox, Rat, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
As a public holiday, Chinese people get seven days off work for the celebrations.
- Louis Allwood
How to work out your Chinese Zodiak sign
Your Chinese Zodiak is determined based on what year you were born, however, this is determined by the start of the Chinese New Year.
For example, if you were born between January 23, 1993, and February February 24, 1994, your Chinese Zodiac sign is the Rooster.
Because the Chinese New Year changes, if you were born in 1998 you may think your sign is the Tiger.
However, this is not necessarily true.
If your birthday is January 28, 1998, through February 15, 1999, you are the Tiger, but if you were born prior to January 28, 1998, your sign is the Ox.
If you want to know your true Chinese Zodiac sign, there are calendars to determine your correct sign based on your birthdate.
- Louis Allwood
Best dishes for new year
Some of the most popular dishes eaten during the Chinese New Year include:
- Fish – steamed fish is one of the most famous New Year recipes and there are some specific rules related to the position of the fish.
- ‘Good fortune’ fruit – eating and displaying tangerines and oranges is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
- Chinese dumplings – traditionally filled with minced meat and finely-chopped vegetables, it is believed that the more dumplings you eat during the celebrations, the more money you can make in the New Year.
- Spring rolls – usually filled with vegetables, meat, or something sweet, this New Year dish is especially popular in East China.
- Noodles – noodles symbolise longevity and the length of the noodles is thought to represent the length of the eater’s life.
- Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) – this is the main food for the Lantern Festival, but families traditionally eat them together throughout the New Year.
- Niangao (rice cake) – the main ingredients of niangao are sticky rice, sugar, chestnuts, dates, and lotus leaves.
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