Chinese New Year 2021 falls on Friday, February 12th, 2021. Chinese New Year is also known as Lunar New Year. Traditionally Chinese Lunar New Year activities started as early as three weeks before Chinese New Year’s Eve, but a week before was more usual. Traditional (mostly rural) folk start cleaning their houses from the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month (February 4, 2021). As a public holiday, Chinese people will get 7 days off from work from February 11 – 17. 2021 is a Year of the Ox according to the Chinese zodiac, starting from February 12th, 2021 and lasting until January 31st, 2022. It will be a Metal Ox year.
There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and each has its own set of personality traits. The order is: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. As the Year of the Rat comes to a close, the Year of the Ox begins. Feb 1 2022 will mark the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. Having an honest nature, Oxes are known for diligence, dependability, strength , determination and stubborn. These reflect traditional conservative characteristics. They often enjoy great success. ( Source : China Highlights)
Red is the main color for the festival, as red is believed to be an auspicious color. Red Chinese lanterns and red couplet are the most popular decorations. Celebration is usually big business for Chinatown communities in cities across the United States. But for the second time in a row in a pandemic, this year’s Lunar New Year is expected to be worse even a fiasco for Chinatown.
The annual affair is traditionally celebrated with banquet-hall gatherings and gift-giving. Fireworks shows, dragon dances and parades attract huge crowds to Chinese communities — typically generating about 30% of annual revenue for restaurants and stores that are now struggling to stay in business because of the pandemic, according to multiple Chinese business leaders.
Because of Covid-19 concerns and government restrictions, many Lunar New Year celebrations, festivities and events will be virtual this year. It is clear it wont be the same or anything close to what Chinese communities are used to, but they are trying to make the best of a bad situation. Special thoughts to them in this difficult time and adversity.
Wish you the best of everything
By Alizé Utteryn 02/12/2021
