Why do the Chinese celebrate New Year differently?

Chinese New Year is never on January 1. Chinese have a different traditional date for New Year. Chinese New Year’s date is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar, which is always 21–51 days behind the corresponding Gregorian (international) calendar date.

Why is Chinese New Year different from the rest of the world?

Because it coincides with the Gregorian calendar, it is the same date every year. The Chinese New Year coincides with the lunar calendar. On the lunar calendar, the first day of the month begins during the new moon. Because of this, the Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year.

Is China the only country with a different New Year?

While China, Korea and Vietnam still celebrate the lunar new year in addition to the Solar New Year, Japan now only celebrates the solar new year with the remnants of the lunar celebration called Little New Year (小正月, koshōgatsu) occurring on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

What is the difference between New Years and Chinese New Year?

Dates are different: The Chinese New Year is based on lunar–calendar, but the American New Year is based on solar—calendar. So, both the dates of New Year are different even if the New Years are on January 1. People hug and kiss, and wish each other “Happy New Year”.

How do they decide when Chinese New Year is?

The date for Chinese New Year changes each year. It always falls between January 21 and February 20 and is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar. In 2021, Chinese New Year falls on Tusday, February 1st.

Is it politically correct to say Chinese New Year?

The name ‘Chinese New Year’ likely originated from Western countries wanting to differentiate what the Chinese celebrate as New Year with their own. There’s nothing technically wrong with calling it Chinese New Year. Or Vietnamese New Year. Or Korean New Year.

Can you wash your hair on Chinese New Year?

Hair must not be washed on Chinese New Year’s Day. In Mandarin, hair (发, fa) has the same pronunciation (and indeed is the same character) as fa in facai (发财), which means ‘to become wealthy’. Therefore, it is seen as not a good thing to “wash one’s fortune away” at the beginning of the New Year.

What is interesting about Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. It was also a time to bring family together for feasting.