Lunar New Year 2023 – In this post, you will get to know all about Chinese Lunar New Year 2023 . The Lunar New Year and also known as Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year happens this year 2023 on Sunday, January 22. Why does the Lunar New Year start at a different time each and every year? How is this important Lunar New Year holiday celebrated? What does the Year of the Rabbit symbolize in this year? Learn all about this Chinese Lunar Year 2023.
Chinese New Year 2023 falls on 22nd January, Sunday, 2023, starting a year of the Rabbit zodiac sign. Chinese people will get 7 days holiday or off from work from 21st January to 27th January in 2023.
What is the Chinese New Year 2023 Animal?
— The 2023 Chinese zodiac animal is Rabbit.
The Chinese zodiac gives each year an animal zodiac sign. Chinese New Year 2023 is a Year of the Rabbit animal, more specifically, Water Rabbit, starting from 22nd January, 2023, and lasting until 9th February 2024.
Upcoming Rabbit years of the Rabbit 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, and 2035.
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If you were born in one of the above mentioned years, then you are a Rabbit sign. You will surely experience your zodiac birth sign year -benmingnian in 2023, which is considered bad luck for some people.
The 12 zodiac animals of the Chinese zodiac are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac animal.
When Is Lunar New Year 2023?
Lunar New Year begins on the date (East Asia) of the 2nd new Moon after the winter solstice. This will always take place in late December. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can really occur anytime between January 21st and February 20th.
In 2023, this new Moon will occur in China on 22nd January, Sunday, marking the start of a new lunar year. Due to the difference in time zones around the world, hence the new Moon may technically occur one calendar date earlier or later in the United States of America.
| Year | Lunar New Year | Chinese Zodiac Sign |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sunday, January 22 | Rabbit |
| 2024 | Saturday, February 10 | Dragon |
| 2025 | Wednesday, January 29 | Snake |
| 2026 | Tuesday, February 17 | Horse |
Why Are There Different New Years?
The traditional Chinese calendar is well known as a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on astronomical observations of the Sun’s position in the sky and the Moon’s phases as nature. This ancient calendar dates back to 14 century BCE, however, the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582.
The Chinese lunisolar calendar shares some similarities and several factors with the Hebrew calendar, that is also known as lunisolar, and it has highly influenced other East Asian calendars, such as those of Korea and Vietnam as well.
As the Chinese calendar defines the lunar month which has the winter solstice as the 11th month, Lunar New Year usually falls on the 2nd new moon after the winter solstice. Just like New Year according to the Gregorian calendar 1st January, the Lunar New Year celebrations start on the night before the 1st day of the new year.
China follows the Gregorian calendar for daily business and horoscope predictions as well. However, it still follows the Chinese calendar for important festivals, good times, auspicious dates such as wedding dates, and the Moon phases.
Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?
Although this Lunar holiday has commonly been called “Chinese New Year” in the West. Remember, China is not the only country to observe it. Lunar New Year, also called and well known as the Spring Festival, is the most popular celebrated and longest of all Asian festivals, and is observed by millions of people around the world especially in Asia.
A number of other countries in East Asia, such as Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines, hold their own new year festivals and celebrations at this time. Occasionally, the Lunardate celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to time zones and other factors based on some other countries.
How Is Lunar New Year 2023 Celebrated?
Many winter solstice functions, events and celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fire-works, candles and lanterns. Man hand-made paper lanterns are hung by the hundreds in public areas around, bringing good luck to the new year.
There are dragon dances, joy, happiness, performances, and festival parades with music and acrobatics. The festivities continue for two weeks completely, finishing with a special lantern festival, which greatly signals the end of the New Year celebration period.
Of course, much delicious food for family and friends is made and served! For the New Year, it’s traditional to serve long noodles to others, symbolizing a long life.
Another popular New Year recipe is Chinese Dumplings, symbolising good luck, happiness and wealth. Families wrap them up and eat the same as the clock strikes midnight.
“Good Luck” is very popular and also a common theme of the New Year. Many children receive “lucky money” and gifts from their family members in red envelopes. Sometimes offerings are made to temples which are really great.
People clean their homes, offices, the place where they live and work and open their door to let good luck enter. According to tradition, no one should pick up a broom actually, in case you sweep the good luck in your life for the New Year out of the door.
What Is the Chinese Zodiac Animal for New Year 2023
In 2023, the Chinese New Year Zodiac Animal is Rabbit, one of 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese zodiac. The zodiac animal designations of the zodiac follow a 12-year cycle and are always used in the same sequence.
What Qualities Does the Rabbit Zodiac Animal Represent?
Those people who were born in the Year of the Rabbit are clearly said to be talented and skilled at many things. They are affectionate people and have a kind nature, often excelling at forming close relationships and bonds. However, these natives appreciate tranquility and seek out peace.
How the Chinese Zodiac Works?
The Chinese lunisolar year has 12 months and 353 – 355 days or during a leap year, 13 months and 383 to 385 days. So, the Chinese year usually starts several weeks into the western 365 day year and it is usually between January 21st and February 20th, not on 1st of January of the Gregorian calendar.
A Deeper Look
On a broader scale, the Chinese lunisolar calendar counts its years based on to the stem branch system, which is a 60 year rotating name system which is well known as the Chinese sexagenary -cycle.
By this, a year’s name actually has two important parts: The Celestial Stem and the Terrestrial Branch.
The celestial, and or heavenly stem, is highly taken from a rotating list of 10 terms concerning the yin / yang forms of 5 elements.
The Stem, -wood, fire, earth, metal, and water: Jia, yi, bing, ding, wu, ji, geng, xin, ren, and gui.
Element / Stem
- jia – yang wood
- yi – yin wood
- bing – yang fire
- ding – yin fire
- wu – yang earth
- ji – yin earth
- geng – yang metal
- xin – yin metal
- ren – yang water
- gui – yin water
Branch / Animal
- zi – rat
- chou – ox
- yin – tiger
- mao – rabbit
- chen – dragon
- si – snake
- wu – horse
- wei – sheep/goat
- shen – monkey
- you – rooster
- xu – dog
- hai – boar/pig
Therefore, putting the stem (element) and branch terms together, the first year in a 60 -year cycle is called jia-zi -Year of the Rat, as jia is the celestial stem (element) and zi (rat zodiac animal) is the terrestrial branch. The next year is yi-chou (Year of the Ox zodiac – animal), and so on. The 11th year is jia-xu, until a new year cycle starts over jia-zi.
Which Chinese Zodiac Sign Are You?
Below are the 12 Chinese zodiac animal designations. Make a note that if you were born before the Chinese New Year started for the year listed, then you were born under the previous Chinese zodiac sign without any doubt.
For example, the Chinese New Year began on 28th January 2017; from that date onward, the zodiac sign is the Rooster animal. For those naives who were born between January 1st and 27th January, 2017, the zodiac sign is the Monkey.
Rat (Zi) Zodiac Animal
These natives are ambitious and sincere, you can be really generous with your money and finance. Zodiac compatible with the dragon and the monkey zodiac sign. Your opposite is the horse zodiac sign.
1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032,….
Ox or Buffalo (Chou) Zodiac Animal
People who born under Ox zodiac animal, a leader, you are bright, cool, talent, patient, and cheerful. They are highly compatible with the snake and the rooster zodiac animal. Your opposite is the sheep zodiac animal.
1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033,—
Tiger (Yin) Zodiac Animal
These natives are Forthright and sensitive, you possess great courage and support. People born under the Tiger zodiac sign have the ability to be a strong leader capable of great sympathy and commendable. The best zodiac compatible with the horse and the dog sign. Your opposite is the monkey zodiac animal sign.
1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034,…..
Rabbit or Hare (Mao) Zodiac Animal
These natives are talented, skilled and affectionate, and they are a seeker of tranquillity. Best zodiac compatible with the sheep and the pig sign. Your opposite zodiac sign is the rooster.
1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035,…..
Dragon (Chen) Zodiac Animal
People born under Dragon zodiac sign are: Robust, clever and passionate, your life is fully filled with complexity. The best zodiac compatible with the monkey and the rat sign. Your opposite zodiac sign is the dog.
1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036,….
Snake (Si) Zodiac Animal
People who were born under Snake zodiac sign is, strong-willed and intense, these natives display great wisdom. The best zodiac compatible with the rooster and the ox animal. Your opposite zodiac animal is the pig.
1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037,…
Horse (Wu) Zodiac Sign Animal
These natives are physically attractive and popular in character and personality and they like the company of others. The best zodiac compatible with the tiger and the dog zodiac sign. Your opposite is the rat zodiac sign.
1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038,…
Sheep or Goat (Wei) Zodiac Animal
These natives are Aesthetic and stylish, they enjoy being a private person in their personal life. The best zodiac compatible with the pig and the rabbit sign. Your opposite is the ox zodiac sign.
1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039,…
Monkey (Shen) Zodiac Sign Animal
People who were born under the Monkey zodiac animal is, Persuasive, skillful, talented, knowledgeable and intelligent, and they strive to excel. The best zodiac compatible with the dragon and the rat zodiac sign. Your opposite is the tiger zodiac animal.
1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040,…
Rooster (You) Zodiac Sign Animal
Seeking wisdom, faith and truth. These natives have a pioneering spirit. The best zodiac compatible with the snake and the ox. Your opposite is the rabbit zodiac sign.
1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041,…
Dog (Xu) Zodiac Sign Animal
These natives are Generous and loyal, and they have the ability to work well with other people. The best zodiac compatible with the horse and the tiger zodiac sign. Your opposite zodiac sign is the dragon.
1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042,…
Pig or Boar (Hai) Zodiac Sign
These natives are Gallant and noble, their friends will remain at side. The best zodiac compatible with the rabbit and the sheep animal. Your opposite zodiac animal is the snake.
1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043,…
What’s your Chinese zodiac sign? Let us know in the comments!
Why Does Chinese New Year Date Change Every Year Without fail?
The Chinese new year date is decided by the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which is completely based on the cycles of the moon and sun and is generally 21 – 51 -days behind the Gregorian calendar.
The Chinese New Year dates change every year, however the Chinese Lunar New year always falls between 21st January and 20th February. The day of Chinese New Year is a new moon day, usually the 2nd after the winter solstice.
How Long is the Chinese New Year Holiday?
China’s holiday for Lunar New Year is 7 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve to the 6th day of the lunar calendar.
Offices, banks, firms, companies, factories, shops, and most non-essential services will close doors for a week’s holiday. Hotels and large retail outlets businesses stay open and may even be busier than usual.
School holidays are at least 4 weeks long and migrant workers abandon their construction and factory jobs for weeks to return home.
Holidays in Hong Kong, Macao, and all other Asian countries such as Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and are 1 to 3 days.
Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for -16 days, starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve function to the Lantern Festival.
The most notable dates of the Lunar New Year 2023 are 3 days:
- Chinese New Year’s Eve on January 21st, 2023
- Chinese New Year’s Day on January 22nd, 2023
- The Lantern Festival on February 5th, 2023
Each day of the 16 -days long festival has a name, however, usually an assigned purpose, reason or meaning. Below is a table of all the important dates and their meanings.
| Solar Date (2023) | Lunar Date | Title | Purpose / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 21st | 12th month, 30th day 除夕 (Chúxì) |
New Year’s Eve (除夕 Chúxì) |
The most important celebration, includes the family reunion dinner, and staying up until midnight. |
| Jan. 22nd | 1st month, 1st day 初一 (Chūyī) |
New Year’s Day 初一 (Chūyī) |
A day for visiting/greeting family and relatives, giving presents, and visiting ancestors’ graves. |
| Jan. 23rd | 1st month, 2nd day 初二 (Chū’èr) |
In-Law’s Day (迎婿日 Yíngxùrì, or 开年 Kāinián) |
Married women visit their parents with their husbands and children. |
| Jan. 24th | 1st month, 3rd day 初三 (Chūsān) |
Day of the Rat(鼠日 Shǔrì) |
An ominous day, common to stay at home and rest with family, play games. |
| Jan. 25th | 1st month, 4th day 初四 (Chūsì) |
Day of the Sheep (羊日 Yángrì) |
An auspicious day, for prayer and giving offerings, or going to temples or fortune-tellers. |
| Jan. 26th | 1st month, 5th day 初五 (Chūwǔ) |
Break Five (破五 Pòwǔ) |
Commonly accepted as the day when taboos (from previous days) can be broken. |
| Jan. 27th | 1st month, 6th day 初六 (Chūliù) |
Day of the Horse (马日 Mǎrì) |
Believed to be the best day to get rid of old, unwanted things. Also an acceptable day to resume labor. |
| Jan. 28th | 1st month, 7th day 初七 (Chūqī) |
Day of Mankind (人日 Rénrì) |
Believed to be the day people were created. Encouraged to spend out in nature. |
| Jan. 29th | 1st month, 8th day 初八 (Chūbā) |
Day of the Grain (谷日节 Gǔrìjié) |
Good weather on this day will symbolize good crops for the year. Many families will have a second ‘mini’ reunion dinner. |
| Jan. 30th | 1st month, 9th day 初九 (Chūjiǔ) |
Providence Health (天公生 Tiāngōngshēng) |
The ‘Jade Emperor’s birthday, giving offerings, lighting incense, and setting off firecrackers. |
| Jan. 31st | 1st month, 10th day 初十 (Chūshí) |
Stone Festival (石头节 Shítoujié) |
The birthday of the ‘god stone’, similar to the previous day’s rituals. |
| Feb, 1st | 1st month, 11th day 初十一 (Chūshíyī) |
Son-in-Law Day (子婿日 Zǐxùrì) |
Fathers are expected to ‘entertain’ or treat their sons-in-law on this day. |
| Feb. 2nd – 4th | 1st month, 12th – 14th day 初十二 – 初十四 (Chūshí’èr – Chūshísì) |
Lantern Day Preparations |
Preparations for the lantern festival: cooking, making lanterns, etc. |
| Feb. 5th | 1st month, 15th day 初十五 (Chūshíwǔ) |
Lantern Festival (元宵节 Yuánxiāojié) |
Marks the end of the festival. Lanterns are lit and hung or flown, people watch dragon dances in the streets, and children answer lantern riddles. |
source:chinahighlights
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