Chinese New Year
The Year of the Tiger
This year’s Chinese New Year is special because it falls into the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar. That means that it will be a year resembling strength and bravery. These abilities are much needed to overcome the challenges brought about by the ongoing pandemic and to boost economic growth.
Corporate Affairs Department
Tessa Theres Lemke
tessa.lemke@siemensgamesa.com"Chinese New Year is a good opportunity to learn from the past, reflect on what we have achieved, and build a brighter future.” – Emily (Beijing)
The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each New Year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members.
The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each New Year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members.
Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China and to the Chinese population worldwide. Because family relationships and respecting the elders are very important in Chinese culture, people travel to their hometown and their families - sometimes traveling up to 3,000 kilometers from the northernmost part of China to the southernmost. During the festivities of the Chinese New Year the family relationship is strengthened for the future.
Moreover, the New Year is used to learn from the past, reflect on what has been achieved, and build a brighter future.
On Chinese New Year's Eve, families gather and prepare a big dinner of fish, dumplings and spring rolls, which is said to bring prosperity and good luck. That same night, they set off firecrackers at midnight to drive away monsters and bad luck, and again the next morning to welcome the New Year. Children are given money in red envelopes to help them avoid evil and to wish them good health. The first full moon of the lunar year marks the end of the Chinese New Year and is celebrated with the Lantern Festival, where people hang lighted lanterns in their homes and children carry them in a parade.
This year’s Chinese New Year is special because it falls into the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar. That means that it will be a year resembling strength and bravery. These abilities are much needed to overcome the challenges brought about by the ongoing pandemic and to boost economic growth. Thus, it will be a cheerful new year celebration in China and many other countries which have a large Chinese population. Covid restrictions are still present and the 1.4 billion people across China might not be able to travel as they wish, but over the last two years people have gotten used to online greetings and gatherings. Even the Red Envelopes can be sent online.
