15 Facts About Chinese New Year… #12 Is Reason Alone To Visit China.

Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is just around the corner. Many of us know about the red envelopes, or “hong bao,” and have seen the stunning dragons made of bamboo, paper, and silk, but it is also to important to note that this holiday is celebrated in a variety of different ways. With candy boxes, dumplings, and a focus on family, there are many reasons to join in on the annual festivities if you haven’t already.

Below you’ll find a refresher of 15 facts about the Lunar New Year but keep in mind that some of your friends may have their own special beliefs and traditions. Perhaps you can start some of your own!

#1. The date is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and varies each year. This year, the holiday officially begins on Monday, February 8.

#2. Spring Festival is not just celebrated in China but by 2 billion people around the world in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam (for reference, the Chinese population is about 1.357 billion). London holds their own big celebration as well.

#3. Nearly 4% of the world’s population travels during this time, with 200 million Mainland Chinese traveling long distances.

#4. Each year is named after an animal in a 12-year cycle. 2016 is the Year of the Monkey, the ninth sign of the zodiac, and people born in this year are believed to be curious, innovative, mischievous, and quick-witted. Some famous people born under this sign include Charles Dickens, Eleanor Roosevelt, Yao Ming and more recently, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez. It is widely believed that those facing their zodiac year will experience more hardships and obstacles.

#5. Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, is the longest public holiday. It officially lasts 3 days in China, but the festival spans for 15 days. Many employees have a week break and schools have one month off.

#6. Billions of red envelopes are exchanged (or gifted from older to younger generations) on this holiday as a way to share blessings. According to tradition, unmarried folks are not expected to gift red packets. As you know, each packet contains money and the amount depends on the giver’s income. Some believe the crisper the bill, the luckier it is. According to CNN, however, this gift giving tradition is starting to go digital.

#7. Candied lotus seeds and other treats are popular to give to families wishing to have children. Pictured here is a Chinese New Year candy box, or Tray of Togetherness.

#8. According to China Highlights, this day sees the world’s biggest annual use of fireworks. Fun Fact: Did you know that China produces about 90% of all the fireworks in the world? These spectacular displays are used to ward off evil spirits.

#9. Dumplings are viewed as a symbol of wealth.

#10. Most Chinese lanterns are red, oval, and embellished with red or golden tassels, but there are many different varieties. They were originally made as a practical alternative to the open flame. Even though they are not needed today, they are still used for aesthetic purposes. The celebrations usually end with a Lantern Festival on the eve of day fifteen.

#11. Fruits are common gifts during the Lunar New Year, harvest festival, and other special occasions. Fresh fruit in the New Year means life and a new beginning while sugared ones wish the recipient a sweet year. Gifting oranges and tangerines is a wish for good fortune because they sound like “gold” and “luck” in Mandarin.

#12. Pork-filled sticky rices cakes known as Banh Chung (square) and Banh Tet (cylindrical) is popular for Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations.

#13. To greet someone Happy New Year, say “Xīnnián kuàilè! (新年快乐),” pronounced “sshin-nyen kwhy-luh.” The Vietnamese phrase is “Chúc mừng năm mới!”

#14. Dancers, artists, and members of the community prepare for live performances several months in advance. The pictured shown here is from the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival in 2014.

#15. Chinese New Year typically begins with a family gathering replete with fish dishes, which bring good luck, chicken dishes, and other special treats.