Lunar new year, more commonly known as Chinese new year, is a celebration centred around removing the bad and the old to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. Before the Lunar new year celebrations commence, lots of  households will thoroughly cleanse their house by removing mess, to sweep away ill fortune and make room for good luck as a way to welcome the coming warmer seasons. 

Curious to learn more about the Lunar new year? Read on! In this blog, we share some interesting Lunar new year facts you may have not heard before...

FACT 1: The Lunar new year date changes each year…

There is no set date for Lunar new year as each year the festivities are on a new date. In 2022, Lunar New Year was on Tuesday February 1st whereas this year it's on Sunday January 22nd.

FACT 2: Each new year starts a new animal’s zodiac year

Each full lunar cycle is 60 years and 12 years is regarded as a small cycle. Each of the 12 years is defined by an animal sign: Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. This year it’s the year of the rabbit! As a leaping bunny approved brand, we're hoping (or should we say hopping) that it will be a good year for us!

FACT 3: Despite it being known as "Chinese new year", it's not just celebrated by Chinese families...

A common misconception is that Lunar new tear is only celebrated by Chinese families, but this is not the case! Other Asian countries including Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, The Philippines and Indonesia also celebrate it.
 

FACT 4: Decorations are mostly red

Ever wondered why during this period lots of Asian restaurants, businesses and homes are decorated in red? This is because in Asian cultures, particularly Chinese culture, the colour red is a symbol of happiness, wealth and prosperity.

FACT 5: Billions around the world receive red envelopes filled with money

Instead of wrapped gifts that western nationalities give at Christmas, people gift their loved ones a red envelope filled with money. If you’re young and married, you can only give and not receive.

FACT 6: Washing, sweeping or taking out garbage on the day is not allowed.

There are many superstitions surrounding this day. 
Washing hair or clothes can be seen as “washing one’s fortune away” at the beginning of the year. Sweeping up and taking out garbage symbolises removing luck from the house, so people avoid this on the day.



We hope our UpCirclers who celebrate the Lunar new year have an amazing time!
Love, Team UpCircle x