Chinese New Year is not just one day but over 30 days of festivities and activities, which have their own calendar. The preparation begins on the first of the Lunar Calendar and the celebration lasts until the 15th of the first month.
In 2023, Chinese New Year begins on January 22nd and ends on February 5th with the Lantern Festival.
Laba Festival (Dec. 30, 2022): Old Chinese New Year Calendar Start
Traditionally, the start of the Chinese New Year calendar is 'The Laba Festival' (腊八节 Làbājié), which occurs about three weeks before Chinese New Year's Day and is celebrated separately. Religious activities and preparations for Lunar New Year would begin on this day. Now it is seldom celebrated, apart from in very rural communities.
The Traditional Chinese New Year Calendar: Key Dates
Each day of the 16-day-long festival has a name通常,一个assigned purpose or meaning. Below is a table of all the important dates and their meanings. Keep in mind that different regions and minorities may celebrate the days on different dates, or have different names or practices for certain days.
| Solar Date (2023) | Lunar Date | Title | Purpose / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 21st | 12thmonth, 30thday 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 | 1stmonth, 1stday 初一 (Chūyī) |
新年的第一天 初一 (Chūyī) |
A day for visiting/greeting family and relatives, giving presents, and visiting ancestors' graves. |
| Jan. 23rd | 1stmonth, 2ndday 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 | 1stmonth, 3rdday 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 | 1stmonth, 4thday 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 | 1stmonth, 5thday 初五 (Chūwǔ) |
Break Five （破五 Pòwǔ) |
Commonly accepted as the day when taboos (from previous days) can be broken. |
| Jan. 27th | 1stmonth, 6thday 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 | 1stmonth, 7thday 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 | 1stmonth, 8thday 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 | 1stmonth, 9thday 初九(Chū霁ǔ) |
Providence Health （天公生 Tiāngōngshēng) |
The 'Jade Emperor's birthday, giving offerings, lighting incense, and setting off firecrackers. |
| Jan. 31st | 1stmonth, 10thday 初十 (Chūshí) |
Stone Festival （石头节 Shítoujié) |
The birthday of the 'god stone', similar to the previous day's rituals. |
| Feb, 1st | 1stmonth, 11thday 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 | 1stmonth, 12th– 14thday 初十二 - 初十四 (Chūshí'èr - Chūshísì) |
Lantern Day Preparations | Preparations for the lantern festival: cooking, making lanterns, etc. |
| Feb. 5th | 1stmonth, 15thday 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. |
Clear your Chinese New Year Calendar for a China Highlights Tour!
Chinese New Year fireworks are the biggest firework phenomenon in the world!Check out some of our Chinese New Year tour ideas! Here are some of our top recommendations:
- 6-Day Beijing Essence with Traditional New Year Activities
- Best Places to Visit During Chinese New Year
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