Frequently asked questions: how long is Chinese New Year? The different traditions attached to each day of the festival
- Chinese New Year celebrations last 16 days, from the eve of the first lunar month to the Lantern Festival marking the first full moon of the new lunar year
- Different traditions are attached to each day of the new year, from offering greetings and family feasts to honouring Taoist deities and dos and don’ts at home
How long is Chinese New Year? Festivities typically run for 15 days – or 16 if you count Chinese New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The festivities for what is also known as Spring Festival begin on the evening before the first day of the first lunar month, and end with the arrival of the first full moon of the new lunar year.
There are distinct traditions attached to each day of the festival. These are practised widely, but different Chinese communities have their own variations on them. Read on to find out what each of the 15 days holds.
Chinese New Year’s Eve: Families often gather for a lavish dinner, called tyùn nìn faahn in Cantonese or tuán nián fàn in Mandarin. Its literal translation is “united year meal”, and it is a feast that emphasises familial togetherness.
Chinese New Year’s Day: The first day of the new year is meant for paying visits and offering greetings to family members, starting with senior members of the family.
