Happy Chinese New Year! Why 2019 is the Year of the Pig

Happy Chinese New Year! 
Georgia Chambers5 February 2019

Chinese New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions in China all over the world.

Characterised by vibrant parades and delicious food, this Chinese New Year will welcome the Year of the Pig.

But what is Chinese New Year and why is 2019 the Year of the Pig? Here’s everything you need to know about the Chinese holiday known as the Spring Festival:

Chinese New Year 2019: Celebrations around the world - in pictures

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When is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year 2019: This year celebrates the Year of the Pig
Getty

As it’s dependent on the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on a different day every year. With that said however, it normally falls between January 31 and February 20.

In 2019, the Chinese New Year will fall on Tuesday February 5.

Festivities are expected to last until February 19, with New Year’s Eve on February 4 and New Year’s Day on February 5 being the most important celebrations.

How is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

Chinese New Year is celebrated with vibrant parades and fireworks all over the world. (Getty )
Getty

The best way to describe it is a celebration of light and sound, with colourful parades and festivals.

Chinese families gather together for a dinner on the eve of New Year and many clean their homes to get rid of the bad energy in time for the Spring Festival.

Fireworks and firecrackers are set off at midnight to cast away any bad luck and bring forth good luck. Children also traditionally receive ‘luck money’ on New Year’s Day. This is generally gifted in red envelopes, although many teenagers now have ‘red envelope apps,’ so money can be transferred digitally.

Why is it the Year of the Pig?

The Chinese zodiac moves in a 12-year cycle and each year has a corresponding animal.

This year it’s the Year of the Pig, which means people born in 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995 and 2007 are all ‘pigs.’

For example, this year is the ‘Earth Pig,’ meaning those born in this year will be good at socializing and maintaining relationships. Other types of 'pig' include the Wood Pig, Fire Pig, Metal Pig and Water Pig.

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