Ringin' in the lunar year

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The new lunar year has just begun; here's all you need to know about its traditional roots

By Farhana Chowdhury

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Published: Fri 12 Feb 2021, 2:52 PM

Dubai is a melting pot of culture that boasts the best of both worlds - the glitz and glam, and the warm and homely. Its tolerant nature, high standard of living, state-of-the-art amenities, smart tech adoption and family-friendly - collectively make it an attractive destination for people from all over the globe that have made it their second home. Such is the diversity, that the city also pays homage to various occasions, celebrating each with great fervour. The Chinese New Year is equally welcome, just as the standard New Year, with fantabulous dining offers, mall-wide performances featuring iconic dragon or lion dances and experiences, such as lantern lighting, that capture the essence of the occasion.

The year 2021 marks the Year of the Ox, a momentous time for those who were born in the year of the strong and determined animal. While we cover the personality traits in our inside pages, here's a look at some cool facts about Chinese New Year.


Not just for the Chinese

The Chinese New Year is also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. It marks the coming of new beginnings and planting of harvests. The day is also celebrated by other countries such as Japan, South Korea, Mongolia and Vietnam.


It has no set date

Unlike the dates on a Gregorian calendar where certain occasions fall on the same day every year, Chinese New Year is dependent on the phases of the moon. It's the longest festival of the year for those who observe it, and this year's festivities is expected to start on February 12 and end on February 26.

Rooted in agrarian society

The countries that celebrate Chinese New Year are deeply rooted in an agrarian society, meaning they were highly dependent on agriculture for livelihood. As the Spring

Festival is a time for planting new harvests, observers dedicate their time to pray to deities for a successful produce and abundance.

Other zodiac animals

Besides the ox, there are 12 other Chinese zodiac signs represented in the form of animals. These include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, and more. Each have their own set of years, lucky numbers, colours, directions and personality traits.

Firecracking wonder

Chinese myth says that a brave young boy drove away evil monsters with firecrackers, which gave rise to the practice of lighting fireworks at night. Dubai does not permit the use of firecrackers for safety reasons, but you can however enjoy the incredible light and laser show at Burj Khalifa or watch the skies light up along Palm Jumeirah.

Let there be light

The lantern lighting ceremony is significant to Chinese New Year, as it is believed to represent hopes and dreams. Countries that celebrate the occasion with great pride often have lanterns made in different shapes and sizes - from fishes and dragons, to the more commonly seen, round globes. Both children and adults spend time together to paint Chinese symbols, flowers, birds and fruits and other characters, before lighting and sending them off with hopes and wishes. 

Did you know? Dubai has its very own lantern lighting festival called RiSE, often scheduled around November, where brightly lit floating icons cover the desert skies.

Showers are taboo

Every festival has their own set of customs, but one of the strangest surrounding the Chinese New Year is to avoid taking a shower on the first day of celebrations. According to beliefs, this action invites bad luck and is equivalent to washing away fortunes. Believers are also required to avoid sweeping their homes or throwing out garbage until the fifth day of the new year. Other things to avoid are haircuts, breaking things, arguing, and using sharp objects, to name a few.

Eat iconic food

In China, dumplings are among the common treats during new year festivities, and people often have them at every meal until celebrations end. This is popular in the northern regions. The southern regions, however, prefer spring rolls or tangyuan.

Hot red pockets

These crimson envelopes are also known as "lucky money" or "New Year's money". As you've guessed it already, they contain money, but there's no set amount. Elders usually present them to children as a way to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings. In reverse, where a child gives a red pocket to an adult, it is meant to show gratitude and blessings for a long life.


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