Mobus has had a close relationship with China for the last 16 years; not only have we developed wonderful working partnerships, but we have also formed amazing friendships. We take pleasure in our relationships, whether with our staff, suppliers, or consumers. We realise that profound knowledge and respect for individuals, diversity, and cultures are the foundation of great partnerships. We thought we'd take advantage of this occasion to understand more about Chinese New Year and share what we've learned.
The year of the rabbit 2023
Considered to be one of the most important celebrations for Chinese people worldwide, Chinese New Year is the largest and most colourful event in Chinese culture. The Chinese New Year signals the end of the winter period and is a sign of new growth to come.
Chinese New Year 2023 marks the start of the Year of the Rabbit, more specifically, the water rabbit. Each year is represented by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac – including the Rooster, Rabbit, Snake, and Dragon, among others. The Chinese zodiac has a 12-year cycle, so the previous Years of the Rabbit were 2011, 1999, and 1987. Each animal is also assigned an element – metal, earth, wood, water, or fire. 2023’s Rabbit will be a Water-Rabbit. The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
What Qualities Does the Rabbit Represent?
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be talented at many things. They are affectionate people, often excelling at forming close relationships. However, they also appreciate tranquillity and seek out peace.
Why Are There Different New Years?
The traditional Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on astronomical observations of the Sun’s position in the sky and the Moon’s phases. This ancient calendar dates back to the 14th century BCE (whereas the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582).
Because the Chinese calendar defines the lunar month containing the winter solstice as the 11th month, Lunar New Year usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
How Is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
As with many winter solstice celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Man-made paper lanterns are hung by the hundreds in public areas, bringing good luck to the new year. There are dragon dances, performances, and festival parades with music and acrobatics. The festivities continue for two weeks, finishing with a special lantern festival, which signals the end of the New Year celebration period.
“Good Luck” is also a common theme of the New Year. Many children receive “lucky money” in red envelopes. Sometimes offerings are made to temples. People clean their homes and open their doors to let good luck enter. According to tradition, no one should pick up a broom in case you sweep the good luck for the New Year out of the door!
Fun Facts
The Chinese New Year is the time to worship ancestors and celebrate with loved ones. The holiday lasts for seven days, with many businesses closing so that people can go home and celebrate with their families.
The Lantern Festival, which is on 5 February 2023, is one of several traditions that are followed across China, as well as in several other countries around the world where the Chinese New Year is celebrated.
It is said that the celebrations of the Chinese New Year date back to the tale of villages being terrorised by the mystical being Nian (年). Stories vary from family to family, but the tale typically involves villagers scaring Nian away with firecrackers and colourful red banners and making loud noises with drums. These have now become a tradition on Chinese New Year, with red decorations being put up and fireworks and firecrackers used to celebrate the new year.
Other celebrations include watching dragon and lion dances, sharing meals with family, offering sacrifices to ancestors, and exchanging red envelopes filled with money and other gifts.
Every family will adorn their homes in red, with lanterns, chilli peppers, and crimson paper pasted on doors and windows. Red is the most utilised colour at New Year's because it is seen as auspicious, indicating wealth and vitality while warding off evil spirits and negativity.
Mobus wishes everyone a Happy New Year.