Chinese New Year: The Year of the Tiger

Feb. 1 begins Chinese New Year, one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. Also called the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is a 15-day event filled with family reunions, visits to family and friends, food and gifts.

Among the traditions of Chinese New Year are having a clean house, which is seen as sweeping away the old and preparing for a new start. Food is also big part of the festival, and common foods are dumplings, fish, egg rolls and spring rolls. These represent luck and prosperity. The color red, fireworks and dragons also are seen at Chinese New Year.

Each year in the lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals, and 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese culture, the tiger is a symbol of bravery, wisdom and strength.

Learn more about Chinese New Year history, traditions and zodiac animals:

Lunar New Year 2022, History.com

Year of the Tiger, Chinese New Year 2022, ChineseNewYear.net

Chinese Zodiac, ChineseNewYear.net

Chinese New Year Traditions, History.com