2020 Chinese New Year Public Holiday: Essential Guide

1. What is the Chinese New Year Public Holiday?

The Chinese New Year Public Holiday, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a significant annual celebration in China and other East Asian countries. It marks the beginning of the new lunar year and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and festivities.

In 2020, the Chinese New Year will fall on Saturday, January 25th. The public holiday will begin on Friday, January 24th, and end on Tuesday, January 28th.

2. History of the Chinese New Year Public Holiday

The Chinese New Year has its origins in ancient Chinese agricultural traditions. The holiday was originally celebrated to mark the end of the winter season and the beginning of the new planting season. Over time, the holiday evolved into a more general celebration of family, prosperity, and good luck.

The Chinese New Year Public Holiday was first established in China in 1912. The holiday was originally only one day long, but was later extended to three days in 1949. In 1999, the holiday was extended to seven days, which is the current length of the holiday.

3. Chinese New Year Public Holiday Traditions

The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a time for family reunions, feasting, and festivities. Some of the most common traditions include:

• Family reunions: The Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together from all over the country. Family members often travel long distances to celebrate the holiday together.
• Feasting: Food is a central part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Families often gather for large feasts that feature traditional dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, and fish.
• Festivities: The Chinese New Year is also a time for festivities. People often participate in parades, fireworks displays, and other cultural activities.

4. Chinese New Year Public Holiday in 2020

The 2020 Chinese New Year Public Holiday will be a time for celebration and joy. Families and friends will come together to enjoy traditional customs and festivities. The holiday will also be a time for reflection and renewal as people prepare for the year ahead.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during the Chinese New Year Public Holiday:

• Don't wear black or white: Black and white are associated with mourning in Chinese culture, so it is best to avoid wearing these colors during the holiday.
• Don't use sharp objects: Sharp objects are considered to be unlucky during the Chinese New Year, so it is best to avoid using them during the holiday.
• Don't say unlucky words: There are certain words that are considered to be unlucky during the Chinese New Year, so it is best to avoid saying them. These words include "death," "ghost," and "poor."

6. How to Step-by-Step Approach

Here is a step-by-step approach to celebrating the Chinese New Year Public Holiday:

1. Clean your home: The Chinese New Year is a time for new beginnings, so it is important to clean your home thoroughly before the holiday. This will help to remove any bad luck from the previous year and make way for good luck in the new year.
2. Decorate your home: The Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, so it is important to decorate your home with festive decorations. This can include red lanterns, paper cutouts, and flowers.
3. Prepare traditional food: The Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, so it is important to prepare traditional dishes for your family and friends. This can include dumplings, spring rolls, and fish.
4. Attend cultural events: The Chinese New Year is a time for festivities, so it is important to attend cultural events such as parades, fireworks displays, and lion dances.
5. Spend time with your family and friends: The Chinese New Year is a time for family and friends, so it is important to spend time with them during the holiday. This can include having meals together, playing games, and watching movies.

7. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Time to relax and spend time with family: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a time to relax and spend time with family. This can be a great opportunity to catch up with loved ones and enjoy traditional customs and festivities.
• Opportunity to experience Chinese culture: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a great time to experience Chinese culture. This can include attending cultural events, trying traditional dishes, and learning about Chinese customs and traditions.
• Preparation for the new year: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a time to prepare for the new year. This can include cleaning your home, setting goals, and making resolutions.

Cons:

• Crowds: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a popular time to travel, so it can be crowded in some areas. This can make it difficult to get around and find accommodations.
• Cost: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday can be an expensive time to travel. This is because hotels and other accommodations are typically more expensive during the holiday season.
• Cold weather: The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is typically celebrated in January or February, which can be a cold time of year. This can make it uncomfortable to be outdoors for long periods of time.

8. Conclusion

The Chinese New Year Public Holiday is a significant annual celebration in China and other East Asian countries. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and festivities. The holiday is also a time for reflection and renewal as people prepare for the year ahead.