When is Chinese New Year Monkey? The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated on the first day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar. This year, the Chinese New Year Monkey will be celebrated on February 8, 2016. The year of the Monkey is the ninth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac signs, which are based on the Chinese lunar calendar.
The year of the Monkey is considered to be a year of wisdom, intelligence, and creativity. People born in the year of the Monkey are believed to be quick-witted, curious, and adaptable. They are often seen as natural leaders and have a strong sense of humor. The Monkey is also associated with the color red, which symbolizes happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture.
The Chinese New Year Monkey celebration is a time for families to come together and celebrate the arrival of a new year. It is customary for families to gather for a big feast, known as the reunion dinner, on the evening of the New Year’s Eve. This dinner usually includes a variety of traditional dishes, such as dumplings, fish, and spring rolls, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.
Another important aspect of the Chinese New Year Monkey celebration is the giving of red envelopes, or hóngbāo. These envelopes contain money and are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the new year. Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, and the envelopes are usually adorned with symbols of wealth and happiness.
In addition to the family celebrations, the Chinese New Year Monkey also features a wide range of traditional activities and customs. Fireworks and dragon dances are common sights during the festival, as they are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. People also visit temples and shrines to offer prayers and make wishes for the new year.
The Chinese New Year Monkey celebration is not only a time for families to come together and celebrate, but it is also a time for reflection and renewal. It is a time to let go of the past and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. As the year of the Monkey approaches, people all over the world will be celebrating this important festival and embracing the wisdom, intelligence, and creativity that the Monkey brings.
