Chinese New Year is a day of celebration and family gatherings. Instead of starting on the 1st of January, like western traditions, the Chinese new year usually starts in January or February and changes every year. 2022 February 1st marks the start of the year of the Tiger as multiple Chinese families spend days and hours preparing for the festivals and activities which occur during a period of 15-16 days.

On Chinese new year, families usually make and prepare foods that is believed to bring them good luck and fortune, such as Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) which is a popular dessert and usually represents the happiness of family gathering together, and dumplings with a single coin hidden in one batch as it is believed that whoever is lucky enough to find it will be promised prosperity and riches. Tangerines and oranges also gain popularity as their names mean ‘luck’ in Chinese and since the holiday focuses on bringing good luck to the new year, they can also be stored in multiple places.

Traditions include the gifting of red envelopes which include gifts of money, usually given to young children by married couples. Red can be seen almost everywhere in Chinese new year as they associate the colour with passion, energy and happiness. Setting off red firecrackers is also a way to heighten the mood and to celebrate the start of the new year. Although a long time ago, it was thought to be a way to scare off evil spirits as the legend of a monster called ‘Nian’ who came out and ate villagers was told to young children. After the festival ends, the lantern festival starts, where lanterns are bought and lit up, usually carrying their own personal wishes away. This usually marks the end of Chinese New Year.