The team at the Asia Scotland Institute would like to wish all of our friends and followers a prosperous Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is based on a lunisolar calendar where the dates are determined through the phasing of the moon and sun.
Each lunar year is represented by a cycle of 12 zodiac animals. This year, 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. It is believed that a person who was born in the Year of the Tiger tend to share the characteristics with the animal such as braveness, strong-willed (or stubborn), pioneering, outspoken, playful, enthusiastic, impulsive, impatient and fearless.
Previous years include 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1950 and 1938.
The tradition dates back to the Shang Dynasty in the 14 century B.C. under Emperor Wu of Han. The holiday is celebrated across a lot of Asia under different names and different traditions but the one thing they have in common is being able to gather with their families and communities.
In Chinese traditions, celebrations last for 15 days with the last day marked by the Lantern Festival, this year it’s on 15th February.
Let us know how you’ll be celebrating the Chinese New Year and which zodiac animal you fall under!