Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival. Its history can be traced back to over 3,500 years ago, and celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar.

2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, specifically, Water Rabbit. The sign of the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. The Year of The Rabbit is one where the sacrifices of the past will be rewarded. Everyone from the bettor and stockbroker willing to take risks to the artist and new business entrepreneur inspired to move in new directions will find an extra ounce of ‘good luck’ this year!

Chinese New Year typically lasts about 15 days. It is a time to honor deities and ancestors and host family gatherings and feasts. The lunar new year commences with fireworks, parades, bright lights, and the excitement and hope of a fresh start. Fireworks are also thought to scare off evil spirits.

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 22nd. In many Chinese cities, dragon dances, lion dances, and imperial performances like an emperor’s wedding fill the streets. Traditional Chinese products are offered, and rarely-seen Chinese snacks are available in city parks and temple fairs. New Year’s Eve starts with a “reunion” dinner where family members often traveling long distances to reunite. Dishes such as fish dumplings, sticky rice cakes and spring rolls, all with lucky meanings, are a staple at the table. Celebrated with red decorations and red-wrapped gifts, many will wear red clothing. Red is an essential color in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity. Dinner is followed by the entire family staying up past midnight waiting for the first day of the New Year to come. This ritual is believed to delay the aging process of elderly family members, thus increasing longevity. This ritual is called Shou Sui, or Shou Nian, Ao Nian. In the coming days, Hong Bao or Lai Shi, the act of money and presents given and received in red envelopes, will be handed out during family visits to ward off evil and grant a long life.

Chinese New Year is celebrated for sixteen days with most activities taking place on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival marks the last day of New Year’s festivities. During the Lantern Festival, houses are adorned with colorful lanterns. Each lantern represents a particular wish the family has for the new year. The colors having various meanings; a red lantern represents a wish for good fortune, while orange symbolizes money, and white symbolizes good health.

Thoughtful, meaningful gifts go a long way toward making your employees, clients, and patrons feel special. Let Rymax create a program specifically tailored to honoring this most important holiday. Wishing you happiness and good fortune in the Year of the Rabbit!