Explainer | Lunar New Year in China: the zodiac, animals, traditions, myths, foods and superstitions

Find out everything you ever needed to know about the Lunar New Year in China and Hong Kong as we welcome in the Year of the Tiger

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Dragon and lion dancers performing in Causeway Bay for Chinese New Year. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 8:30am, 16 Feb 2018Updated: 12:06pm, 24 Jan 2022

Say goodbye to the ox for now, it’s time for the Year of the Tiger to come roaring in. Christmas accessories have been replaced with bright red and gold decorations as Hong Kong prepares to celebrate the next big holiday – Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year brings with it feasts, family time and preparations for the upcoming year. Its importance is reflected in the large number of traditions and auspicious symbols associated with the festival.

For example, everyone sees red during Chinese New Year – from clothing and decorations to firecrackers. Red has been deemed an auspicious colour since ancient times in China because it is believed to ward off evil spirits. Colours to avoid during the festival are white and black, which are associated with funerals and bad luck.

Fireworks are let off to scare away unlucky spirits and, on the fifth day of the new year, firecrackers are thrown to attract the attention of the legendary general Guan Yu, who is worshipped as a Taoist deity for his bravery and loyalty. Lion and dragon dances, often performed during parades, are another colourful sight during the festival.

Here is everything else you need to know about the how Chinese people celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday.

The food

Lunar New Year food in China is often chosen for its lucky-sounding name or connotations, so as to bring good fortune. Although the choice of dishes varies by region, celebratory meals often consist of eight courses – a lucky Chinese number – ending with a whole fish.