Lunar New Year (of the Tiger)

Lunar New Year 2022: The Year of the Tiger


What Is the Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Why does the Lunar New Year start at a different time each year? How is this important holiday celebrated? What does the Year of the Tiger symbolize? Learn all about this holiday!

When Is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year begins on the date (in East Asia) of the second new Moon after the winter solstice, which always takes place in late December. This means that the first day of the Lunar New Year can occur anytime between January 21 and February 20.

In 2022, this new Moon occurs in China on Tuesday, February 1, marking the start of the Lunar New Year.

Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?
Although this holiday has commonly been called “Chinese New Year” in the West, China is not the only country to observe it. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most celebrated and longest of all Asian festivals, and is observed by millions of people around the world.

A number of other countries in East Asia, including Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, hold their own new year celebrations at this time. (Occasionally, the date celebrated may differ by one day or even one moon cycle due to time zones and other factors.)


How Is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
As with many winter solstice celebrations, the symbolic darkness of night is banished by the light of fireworks, lanterns, and candles. Man-made paper lanterns are hung by the hundreds in public areas, bringing good luck to the new year.

There are dragon dances, performances, and festival parades with music and acrobatics. The festivities continue for two weeks, finishing with a special lantern festival, which signals the end of the New Year celebration period.


What Is the Animal for Chinese New Year This Year?
In 2022, we ring in the Year of the Tiger, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The animal designations of the zodiac follow a 12-year cycle and are always used in the same sequence.

What Qualities Does the Tiger Represent?
Those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be courageous leaders brimming with self-confidence and enthusiasm. These strong traits pair particularly well with their notable generosity, natural ability to sympathize, and endless commitment to helping others.