When is Chinese New Year 2012

You will be surprised to know that the Chinese new year falls on a different date every year! Although, it is always celebrated after the harvesting is completed in the fall season and before the plantation starts during spring, its dates keep on changing year after year. The main reason behind this shift is that in the Chinese calendar, after every few years, an extra month is added! This is basically done to align the lunar cycle and the solar cycle on which the Chinese calendar is based. So, obviously, the Chinese new year dates change too!

When is Chinese new year 2012? This is the question on everyone's mind, who are either interested in Chinese astrology or want to join in the festivities of this great festival. Scroll down for some interesting trivia on the Chinese new year...

Significance of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Dates
The Chinese new year day has immense significance in the Chinese culture. It has a history of more than four hundred years behind it and there are hordes of Chinese traditions, customs and rituals associated with it. For all those who want to know, "When is Chinese new year celebrated?", the date always falls anywhere between January 21 to February 20, each year. For instance, in the year 2008, the Chinese new year date was February 7, in the year 2009, the new year date was January 26, in the year 2010, it was February 10 and in the year 2011, it was February 3. Each new year is represented by an animal. These animals also represent the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. The year 2008 was the year of the "Rat", the year 2009 - year of the "Ox", the year 2010 - year of the "tiger" and the year 2011 - year of the "Rabbit". The date designated for new year celebrations in the year 2012 is January 23. The year 2012 is the year of the "Dragon".

2012 - Year of the Dragon
Previously, the year 2000 was the year of the dragon. According to Chinese astrology, the year 2012, which is the year of the dragon, will be all about energy, excitement, optimism and intensity. However, this in no way means that people should take miscalculated risks during 2012. Caution is necessary in the year of the dragon, otherwise it can lead to losses and tragedies.

Dragon is considered a very powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac. People who are born in the year of the dragon are supposed to be natural leaders, charismatic, generous, although a bit egoistic. Besides these traits, it is believed that all dragon-borns have a very good fortune and are lucky in love and life!

Chinese New Year Customs and Celebrations
To truly understand what is Chinese new year, one should look at the customs associated with it. The Chinese new year is the time when the ancestors of a family are remembered and given respect by the surviving family members. Usually a family dinner is arranged, wherein the ancestors are honored by the family members. This feast is known as "Wei lu" in Chinese and represents the unity in the family as well as the community. Besides this, several religious ceremonies and rituals are carried out during this festival to honor the earth, heaven, ancestors as well as household gods.

Traditionally, the celebrations for Chinese new year used to last for fifteen days. However, now, the celebrations are limited to less than a week, due to time and work constraints. Chinese new year is the time when the entire family gets together and celebrates. The houses are decorated with flowers, fruits, Chinese lanterns and beautiful couplets on the walls. Since this is the year of the "dragon", wall hangings, toys, etc with dragon on it will be displayed! Positivity, good health, happiness, wealth and longevity are wished upon one's loved ones, by everyone during this time of the year! So, now that you know when is Chinese new year 2012, you can celebrate it with gusto with all your friends and family in the same way!

Chinese new year celebrations today, are no longer limited to China. Wherever the Chinese have migrated, be it United States or United Kingdom or Australia, they have carried the cheer and festivities associated with it, with them. Besides China, Chinese new year is a big festival in many other Asian countries such as Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Tibet, Indonesia, etc. In fact, since January 23 is fast approaching, the preparations for the new year must have already started at various places. So, without waiting any further, join in the festivities!