December 31 at 11:59, each of us crowded around a television, surrounded by friends with noise makers in our hands prepared to begin 2019. We spent a split-second cheering and celebrating the coming of a new year. Six days later, about one-sixth of the world’s population began a fifteen-day celebration. People all around the world prepared for the biggest holiday of the year: Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year, dating back to fourteenth century B.C., entails many cultural traditions unlike any other holiday. The beginning of the year was marked by the lunar calendar as the first new moon appearing in January. At the start of this holiday, the main goal was to attain prosperity for the coming year and rid the household and family of any evil spirits. Each year is tagged with the name of one of twelve revered animals in Chinese society, each animal representing a different characteristic for the year. This year, the year of the pig, is expected to be full of fortune and prosperity because in Chinese culture a pig’s chubby face represents wealth.

Chinese New Year involves many long-held traditions; some not as exciting as others. In the days leading up to the new year, many families completely clean their homes in hopes of washing away bad spirits. By the doorway, two red signs are hung, most commonly with the phrases ”事事如意大吉祥” and “家家顺心永安康,” translating to “May you have good luck in everything” and “May you feel content and your family is healthy.” These are a welcoming to good spirits and a wish for prosperity in the new year.

As the fifteen nights go by, each night is filled with fireworks at all hours of the night. The sky is constantly lit with the bright explosions. Not only are the fireworks to ward away evil spirits, but ancient legend says that the first to launch a firework on the first night will have the best luck of the year. Finally, all children’s favorite tradition is the receiving of a red envelope. Many married couples or older members in the family give children red envelopes full of money, in hopes that it will give them good fortune and health for the year. At the end of the fifteen-day celebration, the lantern festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. Many people gather and write their wishes on a paper lantern, releasing them in sky, hoping it will reach the gods and their wish will be granted.

Next year, after spending another night watching the ball drop with friends, consider going to a Chinese New Year celebration. Try the food, listen to the ancient stories, and wish for another year of happiness and health!