The Origins of Chinese New Year

By Princeton Chiu

Chinese New Year is approaching! It’s the time where we celebrate through red packets, reunion dinners and dragon dance. Say, have you ever wondered how Chinese New Year came about? The history of its arrival? Well, look no further because that’s exactly what this article is about!

According to the Lam Museum of Anthropology, Chinese New Year is based on a myth originating more than 3000 years ago. It involves a mythical beast with a dragon-like appearance, named Nian (年, meaning year). It preyed on helpless citizens, livestock, and crops. To combat this, people would put food at their doors for Nian.

In the myth, it is said that Nian was afraid of the colour red and firecrackers. This eventually led to people putting red lanterns, scrolls and firecrackers out to scare Nian away.

Although the specific date of when Chinese New Year originated is not recorded, according to the Lam Museum of Anthropology, it is believed that the first glimpses of Chinese New Year dates back to around 3500 years ago. Some believe that it originated from the Shang Dynasty in the 14th century BC, where they would prepare sacrificial ceremonies at the beginning and end of each year. This was the dynasty where the tale originated, as well as the introduction of the lunar calendar.

It is said that in the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BCE ~ 256 BCE), it had become a custom to provide offerings to the gods for a prosperous year of cultivation, agricultural success and to bless harvests. Following this was the fixation of the date of Chinese New Year, which took place in the Han Dynasty (206 BCE ~ 220 CE). Like in the myth, certain activities such as crackling bamboo became popular.

In the Wei and Jin Dynasties (mostly known as the Sixteen kingdoms or Sixteen States), certain customs which still take place currently, arose to celebrate the occasion. This includes families getting together to clean their house, eat together, or staying up late on Chinese New Year’s Eve. These acts represent mutual respect, love or starting anew.

Throughout the Tang and Qing dynasties, the customs, culture and activities celebrated in Chinese New Year became more pronounced. Some activities included visiting relatives and friends, eating dumplings, watching dragon/lion dances and enjoying lantern shows. Instead of being a religious custom, it eventually grew into a social and entertaining event that resembles more of the Chinese New Year we experience in our modern day and age.

Let us celebrate Chinese New Year together!