--- title: Chinese New Year | GoStudent | GoStudent description: Chinese New Year is on the 1st of February, 2022. This article tells you the history and symbolism behind the Chinese New Year. image: https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/chinese%20new%20year%20lanterns.jpg --- × Share your learning needs to match with the ideal tutor, based on personality, learning level and goals. [Request a free trial session](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) [![GoStudent](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/BlogAssets/GS_Logo_New/gs_logo_blog.svg "GoStudent")](https://www.gostudent.org/en) [Sign up](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=multi&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) - [Home](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog) - Online tuition - [Math tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/maths/) - [English tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/english/) - [Physics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/physics/) - [Biology tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/biology/) - [Chemistry tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/chemistry/) - [French tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/french/) - [German tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/german/) - [Spanish tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/spanish/) - Exam tutors - [A level tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/a-levels/) - [GCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/gcse/) - [11+ tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/11/) - [iGCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/igcse/) - [International baccalaureate](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/international-baccalaureate/) - [SATs tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/sats/) - Parenting - [Behaviour](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/behaviour) - [Neurodiversity](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/neurodiversity) - [Learning Trends](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-trends) - [Digital Learning](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/technology) - [Learning Outside of School](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) - [Study Motivation](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/study-motivation) - [More Tips](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/parenting) - [Trending](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/trending) - [Personal Stories](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/personal-stories) - School Subjects - [Maths](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/maths) - [Science](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/science) - [English](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/english) - [Language Learning](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/foreign-languages) - [History](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/history) - [Economics](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/economics) - Other - [Irish](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/irish) - [Law](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/law) - [IT (Coding)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/it-coding) - [Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) - [Further Education](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/further-education) - [Free Learning Materials](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/free-learning-materials) - Tips for Tutors - [Digital Teaching Tools](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/digital-teaching-tools) - [Teaching Techniques](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/teaching-techniques) - [Become a Tutor](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/become-a-tutor) - About Us - [What We Do](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/what-we-do) - [GoStudent Reviews](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/gostudent-reviews) - [Try Free](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=es>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://insights.gostudent.org/en/grade-improvement-exams-tutoring-effectiveness&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) Enter at least 3 characters Top results ## Would you like to explore a topic? - [AI](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai) - [TRENDING](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/trending) - [EXAMS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) - [MORE TIPS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/more-tips) - [BEHAVIOUR](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/behaviour) - [LEARNING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) ## Or read some of our popular articles? ### [FREE Downloadable English GCSE Past Papers with Mark Scheme](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) - Guy Doza - 19 May 2022 ### [GCSE Maths Past Papers - Download Your FREE Maths Exam Papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - Alexia James - 18 May 2022 ### [The 15 Best AI Tools for Revision: Create Notes, Summarise Lessons, and Ace Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) - GoStudent UK - 11 March 2026 [TRENDING](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/trending) # Why Is Chinese New Year Important and What Does it Symbolise? - By [Akshat Biyani](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/akshat-biyani) - January 30, 2022 - | Updated: July 28, 2025 ![chinese new year lanterns](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/chinese%20new%20year%20lanterns.jpg) [![Hero](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Hero%20%C2%B7%201285%C3%97445%20%C2%B7%20EN%20%C2%B7%20Blog.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/education-report/2026/) ## Contents 1. [Why is Chinese New Year important?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year#why-important) 2. [Why is Chinese New Year celebrated?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year#why-celebrated) 3. [What happens on Chinese New Year?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year#what-happens) 4. [What does the Chinese New Year symbolise?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year#symbolise) Traditional festivals and celebrations are extremely important for indigenous and immigrant communities around the globe. They help retain and propagate [culture](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/culture-influence-children) and promote a sense of togetherness among the people. 🤗 The Chinese New Year is the most important celebration for Chinese communities across the globe. With lots of cultural and historical significance attached, this festival embodies many things prevalent in Chinese culture. The Chinese New Year signifies the beginning of spring and the start of a [new year](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/new-years-resolutions) in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This article will tell you more about the [history](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/get-excited-history) behind Chinese New Year and how it is celebrated. ![chinese new year parade](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/chinese%20new%20year%20parade.jpg?width=1000&name=chinese%20new%20year%20parade.jpg) ## Why is Chinese New Year important?   The Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the lunar month in the Chinese calendar. This is usually between the 21st of January and the 20th of February. In 2022, Chinese New Year is on the 1st of February. For those who celebrate it, the festival is about spending quality time with family, lighting [fireworks,](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/safety-on-bonfire-night) giving [gifts](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gifts-for-passing-exams) to loved ones, and [eating like there’s no tomorrow](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/party-foods-to-love-for-children). Chinese immigrants across the world were often met with [hostility on their arrival](https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/chinese/intolerance/). The Chinese New Year’s parade was thrown to showcase the grandeur and positivity of their culture in an attempt to strengthen the relations between the immigrants and the native communities in these cities. Parades like these are still seen in San Francisco (where it originated), London’s Trafalgar Square, New York’s Chinatown, and Helsinki.    ## Why is Chinese New Year celebrated?   There are many reasons behind the celebration of the Chinese New Year. One of them is about how thousands of years ago the Chinese fought a battle against Nian, a terrifying beast that would attack villagers and livestock. The villagers are said to have used [fireworks](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/facts-about-bonfire-night) and red symbols of [positivity](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/mental-health-definition-for-kids) to chase away the beast. The people’s victory is marked by this particular day.  One of the other reasons for celebrating this holiday is that it marks a day of rest for the Chinese farmers and the working class. This is also why, even today, many Chinese locals can be found travelling back to their villages to rest and recuperate. 😴   ## What happens on Chinese New Year?   As you can imagine, celebrations in different countries and cities [differ massively](https://www.chinatravel.com/chinese-new-year/celebration-around-the-world). For example, in Singapore, it is customary to gift friends two oranges in a paper bag. In Vietnam, adults give children small red envelopes filled with money, burst firecrackers, and eat traditional food. In China, some people continue to offer sacrifices to the Shang dynasty, a tradition that started in 1600 BC. Some Chinese communities celebrate Chinese New Year by cleaning their homes to get rid of any lingering bad luck, visiting their family, honouring relatives that have passed away, and bursting firecrackers. One of the most important traditional activities of the Chinese New Year is the ‘Reunion Dinner’. On the eve of Chinese New Year, extended family members share a meal of ‘lucky’ [food](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/halloween-food-ideas), like fish or dumplings. The Lantern Festival usually marks the end of the Chinese New Year. The people either hang candle-lit lanterns in sacred places or carry them through a nighttime parade. This parade typically also involves a long, colourful dragon (symbol of good fortune) being carried through the streets.   ## What does the Chinese New Year symbolise?   The Chinese New Year has a lot of cultural and historical significance. The festival, also known as the Spring Festival, represents the beginning of spring and the onset of a new year. For the Chinese, this day symbolises a new start in one’s life and is, therefore, a day for spreading a refreshing sense of hope and an invitation for new forms of prosperity, wealth, and happiness. The first day of the new year, according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, is referred to in two different ways. One is as the ‘New Year’ or 新年 (xīnnián) in traditional Chinese, and the second is as the Spring Festival or 春 節 (chūn jié). Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in [history](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/uk-history-courses) and has remained the most important celebration for generations of Chinese families to reunite and spend quality time together. Over the years, many families have been separated due to [career](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-does-microlearning-prepare-students-for-future-careers) choices, [educational opportunities](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/international-day-of-education), and rapid global urbanisation. This festival often brings them back together and is believed to ensure good fortune for the new year. The Chinese New Year is a festival of warmth and brotherhood that celebrates the victory of good over evil, among many other things. We encourage you to read more about this fascinating festival to understand Chinese culture better.  At [GoStudent](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/downloading-the-gostudent-app), if there’s one thing we truly stand by, it’s teaching students about different concepts and cultures through an extremely diverse tutor network. Book your [free trial lesson](https://www.gostudent.org/en/our-tutors) today. ![Start your kid’s learning journey](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/VideoBanners/uk_animated/uk_flying_kid_opt.gif?width=850&name=uk_flying_kid_opt.gif) [![1-May-12-2023-09-09-32-6011-AM](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/1-May-12-2023-09-09-32-6011-AM.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) #### Popular posts [![Student studying for a English GCSE past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/exams-2.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=exams-2.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) ### [FREE Downloadable English GCSE Past Papers with Mark Scheme](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) - By [Guy Doza](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/guy-doza) - In [![Student doing GCSE maths past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/math-square-root%20(1).jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=math-square-root%20(1).jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) ### [GCSE Maths Past Papers - Download Your FREE Maths Exam Papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - By [Alexia James](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/alexia-james) - In [EXAMS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) [![](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/positive-teenage-schoolboy-using-digital-tablet-wi-2026-01-05-23-48-46-utc.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=positive-teenage-schoolboy-using-digital-tablet-wi-2026-01-05-23-48-46-utc.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) ### [The 15 Best AI Tools for Revision: Create Notes, Summarise Lessons, and Ace Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) - By [GoStudent UK](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/gostudent-uk) - In [AI](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai), [AI IN EDUCATION](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai-in-education), [after-school tuition](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/after-school-tuition) [![boy listening to music on headphones](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights-ES-Blog-Images/Estudiar%20con%20musica/estudiar-con-musica-2.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=estudiar-con-musica-2.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/songs-for-babies) ### [The 10 Best Songs for Babies and Toddlers (By Age Group)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/songs-for-babies) - By [Clarissa Joshua](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/clarissa-joshua) - In [LEARNING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) [![Top Ten List of the Best Roblox YouTubers](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/roblox-play-videogames.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=roblox-play-videogames.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/list-of-roblox-youtubers) ### [Top Ten List of the Best Roblox YouTubers For Kids](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/list-of-roblox-youtubers) - By [Akshat Biyani](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/akshat-biyani) - In [IT (CODING)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/it-coding) ### Want to try tutoring? Request a free trial session with a top tutor. ### More great reads: [![International Day of Education: Why Should We Care About It?](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Women%20in%20math/maths-learning.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=maths-learning.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/international-day-of-education) ### [International Day of Education: Why Should We Care About It?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/international-day-of-education) - By [Guy Doza](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/guy-doza) - January 18, 2024 - 4 min read [![Advice From a Teacher: How Can I Help My Child If They Fail Their Mock Exams?](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3808060.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3808060.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/help-child-failed-mock-exams) ### [Advice From a Teacher: How Can I Help My Child If They Fail Their Mock Exams?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/help-child-failed-mock-exams) - By [Natalie Lever](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/natalie-lever) - January 9, 2024 - 4 min read [![What Are Mock Exams and Why Are They Important?](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/akshay-chauhan-rVUWNOWCKnE-unsplash-1.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=akshay-chauhan-rVUWNOWCKnE-unsplash-1.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/mock-exams-why-important) ### [What Are Mock Exams and Why Are They Important?](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/mock-exams-why-important) - By [Natalie Lever](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/natalie-lever) - January 8, 2024 - 4 min read [![Hero](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Hero%20%C2%B7%201285%C3%97445%20%C2%B7%20EN%20%C2%B7%20Blog.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/education-report/2026/) [![GoStudent](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/BlogAssets/GS_Logo_New/gs_logo_blog.svg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en) GoStudent is the #1 online tutoring platform for children. Our goal is to connect every student with the perfect tutor. Over 20.000+ qualified tutors provide first-class tutoring in all school subjects. [Try now for free](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) #### Popular subjects - [Maths tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/maths/) - [English tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/english/) - [Physics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/physics/) - [Chemistry tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/chemistry/) - [Biology tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/biology/) - [History tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/history/) - [French tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/french/) - [German tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/german/) - [Science tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/science/) - [Law tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/law/) - [Spanish tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/spanish/) - [Economics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/economics/) - [Geography tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/geography/) #### Levels - [KS1](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks1/) - [KS2](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks2/) - [KS3](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks2/) - [KS4](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks4/) - [Advanced Higher](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/advanced-higher/) - [National 5](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/national-5/) #### Exams - [A level tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/a-levels/) - [GCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/gcse/) - [SAT tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/sats/) - [11+ exam tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/11/) - [iGCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/igcse/) #### Resources from the blog - [Best tutoring websites](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/best-tutoring-websites-in-the-uk) - [Free homeschooling resources](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-free-homeschooling-resources) - [11+ Vocab word list (downloadable)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-vocabulary) - [11+ maths questions to try at home](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-maths-papers) - [11+ reading comprehension past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-comprehension) - [GCSE maths past papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - [A Level maths past papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/a-level-maths-past-papers) - [![icn\_fb](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/Footer%20-%20Social%20Media%20Icons/icn_fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/GoStudentTutoring) - [![icn\_ig](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/Footer%20-%20Social%20Media%20Icons/icn_ig.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/gostudent_uk) © Copyright 2026 - **GOSTUDENT LTD** - All Rights Reserved. ##### Book a free trial session ##### Book a free trial session ##### Sign up for your free tutoring lesson. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Akshat Biyani", "url" : "https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/akshat-biyani" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-02T16:30:20.801Z", "datePublished" : "2022-01-30T00:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Chinese New Year | GoStudent", "image" : [ "https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/chinese%20new%20year%20lanterns.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/chinese-new-year", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Logo_blue_background%20(3)-1.jpg" }, "name" : "GoStudent Education Holding GmbH" } } ```