Total Guide to Chinese New Year – The Year of the Pig

Celebrated by more than 20% of the world, and with the Lunar calendar determining its date, this year’s Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday 5th February and is the “Year of the Pig” the twelfth zodiac animal.

With festivities set to continue until the 19th of February, how do you celebrate one of the biggest fixtures in the festival calendar?

Read our list of Chinese New Year themed events in Swindon, plus facts about its origins, traditions and practices to find out how.

Family Gatherings

The Spring Festival or Lunar New Year bids farewell to the cold Winter and welcomes the warmth of Spring, positivity, good fortune and riches.

With families meeting, to celebrate, share food and usher out any negative energy from previous months. As a practice, we believe the coming together of family, is something we can all adopt. And with fifteen days you have plenty of dates from which to choose.

No housework

This tradition is sure to be popular with those who detest cleaning. However, there is a catch. It is bad luck to clean while celebrating the New Year, but not before or afterwards.

It is thought the act of sweeping and washing your room or house over the festive period will do away with good spirits and fortune. The same applies to cutting your hair!

Fireworks and Dancing Dragons

Firecrackers were initially used in Chinese culture to scare away evil spirits. Legend has it that a monster called Nian would come out to eat villagers and destroy their houses on New Year’s Eve. They discovered that the burning of dry bamboo produced an explosive sound which in turn scared the monster away. Today, firecrackers and fireworks have become part of the New Year custom.

In the same token, Dragon dances are performed to scare away evil spirits. Chinese Dragons have special powers with their ability to swim, fly and walk on land. The dragon also represents wisdom, power and wealth.

Paint the house red

Red is symbolic of good fortune and joy, therefore is the key colour for Chinese New Year. Again, it is believed to scare away spirits of bad fortune. Houses are usually decorated up to ten days before in red and new red clothing or brightly coloured garments are worn on New Year’s Day.

The lantern festival indicates the end of Chinese New Year. Red lanterns symbolise booming life and prosperous business.

New Year Celebrations – Dining

Cricklade House Hotel invites you to bring in the Year of the Pig with a delicious three-course Chinese meal. Why not fully embrace the heart of the New Year festivities and make it a family gathering?

For more details click here

Family Drop – In Workshops - Swindon Museum and Art Gallery

Make a dancing dragon or lucky lantern to bring good luck to your new year!

Dancing Dragons

• Date: Saturday 9th February 2019
• Time: 11:00 - 15:00
• Cost: £3.00 per child.

Lucky Lanterns

• Date: 16th February 2019
• Time: 11:00 - 15:00
• Cost: £3.00 per child.

Please note: These workshops are offered on a first come first serve basis and if busy, you may have to wait a short while to take part. Some activities are unsuitable for small children - parental guidance is needed at all times.

Theatre performances

Chinese New Year Extravaganza is a unique festive spectacle featuring a team of performers showcasing amazing Chinese performing arts. This colourful and action-packed show is the perfect entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

Friday 22 February, Wyvern Theatre, 7:00 pm. Details here

We hope you enjoy the celebrations, Happy Chinese New Year!

And “Gong hei fat choy” - wishing you great happiness and prosperity.