Music Publishers Association

This year Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year will fall on Sunday, 22nd January 2023.

The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the Chinese lunar calendar.
The holiday originated with the Chinese lunar calendar. Unlike the Western calendar, the Chinese calendar shifts. It is often set according to both lunar phases and the solar solstices. The date changes every year but is always somewhere between January 21st to February 20th.

On average, Chinese New Year starts with the arrival of the new moon that occurs sometime between the end of January and the end of February. It lasts until the Festival of Lanterns, which is when the full moon is in place. This can take about 16 days, which gives everyone plenty of time for celebration.

Traditionally, red envelopes containing money are gifted during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Each Chinese year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac cycle. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, specifically, Water Rabbit.
The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.

“Happy Chinese New Year” is “xin nian kuai le” (pronounced ‘shin nee-an kwai le’ in Mandarin).

“Gong hei fat choy” (恭喜发财), which means ‘Wishing you happiness and prosperity’ in Cantonese.

For further information, please contact:
Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
MPA Champion for Menopause
Mental Health First Aider
[email protected]

Some Helpful Links & Resources
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london
https://www.rd.com/article/what-is-my-chinese-zodiac-sign/
http://nwasianweekly.com/2012/01/the-little-known-history-behind-your-favorite-chinese-new-year-foods/
https://ideas.ted.com/why-do-we-light-firecrackers-on-chinese-new-year/
https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/02/08/171455463/chinese-new-year-dumplings-rice-cakes-and-beyond
https://www.partypacks.co.uk/collections/chinese-new-year-party-supplies