The Year of the Tiger

February 1, 2022 is the first day of the Chinese New Year which according to the Chinese zodiac in 2022 is the Year of the Tiger.

Before the new year celebration was established, ancient Chinese gathered and celebrated the end of harvest in the autumn. 

Legends tell us that the Chinese New Year started with a mythical beast called Nian which would eat villagers and their children and destroy their houses in the middle of the night.  Luck had that an an elderly man put red papers and set off firecrackers in the middle of the night after discovering what Nian was afraid off.  Following that night Nian never return to that village thus the Chinese prospered and multiplied.

The first mention of celebrating the start of a new year was recorded during the Han dynasty (220 BC - 220 AD).  in a book written by Cui Shi, "a celebration is described in which commemoration of ancestors and especially his father". The practice of worshiping ancestors on New Year's Eve is maintained in China to this day.  Also, on the days before the New Year, Chinese families clean their homes thoroughly as it is believed the cleaning sweeps bad luck and makes homes ready for good luck.

Chinese people believe that what you do at the beginning of the new year will affect your luck in the coming year.  Saying good wishes to family and friends when the clock strikes 12 will certainly bring good luck, so

Happy New Year my friends!