Lunar New Year 2021: What You Need To Know About This Asian Holiday

Lunar New Year celebrations may be very different this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but the annual Chinese holiday will still be taking place with the new moon on Feb. 11 bringing the new year on Feb. 12, according to the lunar calendar.

While the traditional celebrations in China and elsewhere are being canceled or altered to reflect social distancing measures with the pandemic, the New Year will help usher out what was certainly a rough year for many, after 2020, the Year of the Rat, was besieged by the pandemic’s effects.

Here’s what you need to know about the holiday, and what to expect in the coming year.

What Is Lunar New Year?

The New Year is a traditional celebration, much like the traditional calendar one, and marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendars that east Asian countries use, according to Oprah Magazine.

What Year Is It On The Chinese Zodiac?

2021 will mark the beginning of the Year of the Ox, which is one of the signs from the Chinese zodiac. The other signs are the year of the Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Previous Ox years included 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009. The next Ox year after 2021 will be in 2033.

What Does The New Year Mean?

According to The Chinese Zodiac, the lucky colors for the new year are silver and white, and those under the sign should avoid the color red. Lucky numbers include 7, 9, 12, 21, 34 and 42. The year is also expected to bring career advancement, business success and prosperity and wellness for all.

Those born in the Year of the Ox, according to The Sun, are known for “diligence, dependability, strength and determination.” Generally, they are also patriotic and have big ambitions for life, with a big focus on family and work.

2021 is also the year of the Metal Ox, which relates to the association of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. The Metal Ox is also considered hardworking, active, busy and popular.