The new year, also known as the Spring Festival, is marked by the lunisolar Chinese calendar, so the date changes from year to year.
The festivities usually start the day before the New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the new year.
This year it’s the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028.
Popular Chinese New Year Greetings
1. ??? / ??? (Xinnián hao)
‘New Year goodness!’
In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen haoww/
In Cantonese: /sen-nin haow/
2. ???? / ???? (Gongxi facái)
‘Happiness and prosperity!’
In Mandarin: /gong-thesshee faa-tseye/
In Cantonese: Kunghei fatchoy /gong-hey faa-chwhy/
3. ???? / ???? (Bùbù gaosheng)
A steady rise to high places! — “on the up and up”
In Mandarin: /boo-boo gaoww-shnng /
In Cantonese: /boh-boh goh-sshin /
The personality of the Monkey
People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as lively, quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar.
The general image of people in this zodiac sign is of always being smart, witty and intelligent, especially in their career and wealth.
Also, their gentleness and honesty bring them everlasting love life. Although they were born with superior skills, they still have several shortcomings, such as an impetuous temper and a tendency to look down upon others.
- Strengths: friendly, innovative, enthusiastic, self-assured
- Weaknesses: suspicious, cunning, selfish, arrogant, jealous
Lucky Signs for the Monkey
- Lucky numbers: 1, 7, 8
- Lucky colours: white, gold, blue
- Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, alliums
- Lucky directions: north, northwest, west