Chinese welcome Lunar Year of the Pig
Chinese communities around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year on February 5. The most important holiday of the year involves a fortnight of festivities.
Most important Chinese holiday
The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China. Families eat traditional dinners and children receive red envelopes filled with money for good luck. Many people attend parades and watch firework shows. However, celebrations in Beijing and Shanghai were relatively quiet this year after authorities banned firework shows to tackle pollution.
Good fortune and wealth
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2019 is the year of the pig and follows the year of the dog. Pigs symbolize good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture. Some Chinese communities in predominately Muslim countries in Southeast Asia toned down open displays of pig decorations.
Parades and dances
Parades and traditional lion dances are held in decorated public spaces throughout China. Chinese communities in many cities outside of China, including New York City and London, also hold similar events that draw large crowds.
World's largest annual migration
In China, hundreds of millions of people travel to see family and friends during the 40 day period known as "Chunyun." Chinese authorities expect 3 billion trips by car, train, bus and plane. The mass movement of people is considered the world's largest annual human migration.
Decorations
The end of New Year is traditionally marked by the Spring Lantern Festival on the 15th day of celebrations. During the festival, people go on the streets with colorful lanterns and watch parades and dances. The tradition, which dates back some 2000 years ago to the reign of the Han Dynasty, will take place on February 19.