Happy Year of the Ox!
This Friday, millions of people celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year, which this year is dedicated to that animal.
Lots of food, fireworks, special clothing and red lanterns hanging around in special places mark the celebration each year.
The The reason why the new year arrives on that date is because must coincide with the start of the lunar new year , which is when the new moon cycle begins.
Because it depends on it, the Chinese New Year date changes every year, but always falls between 21 January and 20 February.
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And it is always á dedicated to an animal of the Chinese horoscope.
The 12 animals
The Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and the celebrations can last until 16 days.
It is the most important celebration for the inhabitants of the Asian nation . But this year will be marked by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Each year is named after one of the 12 animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse , goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
So the animals have a year dedicated to them once every 12 years.
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The year of the ox
In Chinese culture, the ox is loyal and trustworthy.
It is said that people born in the year of the ox are good leaders and very good at doing things.
It comes later that of the rat, which is the first on the list and that for its audacity won the place of the ox , according to the myth.
History says that an emperor said that the order would be decided according to the order in which they arrived the animals to their party.
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The rat tricked the ox into carrying it on its back. Then, just as they reached the finish line, the rat jumped and was in front of the ox , thus achieving first place.
How is it celebrated?
The celebrations in 2021 will be a bit different, especially in places where there are still strict restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This means that many will not be able to congregate in popular festivals, nor will they be able to hold large family gatherings.
The traditional thing for millions of people in China is travel across the country before the new year to spend time with family, but authorities have asked not to. Those who take risks must undergo tests and their health must be controlled.
It is also used clean the home very well to get it ready for the celebrations. Then, when New Year’s Day arrives, you have to avoid taking the broom so as not to lose good luck.
There are great feasts that include noodle soup, which traditionally brings luck for the coming year. And they enjoy parades and shows with dancers wearing traditional costumes.
Fireworks are also launched , because it is believed that noise and lights will scare away evil spirits for the next few months.
Adults also hand out red envelopes to children with money inside.
The festivities continue for two weeks, coming to an end with a special lantern festival , one of the moments more colorful.
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