Celebrating Chinese New Year: Traditions, Meaning, and Creative Expression
Unlike the Gregorian New Year on January 1st, Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date changes each year. The celebration begins with the new moon and lasts for about fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival. Each year is associated with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing different traits and energies believed to influence the year.
The Origins of Chinese New Year
The holiday’s origins date back more than 3,000 years to ancient agricultural traditions. It marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring—a season of planting, growth, and new beginnings. Over time, these seasonal celebrations evolved into a festival centered around family, gratitude, and hope for prosperity.
One popular legend tells of Nian, a mythical beast that would appear at the start of the year. Villagers discovered that loud noises, bright lights, and the color red frightened it away—giving rise to the traditions of fireworks, lanterns, and red decorations still used today.
Traditions and Symbols:
-- Chinese New Year is rich with symbolism, much of it focused on attracting luck, health, and happiness.
-- Red decorations represent good fortune and protection
-- Fireworks and drums are used to ward off negative energy
-- Family gatherings and shared meals honor togetherness and ancestry
-- Cleaning the home before the holiday symbolizes sweeping away bad luck
-- Lanterns signify hope, guidance, and brightness for the year ahead
*** Each element plays a role in setting positive intentions and starting the new year with clarity and optimism.
A Time for Renewal and Reflection
At its heart, Chinese New Year is about fresh starts. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, let go of what no longer serves you, and make space for growth. Many people use the holiday to reset their goals, reconnect with loved ones, and celebrate culture and heritage through meaningful rituals.
Celebrate Through Art
One beautiful way to honor Chinese New Year is through creative expression. Painting allows us to slow down, reflect, and connect with tradition in a hands-on way. This season, we’re featuring several Chinese New Year–inspired paintings on our calendar—perfect for adding meaningful artwork to your home or celebrating the holiday through creativity.
Whether you’re paying homage to the traditions, exploring the symbolism for the first time, or simply inspired by the colors and themes of the holiday, creating art is a wonderful way to celebrate. Join us in the studio to paint something festive, meaningful, and uniquely yours as we welcome the Lunar New Year together.
Here's what's coming up: (*all paintings are shown above)
1/30 'Glowing Lotus'
2/3 'Japanese Crimson Winter'
2/7 'Cherry Blossom Bloom'
2/11 'Spring Mountain'
2/12 'Lunar City'
2/13 'Van gogh's Love Blossoms' - this is a "date night"/2-person painting that is created across 2 canvases! You can come in with a bff (2/13 is Galentine's day), a sweetheart, or just paint this masterpiece on a single canvas!