Chinese New Year: The Year of the Tiger

Here in the United States, we have already rung in the new year; however, the Chinese new year is often celebrated weeks after. This year it land on February 1st, 2022 and it is deemed the year of the tiger.

While the United States and much of the rest of the world follow the solar calendar which is based on the amount of time it takes the earth to orbit the sun, China traditionally has followed the lunar calendar which is essentially 12 full cycles of the moon.

The celebration of the Chinese new year, also known as Spring Festival, is celebrated by more than 2 billion people across the globe and the celebration usually last 16 days with workers in China receiving 7 days off of work during this time. American’s maybe get 1 day off of work for their New Year celebration and we typically only celebrate that night by overindulging in alcohol. China has definitely got us beat in the celebration department.

Each Chinese year signifies the introduction of a new animal from the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 animals including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Those born in that specific year will reflect that animal’s characteristics. This tradition has been around roughly 2000 years and is used by many people as a means of predicting their fortune. Some even use it as an indicator of whom they should marry.

This year 2022 is the year of the tiger and those born in this year will take on the characteristics of the tiger. These attributes include competitiveness, bravery, and self-confidence. They are known to be charming and well-like by many, but they can also be hotheaded and petulant. Every animal comes with positive and negative aspects. You should find the animal of your birth year and see if the animal’s characteristics accurately reflect you.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Tea

The origin of tea is linked back to China during the Tang Dynasty, not to be confused with Tang, that orange drink mix made popular by astronauts in the 1960s. That stuff was nasty. Chinese tea is more the stuff of legend that is deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese culture. It is, in fact, one of the seven necessities of Chinese life including rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and firewood.

While the origin story of tea has its roots in China as far back as 2000 b.c. and beyond, China is still the top producer and exporter of tea in the world. If you want to celebrate the Chinese new year, we can think of no better way to celebrate than by enjoying a hot cup of Chinese teas. Here are a few to get you started.