2022 Lunar Year! The Chinese year of the Tiger!

5 min readFeb 1, 2022

Out with the old, in with the new!

The Chinese new year is upon us again!

On a very ordinary day with the feel of warm wind under the sun, every new year starts on 1 January according to the Gregorian calendar. This cannot be said for China. The Chinese follow the lunar calendar. Consequently, every new year falls on a different day, usually between 21 January to 20 February. This year 2022, 1 February, marks the beginning of the lunar new year and ends on 21 January 2023. This new year is the year of the Tiger.

The Tiger (老虎 Lǎohǔ) is the third of the 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig) which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. This new year ushers in good luck and prosperity.

THE LUNAR YEAR

The lunar new year is practised in many East-Asian countries such as China and South Korea. Japan no longer follows the Lunar calendar and now follows the Gregorian calendar since 1873. The lunar calendar is based on the moon and sun cycles and is generally 21–51 days behind the Gregorian calendar.

This holiday is known by different names in different countries. In China, it is known as (春节) Chūnjié. In Vietnam, it is referred to as Tết and Seollal in Korea.

The celebration typically lasts for 15 days. This year, it lasts for 16 days. It starts on new year’s eve, which is on 31 January 2022 and ends on 12 February 2022. The first seven days are considered public holidays to be celebrated with family.

The lunar year is the most important holiday of the year! As crucial as oxygen.

THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

The Tiger ranks third in the 12-animal cycle of the lunar calendar encompassing the years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034. People born in the year of the Tiger are considered brave and represent power in the Chinese culture. They are natural-born leaders who are adventurous with a strong sense of justice.

The Tiger, called “the king of the animals” in China, is usually the centre of attention. They are born with leadership skills, and others respect them. Tigers are suited to any career as leaders.

Tigers can put brilliant ideas into practice. They could be pretty stubborn and rarely take on people’s advice. They are short-tempered and king of all beasts. They sometimes can be silent and deadly. People born in the year of the Tiger are expected to face many challenges. We believe them to come out waxing strong.

People born in the year of the Ox and Goat are the two luckiest zodiac signs in 2022. Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, and Roosters are destined to enjoy a smooth life and good luck making money in 2022.

Those born in years of the Rat, Snake, Monkey, Dog, and Pig will need to make comparatively more effort to make achievements in this year of the Tiger.

The lucky colours for the Tiger are orange, grey, black, and blue.

Social relationships with Tigers

Tigers always have a dominant role, mistrust a lot, and do not communicate. They are inclined to use commanding means to deal with interpersonal relationships.

Even though they are acquainted with many people, they do not further the relationships to make close friendships. Understanding, patience, and tact are needed when dealing with Tigers.

In love relationships, Tigers cannot show deep affection to their partners because they lack a sense of romance. Partners need to be equally active to keep up with a Tiger’s sense of adventure.

Some Notable Dates of the Lunar Year 2022:

New Year’s Eve on 31 January 2022

New Year’s Day on 1 February 2022

The Lantern Festival on 15 February 2022

How to get good luck in the year of the Tiger:

Chinese people would stay up on the lunar eve (31 January 2022) to say kind words to friends and family such as happy new year (新年快乐Xīnnián kuàilè) after the clock strikes 12 to bring good luck. (attach the screenshot)

Give out red packets to kids that cast away bad luck (demon Nian) and brings good luck

Decoration of houses with kumquat trees which symbolized wealth and good luck

Eating lucky food such as rice dumplings, fried flour-coated peanuts, and walnut cookies represent family togetherness, vitality, happiness, and togetherness.