When Is the Oriental New Year?
In Asia, a new year signifies hope, yet this new beginning is celebrated at different times of the year, depending on the country and calendar. The three types of calendars include the solar calendar or Western (Common Era) calendar, the lunar calendar and the soli-lunar calendar.
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China, Korea and Vietnam
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Chinese New Year, based on the Chinese lunar year, falls on a different date, but is between late January and mid-February every year. For example, in 2011, Chinese New Year begins on February 3rd, the Year of the Rabbit. Korea and Vietnam also observe the year's beginning at this time. In South Korea, Koreans observe either solar or lunar New Year or both.
Japan
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Japan's traditional New Year, or "setsubun," based on the lunar New Year, changed to January 1st when Japan adopted the Western calendar in the 19th century. On New Year's Eve, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to symbolize purification.
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Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
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The Thai New Year, or "Songkran," in Thailand and Laos occurs April 13th to 15th. In Cambodia, "Chaul Chnam Thmey," or "Coming of the New Year," also takes place in mid-April.
India
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In India, Diwali, short for Deepawali, or "festival of lights" in Sanskrit, occurs on the day of "Amavasyaa" in late October or early November. Earthen lamps light up homes as part of the five-day festival.
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- Photo Credit chinese new year design image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
