Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. It was traditionally a time to honor deities and ancestors, and it has become a time to celebrate with family. 2023 is predicted to be a year of longevity, peace and prosperity.
1. 2023 Dates
The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20, 2023. Each Chinese year is associated with an animal sign according to the Chinese zodiac cycle. In 2023, Chinese New Year will fall on Sunday, January 22nd. Celebrations of Chinese New Year traditionally last for 16 days, starting from Chinese New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year.
2. Longevity, Peace & Prosperity
In Chinese culture, 2023 is a year of the Rabbit, specifically the Water Rabbit. The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar and solar Chinese calendar.
3. The Chinese New Year Lanterns Project
The City of Mercer Island and the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL), present Island Lanterns, a community art project designed to inspire Mercer Island residents, brighten Town Center, and celebrate Chinese New Year 2023. The public will be able to view imaginative lanterns created by Island artists and residents January 5 – February 26! Why lanterns? For centuries, lanterns have been a staple in Chinese culture and celebrations. There are many types of lanterns, and each comes with its own symbolism. Generally, lanterns signify a wish for a brighter future. Lanterns were chosen as the canvas to evoke the idea of good fortune for the year ahead.
4. Seattle Celebration
In addition to the Island Lanterns project, Seattle’s Chinatown-International District will be hosting a celebration on Saturday, February 4th, 2023 in Seattle's Chinatown-International District featuring entertainment, lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, a food walk, street vendors and retail shops across the district.