Chinese New Year is also known as Spring Festival, as it falls as the beginning of Spring and after the solar term and because of this, the date changes for it every year. Tends to fall between mid-January and mid-February, this year falling on the 5th February.

2019 is the year of the Pig. Each lunar cycle has 60 years, with every 12 years being regarded as a small cycle. Each of the 12 years is defined by an animal sign, including tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and pig. Legend has it that the order of the zodiac animals was decided on the order they arrived at the emperors party, with the pig falling in final place.

Celebration lasts for 15 days, thus making it the longest public holiday with one 1/6 of the world’s people joining in with the celebrations. The end of the festivities is marked by the Lantern festival in which various traditional customs and activities are held, such as watching lanterns and fireworks, folk dances and eating traditional foods like yuanxiao, a small dessert.

Much of the Chinese New Year celebrations is about change; the idea of removing the old and welcoming the new, forgetting about the misfortunes of the past and preparing for the good luck the future brings. Historically, it was only during this period that people would splurge on new goods such as clothes and jewellery. This tradition remains in today’s society, huge significance is still being placed on buying new belongings, with the continued belief that all new items are auspicious and will help protect you from evil spirits.
The theme of red and gold is preserved throughout the celebrations, symbolising good fortune and joy.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year the Caress way, whether it’s your first piercing or if you’re just searching for a new and fresh look. Available in a range of colours, on silver, neutral and gold plated bases, there’s something for everyone. If you’re wanting to follow tradition, we have red and gold studs purchasable. We wish you good fortune and happiness this Chinese New Year.