In Chinese culture there are two opportunities to say “happy new year”: New Year’s Day as January 1st according to the Western calendar, and Chinese new year according to the lunar calendar. Although these two dates could be between 3 weeks to 6 weeks apart, “happy new year” can be said on both occasions without confusion. Which new year’s day is more significant to the culture and its celebrants? let’s just say “happy new year” messages on social media tend to be a drizzle on January 1st, and during the lunar new year period (January 24 and following days), expect an avalanche of new year wishes.
About Author
yvonne.liu.wolf
Yvonne Wolf was born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S. and Europe. She has extensive experience living and working internationally (Denmark and Japan). She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Danish, and has studied Japanese, Spanish, and Greek. Between work and personal travel, she has visited more than 20 countries and well-traveled within the U.S. and Canada. She has worked with organizations and business executives focusing on communication strategies working with Chinese and East Asian partners. Among her many skills is mediating across cultural misunderstandings.