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Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is not just a single day; it is a month-long journey of rituals. From the warm porridge of Laba Festival to the dazzling lanterns of the Lantern Festival, every day carries deep meaning.
If you are preparing for the Year of the Horse (2026), following this traditional timeline is the best way to invite good fortune. Here is your complete day-by-day guide to the festivities.
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Table of Contents
- CNY 2026 Calendar
- The Prelude: Laba & Little New Year
- The Climax: New Year's Eve & Day 1
- The Taboos: Days 2-4
- The Re-opening: Po Wu (Day 5)
- The Finale: Lantern Festival
- FAQ: Timeline Facts
Chinese New Year 2026 Calendar
The Prelude (Preparation)
1.Laba Festival (腊八节)
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Date: Jan 26, 2026 (Lunar Dec 8)
Laba Festival marks the beginning of preparations for the Chinese New Year. Historically, it was a day to give thanks for the harvest and pray for blessings in the coming year. Today, it serves as a reminder that the Spring Festival is just around the corner. - Laba Festival Traditions:
- Eating Laba Congee: The highlight of the festival is Laba congee, a hearty porridge made with grains, beans, dried fruits, and nuts. This dish symbolizes abundance and unity.
- Making Garlic in Vinegar (Laba Suan): In northern China, families prepare pickled garlic, which will be used to enhance the flavor of dumplings during the New Year celebrations.
2. Little New Year (Xiao Nian 小年)
- Date: Feb 10, 2026 (Lunar Dec 23/24)
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Key Customs of Little New Year:
- Spring Cleaning: Families deep-clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and make space for good fortune in the coming year.
- Offering Sacrifices to the Kitchen God: Families offer sweet treats, such as maltose or candied fruits, to “sweeten” the Kitchen God’s report to heaven.
- Hanging Spring Festival Couplets: Red couplets with auspicious phrases are placed on doors to invite blessings.
The Climax (Reunion & Celebration)
3. Chinese New Year’s Eve (Chuxi 除夕)
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Date: Feb 16, 2026
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The Event: The most important night of the year.
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Traditions:
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Reunion Dinner (Nian Ye Fan): A lavish feast featuring fish and dumplings(Jiao Zi).
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Shou Sui: Staying up until midnight to ward off the beast Nian.
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Giving Red Envelopes: Elders give Ya Sui Qian to children.
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4. New Year's Day (Day 1)
- Date:Feb 17, 2026 (Year of the Horse Begins)
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Day 1: Welcoming the Deities
On the first day, families offer prayers to deities and ancestors, seeking blessings for the year ahead. It is also a day to visit the elders in the family, wishing them health and happiness.
The Visiting Days (Days 2-4)
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Day 2: Visiting In-Laws
Traditionally, married women visit their natal families on the second day of the Spring Festival, bringing gifts and greetings. -
Days 3-4: Avoiding Visits
These days are considered unlucky for social visits, so most families spend them at home, resting or engaging in quiet activities.
Po Wu (Day 5) - Breaking Taboos
5. Po Wu (破五)
- Date: Feb 21, 2026
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Key Customs of Po Wu:
- Eating Dumplings: Dumplings(Jiao Zi) are a must on this day, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
- Welcoming the God of Wealth (接财神): Businesses and families light firecrackers to invite the God of Wealth into their homes and ensure financial success for the year.
The Grand Finale
6. Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie 元宵节)
- Date: Mar 3, 2026
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Traditions of the Lantern Festival
- Eating Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls): These sweet, round dumplings symbolize family unity and completeness.
- Lantern Riddles: People gather to admire lanterns and solve riddles written on them, enjoying a sense of community and intellectual challenge.
Conclusion
The Spring Festival is a journey of cultural and emotional significance, from the preparatory rituals of Laba Festival and Little New Year to the joyous celebrations of New Year’s Eve and Spring Festival, culminating in the Lantern Festival. Each milestone reflects the values of family, gratitude, and renewal that define this ancient holiday.
Understanding these key dates and their traditions not only deepens your appreciation of Chinese New Year but also provides a meaningful way to connect with Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does Chinese New Year last?
A: While the public holiday is usually 7 days, the traditional celebration lasts for 15 days, starting from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival.
Q: When is the Laba Festival in 2026?
A: It falls on January 26, 2026.
Q: What is the meaning of Po Wu?
A: Po Wu occurs on the 5th day. It signifies the removal of old taboos and is the primary day to welcome the God of Wealth.
