When is it celebrated?
It’s no secret that the Chinese are very traditional. Their grandest celebration is the Lunar New Year, which lasts a full 15 days! The first day of festivities falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21), so the date of Chinese New Year shifts every year. In 2020, it begins on January 25 and ends on February 10.
The Symbol of the Year – The White Metal Rat
Twelve zodiac animals mark the passage of time, each associated with a specific color and one of the five elements—water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. The year 2020 comes under the sign of the White Metal Rat.
In Chinese tradition, unlike in the West, white is a color of mourning and loss. Does this mean the year carries bad omens? Not at all! White is a contradictory color: it represents both coldness and purity. So, the Year of the Rat will be filled with kind intentions and sincerity!
Metal symbolizes a strong character, determination, and loyalty to one's principles. Therefore, the mistress of the year will favor those who aren't afraid to express themselves, who achieve success honestly, and who confidently pursue their goals!
It’s no secret that the Chinese are very traditional. Their grandest celebration is the Lunar New Year, which lasts a full 15 days! The first day of festivities falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice (December 21), so the date of Chinese New Year shifts every year. In 2020, it begins on January 25 and ends on February 10.
The Symbol of the Year – The White Metal Rat
Twelve zodiac animals mark the passage of time, each associated with a specific color and one of the five elements—water, earth, metal, fire, and wood. The year 2020 comes under the sign of the White Metal Rat.
In Chinese tradition, unlike in the West, white is a color of mourning and loss. Does this mean the year carries bad omens? Not at all! White is a contradictory color: it represents both coldness and purity. So, the Year of the Rat will be filled with kind intentions and sincerity!
Metal symbolizes a strong character, determination, and loyalty to one's principles. Therefore, the mistress of the year will favor those who aren't afraid to express themselves, who achieve success honestly, and who confidently pursue their goals!
What will your Chinese partners be doing during these days?
People in China approach the coming of the New Year with great responsibility. Before the festivities, they do a major cleaning of their homes to make room for good fortune and to clear out any negative energy.
They decorate their doorways with intricate red paper decorations and banners with wishes for health, happiness, luck, etc. These decorations may remain up all year, only to be replaced on the eve of the next New Year!
On the festive table, the traditional dish (in place of our Olivier salad) is dumplings called jiaozi. A coin is placed in one of them, and whoever finds it is believed to be luck’s favorite for the whole year!
Holidays are great, but what about business?
Unfortunately, it’s best to postpone business decisions and meetings until after the holidays, as your Chinese partners will be disconnected from the outside world during this time.
Chinese New Year is a huge celebration for the whole country. For many people in China, it’s practically their only vacation, so business activity almost completely stops. European partners often can’t even reach their colleagues in China by phone. What to do to avoid problems?
How will the Rat affect business in 2020?
The year 2020 will be a time for learning. Any change in business starts with the basics, so don’t be afraid to attend trainings, share experiences with colleagues, and implement innovations. The curious Rat will only encourage such efforts!
Set a goal and move towards it with confidence. The symbol of this year favors diligence, so it will support you in any endeavor—as long as your intentions are sincere!
People in China approach the coming of the New Year with great responsibility. Before the festivities, they do a major cleaning of their homes to make room for good fortune and to clear out any negative energy.
They decorate their doorways with intricate red paper decorations and banners with wishes for health, happiness, luck, etc. These decorations may remain up all year, only to be replaced on the eve of the next New Year!
On the festive table, the traditional dish (in place of our Olivier salad) is dumplings called jiaozi. A coin is placed in one of them, and whoever finds it is believed to be luck’s favorite for the whole year!
Holidays are great, but what about business?
Unfortunately, it’s best to postpone business decisions and meetings until after the holidays, as your Chinese partners will be disconnected from the outside world during this time.
Chinese New Year is a huge celebration for the whole country. For many people in China, it’s practically their only vacation, so business activity almost completely stops. European partners often can’t even reach their colleagues in China by phone. What to do to avoid problems?
- First, resolve all important issues before Chinese New Year begins.
- Second, plan deadlines in advance and factor in possible delays.
- Third, while your Chinese colleagues are on holiday, you have a great opportunity to develop plans, ideas, and proposals to present after the holidays.
- And finally, don’t forget to congratulate your Chinese partners on the New Year!
How will the Rat affect business in 2020?
The year 2020 will be a time for learning. Any change in business starts with the basics, so don’t be afraid to attend trainings, share experiences with colleagues, and implement innovations. The curious Rat will only encourage such efforts!
Set a goal and move towards it with confidence. The symbol of this year favors diligence, so it will support you in any endeavor—as long as your intentions are sincere!