Chinese New Year
Celebrated on February 14, 2010
| Each year, the Chinese New Year celebration falls on the date of the first new moon on the Chinese lunar calendar, which can be in late January or early to mid-February. |
| The 12-year cycle in the Chinese calendar recognizes each of a dozen animals in the Chinese zodiac – rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. 2009 is the Year of the Ox. |
| Chinese New Year is the longest, most celebrated event in Chinese communities around the world. |
| Hallmark introduced Chinese New Year cards in 1999. |
2009 Product Features
- Hallmark offers 19 Chinese New Year card designs in the United States, including cards appropriate for family, friends and distance.
- Some cards include red “laisee” packets; Chinese tradition says giving these money packets brings luck to both giver and receiver. Two cards feature a “Year of the Ox” design.
- The cards feature many culturally relevant designs featuring traditional Chinese symbols and bright, bold colors. Card sentiments are written in Chinese and include English translations.
- The color red on cards symbolizes the celebration, and gold appears as a tribute to the brilliance of Chinese culture. Peach blossoms, narcissus and chrysanthemum all have symbolic value for a New Year of prosperity, good health and happiness.
Holiday History
Legends surrounding the origins of the ancient Chinese New Year holiday abound. One well-known story says the word “nian” (or “year”) was the name of a man-eating dragon. Nian terrorized the country until a wise man convinced the dragon to eat other beasts, then advised the people to put red decorations on windows and doors to scare away Nian, in case the dragon changed his mind.
In Stores
Available at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide. Use the store locator on Hallmark.com to find the nearest Hallmark Gold Crown store.