2020 Chinese Lunar & Solar New Year

Are you confused by the different dates listed for the Chinese New Year? If so, you’re not alone. Two different calendars are observed: one based on the earth’s movement around the sun (solar) and the other is linked to phases of the moon (lunar.) Both use the 5 elements of Feng Shui and Traditional Chinese Medicine and 12 zodiac animal signs to mark the hours, days, months and years, but they begin at different times.

The Lunar New Year marks the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice and begins the traditional celebration of the elaborate 15-day Spring Festival. This culturally rich holiday season is associated with different activities each day, culminating with the well-known Full Moon Lantern Festival (Yuen Xiao.) It is a joyous period of time when Chinese families cease work and travel home to honor their ancestors and celebrate the new year festivities with family.

The Solar New Year, based on the agricultural or farmer’s (Hsia) calendar, marks the hours, days and minutes it takes earth to complete an entire circle around the sun. This is traditionally known as the first day of spring (li chun) when insects and animals stir, soil softens and the planting season begins and is based on the forces of nature. We use this date for calculating a person’s Chinese Four Pillars/BaZi birth chart, Flying Stars of Feng Shui and Qi Men Dun Jia predictions. The date typically falls on February 3rd or 4th each year and marks the time when all Feng Shui adjustments should be in place to properly benefit from the transitional energy of the new year.

In 2020 we begin a brand new 12-year calendar cycle with the Yang Metal Rat (Geng Zi) as the leader. This year, the Lunar New Year celebration of the Yang Metal Rat begins early on January 25 and concludes at the full moon on February 4. If you have not yet cleared your home and workplace, the coming weeks provide a perfect opportunity to do so since it is believed that unfinished business carried into the Chinese New Year will hinder your progress going forward. The Solar New Year begins on February 4 in 2020 and all Flying Star Feng Shui cures for the year should be in place before then.

Remember, the energy all around you is constantly changing and many of the tools that were helpful in 2019 will be obsolete in 2020 so check back with me for updates or questions on how to best capture the prevailing energy.

Wishing you good chi in this coming year of the Yang Metal Rat,

Diane Gallin, CFSC