What to Expect in the Year of the Monkey for Chinese New Year

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The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, starts on February 8. Let’s talk about what to expect in the Year of the Monkey.

The date, based on the Chinese lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, changes each year but typically falls between mid January to mid February. Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday in China. The celebration lasts 15 days, and in places that celebrate it (including China-towns around the world), businesses often close during this period.

Chinese New Year celebrates a year of hard work and a wish for a new year of prosperity. The holiday is celebrated not only in China but also in Korea, Vietnam, and by some people in Thailand and Singapore. People commemorate this holiday by getting together with family and friends while eating cakes and other symbolic foods and passing out red envelopes filled with money to children.

Many of the traditions are in place to start the new year on the right track. New clothes are purchased to represent a fresh start.  People wear red as it symbolizes fire which is believed to ward off evil spirits and get haircuts so that the evil spirits will not recognize them. Children especially love watching the dragon dances and firecrackers. The loud drumming from the dance and exploding sounds from the firecrackers are also thought to chase away the evil spirits.

There are 12 animals representing the Chinese zodiac. Each year represents a different animal, and each animal holds characteristics that apply to those born in specific years. The Year of the Monkey years are 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016.

People born with the monkey zodiac sign are considered smart and clever especially pertaining to career and wealth. They are enthusiastic, sociable, innovative, flexible, and self-assured as well as gentle and honest. Weaknesses include arrogance, selfishness, jealousy, and cunning nature. Celebrities born in the Year of the Monkey include Will Smith, Halle Berry, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Owen Wilson, Mick Jagger, Gisele Bundchen, Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, and Selena Gomez.

Here’s what to expect in the Year of the Monkey.

What to Expect in the Year of the Monkey

Year of the Monkey characteristics can apply to everyday life in society. AstrologyClub.org states some interesting predictions. Here are some interesting noteworthy expectations for 2016:

• Things will get accomplished, but largely through personal and individual efforts. Group movements, such as political upheaval or revolutions, will not make a mark during this year.
• The Year of the Monkey 2016 is a good year to break free and take calculated risks. Business flourishes and risks tend to pan out.
• Although a lively, optimistic and progressive year where finances, politics, and real estate should see an upturn, there will be a decided undercurrent of insecurity…business decisions made this year should be based on fact, not emotion.
• A lot of global economic growth can be expected in the Year of the Monkey. Expect a lot of life changing inventions to be released.
• Mr. Monkey can be menacing as he can easily overthrow old conventions that no longer work. This could mean toppling of old empires or iron fisted bosses. So just remember, bosses that have been taking advantage of this economic down turn may soon learn to regret it. All things find their balance eventually.

Happy Year of the Monkey! Hope it is a prosperous one for you and your family!

Learn more about Chinese New Year:
Chinese New Year Recipes, Crafts, and Activities
50 Unbelievable Facts About Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year Cake Recipe
6 Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year
What NOT to do over Chinese New Year
The Symbolism Behind Chinese New Year Foods
Preparing for Chinese New Year
Chinese Lantern Festival
Art Around the World: Puhui Chinese New Year Posters

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Maria Wen Adcock

Maria Adcock is the founder of BiculturalMama.com - a site covering multicultural parenting with a focus on Asian American culture. She is the author of "It's Chinese New Year, Curious George" (January 2023). Maria lives in New York with her husband and two children.

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