Internationally, the first official day of Chinese New Year is tomorrow, January 19; which in the western hemisphere coincides with the first waxing moon of the new month.
However, according to the Thai lunar calendar, which derives from ancient Indian and Chinese lunar observances, the first waxing moon of the new month (Keun neung kum คื้นหนึ่งค่ำ in Thai) is observed today, January 18.
In Chinese tradition, today is known as Chuxi, the last day of the year, while tomorrow, February 19, is known as Chuyi, the first day of the new year.
Hence, many Thais of Chinese ancestry begin their observance of the holiday today.
Click here to see what's going on in Phuket this week.
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For the next few days, through to the weekend, Chinese families throughout the world will reunite, having cleaned their homes, to make way for feasting and leisurely short trips, with most in Thailand to return to school and work by Monday, February 23.
During this time of year, which is also known as “The Spring Festival” streets – throughout China; in China Town neighborhoods worldwide, and right here in the Old Town district of Phuket Town – are festively adjourned with traditional Chinese lanterns.
Traditionally, Chinese New Year festival is observed for 15 days, climaxing with the first full moon of the Chinese New Year, marked by the traditional Lantern Festival, which this years falls on March 4 and 5.
Here in Phuket, the festive spirit will be alive for the coming weeks.
Coinciding this year with the Lunar New Year weekend, the Wat Chalong temple fair, featuring crowds, lights, food, shopping, fun and games galore – is now open, and will last through the weekend, concluding this Sunday, February 22.
Festivities in the heart of Phuket Town will fire up next Thrusday, February 26, with the start of the Phuket Old Town Festival, starting with a parade on the late afternoon, and include a walking street fair in Old Town, concluding on Saturday, February 28, not counting the usual Lard Yai “Walking Street” market on Sunday night, March 1.
Happy Year of the Goat!
In addition to the animal, each year is also commonly associated with an element.
This year's element is Wood.