How To Celebrate Chinese New Year (With Coffee)

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year also known as Lunar New Year (as it is celebrated by cultures outside of China too) or Spring Festival marks the start of the new year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. On this day, observers say goodbye to Winter and hello to a much-anticipated Spring season. The holiday is the most important celebration in China and is about spending time and sharing blessings with family and loved ones. During this holiday, work is put on the backburner for celebrations marked by fireworks, paper lanterns, gift exchanges, an abundance of delicious food and the color red. 

When is Chinese New Year?

The holiday usually falls between late January and early February and is different each year. In 2022, Chinese New Year will commence on February 1st with festivities beginning the day prior on Chinese New Year’s Eve and lasting for 16 days until February 15th. 

New Year, New Chinese Zodiac 

Dating back centuries to the Qin dynasty, each Chinese New Year is linked to the Chinese zodiac which attributes one of twelve zodiac animals, and their corresponding attributes to that lunar year. These twelve zodiacs include: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

2022: The Year of the Tiger 

This year, the Chinese zodiac is the Tiger. The Tiger is among the greatest of all beasts and is third in the Chinese zodiac. This zodiac is linked to competition, confidence, bravery, and strength. Those born in the year of the tiger are said to be caring, adventurous and passionate however can also be aggressive, irritable, and at times, nervous too. 

Drinking Coffee in The Year of the Tiger

With 16 days of constant celebration, you will certainly need your fair share of caffeine. Have fun this Chinese New Year by letting the characteristics of the Tiger fuel your coffee explorations. 

• Competition – this can be both internal and external competition. Consider challenging yourself to expand your coffee horizons and knowledge, Bruvi blog is a great place to do so. Or, put all that wonderful coffee knowledge to work by hosting coffee tastings and cuppings among friends and see who can ace those blind taste tests.  

• Confidence – Don’t be ashamed to drink what you like this year. If you want an iced latte in the snow, don’t let anyone judge you for not ordering that hot. Coffee is subjective and you are entitled to drink what YOU like!

• Bravery – Try something new by going outside your “usual” and showcase some coffee bravery. Give a new origin or processing method a shot. Maybe even drive a little further to a different coffee shop or order a new drink for the first time. You got this! 

• Strength – 2022 is the year when you can cut back on the cream and sugar. Try your next cup black or better yet, down a shot of espresso. This is the year to be strong, bold and a bit adventurous.