Chinese New Year 2022: Traditional Chinese Sleeping Habits

Chinese New Year falls on February 1st this year, with 2022 being the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese New Year zodiac.

The zodiac is a cycle of 12 years represented by zodiac animals. They are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The last time it was the Year of The Tiger was 2010!

Chinese New Year has been celebrated for around 3,500 years, although its precise beginning is unknown. Its origins can be traced to many legends, such as a monster named Nian (“Year”) who attacked villages.

Chinese New Year is one of the most important dates in Asia, accompanied by around 16 days of public celebrations (although only 7 are public holidays). It also has a few quirky traditions, especially sleep, as China welcomes the new year ahead.

Chinese New Year sleeping habits

The Chinese have a rich history steeped in tradition and taboos. While some sleeping habits associated with Chinese New Year are no longer followed, many people take them seriously.

Here are the most widely followed Chinese New Year sleeping traditions:

Staying up all night or very late

Traditionally, people stay up all night or at least very late on New Year’s Eve, fuelling themselves with treats, alcohol, and tea to stay awake. The night is forever young as families get together and enjoy themselves.

Children and adults should stay up as late as possible to send off the old year and welcome the new year.

It is said that staying up late is good for a person’s health and wellbeing, so older people approach it with vigor. Also, staying up late makes your parents live longer, so it is common for children to stay up as late as possible.

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger 2022 , Chinese New Year. — Pictured: Celebrate the Year of the Tiger 2022

Year of the Tiger Chinese New Year 2022

The Tiger 2022 horoscope proves to fill the year with luck. This Chinese zodiac sign will have its best year in a dozen years. They would be wise to take advantage of everything 2022 has to offer. After all, there will not be another year of the Tiger until 2034!

Is this your year?

The tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China and is associated with bravery, confidence, and strength. Also known to be strong-willed, opinionated, and stubborn, the tiger years are 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034. Famous people born during the Tiger years include Queen Elizabeth II, Christopher Lloyd, Stevie Wonder, Martin Short, Jon Bon Jovi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Penelope Cruz, Lady Gaga, Jon Batiste.

Like the Tiger, all eyes will be on you. You’ll want to be prepared for your moment in the spotlight to ensure you’ll be the star of the year. That means steering clear of distractions and focusing on improving your knowledge and skills. Your efforts will be noticed, especially at work!

Could there be a pay rise? Maybe but do not let your relationship suffer as a result by allowing your relationship to take a back seat and ensure the money is in the bank, create a sustainable budget and squirrel them pennies away for a rainy day!

No sleeping during the day

You are not allowed to sleep during the first day of the New Year, or you will become lazy and lethargic for the whole year. Older people are allowed to nap, but young people should avoid sleeping during the day.

Don’t say people’s names to wake them!

Saying a person’s name to wake them on New Year’s day is a bad omen! According to tradition, the named person gets lazy and needs urging to do work all year. A polite way to wake someone is by nudging them or calling them a neutral name, like “son,” “dad,” “mum,” or “grandpa.”

Don’t visit someone who is still asleep on the first day of the new year

Other Chinese sleeping habits

The Chinese have several sleeping habits that you can probably relate to.

Bathing before bed

The Chinese bathe or shower before bed to cleanse themselves and their homes. The home in China is a pure, sacred place, so washing away the day’s impurities is natural. Not bathing is said to invite negative energy and bad luck.

Firm mattress/bed

The Chinese prefer a firm mattress because they align the spine and provide more significant support. Some people even sleep on a solid wooden bed with no mattress, just blankets to keep warm and prevent painful joints.

Firm mattresses are great if you are heavy or prefer to sleep “on top” of the bed, although they can be a bit too firm for some people. A medium-firm mattress is a better option if you want both support and squishiness.