Chinese New Year It is one of the most important festivals for Thai people of Chinese descent, marking a time of celebration, family reunions, and ancestor worship. When is Chinese New Year 2026? What are the dates for the days of preparation, worship, and celebration? Thairath Online provides a calendar to help prepare for the ceremonies, along with taboos to avoid this month.
Chinese New Year 2026: Check the calendar for shopping, worship, and celebration days.
The Chinese New Year festival in 2026, or Chinese New Year 69, will fall in mid-February as follows:
- Shopping day: Sunday, 15 February 2026
- Worship day: Monday, 16 February 2026
- Celebration day: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Understanding the "shopping day, worship day, and celebration day" during Chinese New Year 69: What are their differences?
Many people may still be confused about which day to worship during Chinese New Year 69, or when the shopping or celebration days fall. According to tradition, each day involves different activities: Shopping day (Sunday, 15 February 2026)
Shopping day is when people go out to buy items needed for worship ceremonies, such as fruits, savory and sweet foods, or various supplies. Usually, auspicious items like duck, chicken, fruits, or symbolic sweets are purchased.
Worship day (Monday, 16 February 2026)
Worship day is dedicated to honoring deities and ancestors, with the ceremony divided into the following times:
- Worship of gods and sacred entities. Late morning:
- Worship of deceased ancestors. Afternoon:
- Worship of homeless spirits or wandering souls. Celebration day (Tuesday, 17 February 2026)
Celebration day is for festivities, including visiting relatives and offering blessings. Traditionally, four oranges are given to elders, who in return give red envelopes to children.
Restrictions to observe during Chinese New Year 69: What should be avoided?
According to traditional beliefs and customs, there are taboos and things to avoid during the festival period, including:
Avoid using foul language or engaging in quarrels,
- as it is believed to bring bad luck. Avoid washing or cutting hair,
- as this symbolizes cutting away stability from life. Avoid wearing white or black clothing,
- because these colors symbolize misfortune. Avoid lending money,
- as it is believed that lending money on this day will cause you to be asked for loans throughout the year. Avoid crying,
- since it is thought to bring sadness or tears all year long. To enhance good fortune on Chinese New Year 2026, it is recommended to clean and decorate the house in advance, preparing for the ceremonies to invite luck and prosperity.
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
The answer is from 15 to 17 February 2026. Shopping day falls on Sunday, 15 February; worship day on Monday, 16 February; and celebration day on Tuesday, 17 February. It is advisable to plan your budget and purchases ahead of time to ensure smooth and auspicious preparations and ceremonies. Related news
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