Communities all around the United States will celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 29.
There are vibrant parades, fireworks, mouthwatering food, and enjoyable activities all over this wonderful season.
What is the Lunar New Year, though, and why is it so unique?
The Lunar New Year: What Is It?
In many Asian nations, the Lunar New Year is an important holiday.
It is also known as Seollal in Korea, Tet in Vietnam, and the Spring Festival in China.
The lunar calendar’s first new moon marks the starting point of it, while the full moon occurs fifteen days later.
Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the holiday’s date changes annually.
The Year of the Snake: What Does It Mean?
It’s the Year of the Snake this year. However, why the snake?
Snakes are honored and feared in Chinese culture. On the one hand, they are associated with danger and gloom.
However, they are also seen as lucky charms and signs of rebirth. In Chinese folklore, snakes are referred to as “little dragons.”
The promise of a new beginning is symbolized by the skin they shed.
Why Does the Lunar New Year Occur?
There is more to the Lunar New Year than a day of festivities.
Every day has its significance, and in many areas, it lasts for several days.
People rejoice by cleaning their homes to purify them of bad luck. They decorate with vibrant colors, especially red, which is seen as auspicious.
But, why it is in red?
Red is a hue that represents happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in many Asian traditions.
A lot of people even dress in red for the festivities!
What About the Animals of the Zodiac?
Did you know that there is an animal associated with each year in the Chinese calendar?
The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig are among the twelve animals that make up the Chinese zodiac.
One animal is recognized annually. According to legend, only twelve of the animals accepted a god’s invitation to say goodbye before he left Earth.
It is thought that each animal has an impact on the year it symbolizes.
Fun Fact: There are some small differences in the Vietnamese zodiac. They honor the cat rather than the rabbit. And they respect the buffalo instead of the ox! Doesn’t it seem interesting?
What Are the Customs Around the Lunar New Year?
There are many enjoyable customs during Lunar New Year!
To keep off a monster called Nian, residents in China decorate their doorways with red paper dragons.
According to legend, Nian would come to eat humans, but he was afraid of fire, loud sounds, and red.
To keep him off, they fired firecrackers, detonated pyrotechnics, and hung red lanterns throughout their houses.
Lanterns and firecrackers are still used in the festivities today.
How About Worship of Ancestors?
A key factor of the Lunar New Year is ancestor worship. For their ancestors, many families cook special dinners.
The ceremony is known as “charge” in Korea. Men serve the meals that women prepare for their ancestors.
Following the ritual, everyone joins in a communal meal while requesting blessings for the upcoming year.
As a show of respect, families in Vietnam also prepare traditional food and present them on altars.
Asian Americans Celebrate in What Ways?
In the US, Asian American groups celebrate the Lunar New Year with parades, dragon or lion dances, and festivals.
Fireworks light up the night sky as visitors enjoy delicious dinners.
But that’s not all! People often clean their houses and purchase new furniture and other goods to start the new year.
Some even decorate with colorful flowers, like orchids. It’s a time for enjoyment, fun, and family!
Which Foods Are Especially Popular During The Lunar New Year?
A significant part of the festivities is food. Every culture celebrates the new year with its own different foods.
For instance, eating “Changzhou mian,” or long-life noodles, is a common way for individuals in China to ask for a long and healthy life.
Rice cakes called “banh chung” and “banh tet,” which are cooked with sticky rice, pork belly, and mung beans, are popular in Vietnam.
Tradition and affection go into making these delicacies.
“Tteokguk,” a soup prepared with thinly sliced rice cakes, is a popular meal in Korea. It is said that eating it will bring blessings and good fortune.
During the festivities, some people in Hong Kong even consume snake soup.
Are you able to attempt it?
Happy and Hopeful Celebration
The Lunar New Year is a season of rebirth, optimism, and festivity. It’s an opportunity to start over and put poor luck behind you.
It’s about tradition, family, and having a successful year.
The Lunar New Year unites people to joyfully celebrate life and culture, whether they are in the United States or another country.
Are you ready to take part in the festivities?
The Lunar New Year is a great time to celebrate, whether that means having a delicious meal, taking part in a parade, or just hanging out with loved ones. Let’s greet the Year of the Snake with happiness, prosperity, and fresh starts!
