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What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is the celebration of the New Year and runs on a cycle of the Moon. This cycle is called a Lunar Calander and follows Zodiac signs of animals. This zodiac consists of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each animal has their own character. One would wonder, why these specific animals? Here is the story of the zodiac:
This year, it is the year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is the 4th animal in the zodiac. The rabbit has the characteristics of being gentle, compassionate, friendly, and modest.
Who Celebrates Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is often called Chinese New Year, but did you know that Lunar New Year is celebrated in many places around East Asian and by people around the world? Some countries that celebrate Lunar New Year include:
-China
- Korea
- Vietnam
- And many other parts of East Asia
In Asian countries, Lunar New Year is celebrated in different ways. In China, the Lunar New year is celebrated for 15 days ending with the Lantern Festival. In Chinese they say 新年快乐(Xīnnián kuàilè) or (San Nin Fai Lok) Lao celebrates for 3 days and the second day of festivities is between the new and old. In Laos, they say ສະບາຍດີປີໃຫມ່ (Sabaidi pi mai) In Vietnam, Lunar new year is referred to as Tết Nguyên Đán (Feast of the First Morning of the First Day). In Vietnamese, they say chúc mừng năm mớ. In Korea, ‘Seollal’ lasts for 3 days instead of 15 like the Chinese New Year. In Korean, they say 새해 복 많이 받으세요 (saehae bog manh-i bad-euseyo)
What are some traditions of Lunar New Year?
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Long noodles are often eaten to symbolize long life
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Families clean their homes to sweep away bad luck
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Firecrackers are lit to scare away bad feelings and evil spirits
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Oranges and tangerines are set around the house to symbolize a sweet and prospering year
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During these days of celebrations, families reunite and go out with dinner with one another
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Door couplets are pasted on a door with good wishes and statements on them
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Dumplings are eaten because they look like money pouches. These symbolize fortune and prosperity.
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Red envelopes are given out and symbolize good luck and prosperity. They are filled with lucky money for a rich new year.
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