LUNAR NEW YEAR 101

Lunar New Year is a vibrant and celebration observed by billions across East and Southeast Asia. Rooted in the lunisolar calendar, it marks the beginning of a new year and offers a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultures and beliefs.

Celebrations and Traditions:

While traditions vary between countries and regions, some common themes include:

• Family Reunions: The heart of the holiday, families travel great distances to reunite and share festive meals.
• Feasts and Delicacies: Special dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and longevity noodles symbolize good luck and prosperity.
• Red Decorations: Red, an auspicious color, dominates festivities. Homes are adorned with lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets bearing New Year blessings.
• Lion Dances and Performances: Energetic lion dances, symbolizing strength and warding off evil spirits, are a common sight in parades and celebrations.
• Gift-Giving: Red envelopes containing money, symbolizing good luck and blessings, are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults.
• Fireworks and Lanterns: Spectacular fireworks illuminate the night sky, while floating lanterns carry hopes and dreams for the new year.

Some Variations across Asia:

* Chinese New Year: The grandest celebration, lasting 15 days, features elaborate lion dances, dragon parades, and temple fairs.

* Korean Seollal: Ancestor veneration rituals and traditional folk games like Yutnori are prominent.

* Vietnamese Tet: Colorful flower markets, ancestor worship ceremonies, and the mythical creature “Lion-Dragon” (Lân Sư Rồng) mark the Vietnamese New Year.