Feb. 10 marked the start of the new lunar year, a fifteen-day celebration starting on the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Due to the holiday fully relying on the lunar cycle, it’s often celebrated on different days each year.
Lunar New Year is often referred to as Chinese New Year. However, it’s not only celebrated in China. It’s celebrated in other parts of Asia such as South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and others. But how is it celebrated?
One of the most common traditions that follow the Lunar New Year is starting anew. Most families, around 10 days before the new moon, completely clean the house to ward off any bad luck that may linger. Additionally, individuals have thorough baths to clean off any bad luck that may follow into the new year.
Homes are decorated with lots of red because it represents good luck and prosperity. There is also the legend of Nian, a beast that feeds off of human flesh. It is believed that the beast is afraid of the color red, and is afraid of loud noises and fire. Hence, the extensive use of firecrackers and red lanterns. Peaches, plums, and daffodils are additional symbols of good luck.
Family is another major component of the holiday, with people taking days off to celebrate with their loved ones. Individuals who live far away from their loved ones plan weeks in advance to reunite with their families. On New Year’s Eve, families gather around and feast together. They burn incense to worship their ancestors, and the older family members give red envelopes to the younger ones. In these envelopes are small amounts of money. As the new year begins, firecrackers are set off. In the days that follow, friends visit each other’s homes and wish one another good luck. Spending time together and doing activities such as eating or even playing card games are said to bring good luck.
There are things to avoid when it comes to getting bad luck during Lunar New Year. For example, it’s considered bad luck to leave the house through the back door. It’s also bad luck to sweep into someone’s feet, for it’ll bring bad luck to them. Additionally, taking medicine, washing your hair and clothes, breaking dishes, crying, and wearing white or black clothes are believed to bring bad luck to the New Year.
Although most of the big festivals for Lunar New Year occur on the first new moon, the first full moon is also greatly celebrated. It occurs 15 days after the new moon, and has its own festival known as the Lantern Festival or the Shangyuan Festival. On this day, homes are decorated with colorful lanterns with riddles written on them. These lanterns symbolize people letting go of their past, and moving on to the new year filled with good fortune.
Lunar New Year has very rich traditions and festivals. It’s all about starting new, good fortune, and letting go of the past. How will this year go for you?
