Author | Vivian Rice |
In 2019, February 5 was the start of the New Year. Now wait! January 1 is always the New Year. Yes, I know that--- I’m not that uncultured. February 5 was the start of the Lunar New Year, which nearly all of East and South Asia celebrate in some way.
It is the biggest holiday in many Asian nations, especially China, Taiwan and Singapore. There are always a ton of great fireworks, food, and festivals occurring during this time. Seriously, it gets really crazy during the traditionally fifteen day holiday. The technical name is the Lunar New Year since China isn’t the only nation to celebrate the holiday, but many of the traditions originate from China.
It’s time to learn some of the customs of the Lunar New Year so you know how to survive without getting pummeled by old angry Asian ladies because you accidentally offended them. Let me tell you first hand, they can get VERY scary. Remember this for future reference as well.
The Zodiac. Everyone’s heard of the western zodiac---the Chinese one is different. It’s
based on a Chinese legend where the Jade Emperor called 12 animals to him, and that made the Zodiac. Of course, it’s nothing more than just a story, but it’s a big thing in Chinese culture. Each year is a different animal, making it a 12-year cycle of the Zodiac animals. 2019 is the Year of the Boar.
The food. This is the best part in my personal opinion, mostly because the food is great!
Some foods are especially important during the holiday because of their symbolic meaning. For instance, fish. Chinese people will always serve fish at the New Year dinners. Why? Fish is pronounced “yu, 鱼,” in Chinese, and “yu” can also mean excess and good luck. Thus, they eat fish.
It is a bit mind boggling since all fish will do for you is taste good, but that’s why they eat fish. Another symbolic Chinese food to eat are dumplings, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Spring Rolls are also eaten for luck and wealth. Long noodles are eaten for happiness and longevity, while rice balls are eaten to symbolize family and harmony. In all actuality, I advise you to just eat them for the delicious flavor.
If you’ve ever gone to Chinatown during the Lunar New Year, I applaud you, you’re a brave soul. However, you may have noticed all the red decorations. Red lanterns, banners, Chinese knots, and clothes. Red is the color of good luck and happiness in China, and it is a tradition to wear crimson clothes during the New Year festivities.
Additionally, on the last and 15th day of the Chinese New Year, they traditionally hold one last celebration, the Lantern Festival. People light colorful and beautiful lanterns, illuminating the whole sky. I can’t remember if they still wait until the 15th day, or if they light the lanterns on the first day. I’m also not really sure what the cultural meaning is behind it, but that’s why Google was invented. There are a ton of performances and activities that many people do during the holidays. During the festivals, many dances are performed, and it’s a spectacular show! Several known types of dances are the fan dance, the lion dance, and the dragon dance. Some are just for entertainment, and some are traditional and usually tell some type of story or myth. I feel like it’s an arm workout to even hold up those puppets, so I’m not complaining!
Lastly, another one of my favorites is the Hong Bao! After the family reunion dinner, the elderly will give out red packets, literally translated to “hóng bāo, 红包” in Chinese. Inside the packets are money for luck and prosperity, given to the younger members of the family. Sometimes it will have one dollar or it could have 10 dollars. It depends on how generous that family member feels that day. I generally only get $1, but I will take whatever money I can get.
There are so many more traditions and customs but if I listed them all we would be here until next Lunar New Year! These are some of the more important ones. Sometimes it is fun to learn new things about a different culture, and I feel like it can help you understand others better.
Happy Lunar New Year!