Lunar New Year

People participating in Lunar New Year celebrations typically wear bright, festive clothing, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts. Red is a popular color for the holiday, signifying good luck and joy. Additionally, there are various symbolic decorations, such as paper cutouts of animals and flowers. Families also prepare traditional foods for a feast that is shared with family and friends.

Traditionally, it is believed that the day prior to the Lunar New Year is when the Kitchen God ascends to heaven and reports to the Jade Emperor on family members’ behavior during the preceding year. Thus, families pray to the Kitchen God and offer him food to gain favor. On New Year’s Eve, food offerings are made to the ancestors and a family reunion dinner is shared.

The Lunar New Year is also associated with specific activities and traditions. These include spring cleaning, in which families recruit help from the Gods of Wealth and Happiness to bring fortune to the household. It is also believed that conversations focused on unlucky topics should be avoided during the New Year as it is a time to reflect on the successes of the past year and anticipate the coming year.

On the first day of the New Year, families go to the temple to celebrate. An offering of incense and fruit is made and each family member bows three times to heavenly deities. Then, the family unites for a communal lunch. During the lunch, families exchange good luck messages for the upcoming year.

Finally, in the lead-up to the holiday, there are usually festive public parks and gatherings dedicated to the Lunar New Year. Local governments look to uphold the spirit of the celebration by providing activities such as dragon dances, special performances, and food stalls.

Overall, the Lunar New Year is a joyous and festive event that celebrates the coming of a new cycle in life. An important event shared by many Asian cultures, the New Year brings families together in a spirit of celebration, good luck, and joy.