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The Many Faces Of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a traditional festival celebrated in many East Asian countries and communities. The date of the Lunar New Year is determined by the lunar calendar, and it usually falls between January 21 and February 20. This year Lunar New Year falls on February 10th (a Saturday), so EB students will celebrate on Friday with activities like receiving red envelopes, storytime, arts and crafts and tasting yummy treats. After-school, EB Parent's Association and the Families of Color Affinity Group will be hosting a very special Lunar New Year Celebration!
Each country and culture has its unique traditions and customs associated with the Lunar New Year. Here is a brief overview of how Lunar New Year is celebrated in some Asian regions:
China: In China, the Lunar New Year is a major celebration, marked by family reunions, feasts, and the iconic Spring Festival Gala on television. The holiday season typically includes weeks of preparations, with people cleaning their homes, decorating with red lanterns and auspicious symbols, and buying gifts. The celebration culminates in the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 15th day of the lunar calendar.
Taiwan: Lunar New Year, known as the Spring Festival in Taiwan, is celebrated with family gatherings, feasting on special foods, and participating in religious activities. The Dihua Street Lunar New Year Market in Taipei is a popular destination for festive shopping.
Vietnam: Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, aligns with the Lunar New Year. Tet is marked by family reunions, special feasts, and the custom of giving and receiving "li xi" (lucky money in red envelopes). Traditional dragon and lion dances are also part of the celebrations.
South Korea: Seollal is the Korean New Year and is celebrated in much the same way as the Lunar New Year. Families gather for ancestral rituals, share festive meals, and play traditional games like Yutnori. People often wear traditional Hanbok attire during the celebrations.
Singapore and Malaysia: The Lunar New Year is celebrated with vibrant street decorations, lion and dragon dances, and family reunions. People exchange mandarin oranges, and homes are adorned with red decorations for good luck.
Indonesia: In areas with a significant Chinese population, such as Jakarta and Surabaya, Lunar New Year celebrations include family gatherings, feasting, and cultural performances. The local Chinese temples are often adorned with red lanterns.
Philippines: The Filipino-Chinese community celebrates Lunar New Year with various cultural events, parades, and dragon and lion dances. Traditional Chinese customs, such as offering food to ancestors, are observed.
Tibet: Losar is the Tibetan New Year, celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists and communities in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and other regions with Tibetan cultural influence. Losar traditions include creating and displaying elaborate sculptures made from colored butter, called "tormas; participating in a New Year's Eve Vigil called Nyishu Gu and sharing traditional foods such as Khabsey (Losar Ritual Cake - traditional pastries that come in various shapes), Khapsay"(fried dumplings), Guthuk" (a noodle soup), and sweet rice, with family and friends.
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