Countries all across the world are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year on January 22, 2023.
This marks the start of the new year on the Chinese calendar, the year of the rabbit, specifically the Water Rabbit.
Most Asian countries, as well as those with significant Chinese populations, such as Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, observe this special occasion. There are many traditional celebrations that occur during this holiday, including:
- Senior family members handing out red envelopes, 红包 (hóng bāo), containing money to younger ones. It is also known as “lucky money” or “New Year’s money.”
- Getting rid of bad luck by cleaning the house before the new year and adding special decorations
- Setting up displays of red lanterns during the celebrations
- Thumping drums while dragons or lions dance is believed to drive evil spirits away
- On the eve of the Lunar New Year, reunion dinners for the family are also held.
Most of the foods eaten during this holiday are spring rolls, dumplings, noodles, steamed fish/chicken, hotpot, and many more.
Is Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the same thing? Although the phrases Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year are sometimes used interchangeably, distinct civilizations may celebrate the two holidays on different dates.
Here’s to a new year full of hope and blessings!
