Welcome Lunar New Year!
The year of 2025 has already begun and it seems as though it has been ages since we gathered with friends and family for the traditional celebration that the new year brings. Though most people are only familiar with or celebrate this sole New Year’s Day; there is still more celebration to come as we pass into a new Lunar New Year! Celebrations of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, are rumoured to date back to over 3500 years; originating in Shang Dynasty China.
Legends says that a beast named Nian would terrorize the people, destroy their crops, and eat all of their animals. One day, an old man discovered that the beast was afraid of loud noises and the colour red; so to scare the beast away the people began to use firecrackers and hang red lanterns and banners inside and outside of their houses; this is where these traditions began. Another tradition that families participate in together is thoroughly cleaning their houses before the passing into the New Year. This chases all of the negativity and things of the past year out of the household before the New Year comes; giving each member of the family a fresh start.
Other ways of celebrating, that are particularly loved by children, include the receiving of red envelopes and getting to wear a fancy outfit for the day. During the day of celebration for the Lunar New Year women and girls will adorn themselves in beautiful wrap-like dresses called cheongsams and men and boys will wear fancy tunic style shirts called tang suits. These traditional garments are usually red, following along with the other traditions of the holiday. Additionally, special gifts that are given on the Lunar New Year to loved ones or friends, in the form of red envelopes of money. An exception is sometimes made for small children when a chocolate coin is substituted for a chocolate coin.
Finally, we cannot forget food’s role in these celebrations. The family gathers and has this meal right before passing into the New Year in hopes of bringing these positive things into the new year. Each dish has a special symbolic significance such as noodles for a long life and prosperity, fish for abundance, citrus fruits for luck and prosperity, and leafy greens for wealth.
To end off this overview of a beautiful holiday and to make sure your Lunar New Year celebration is complete; there is one final thing to mention and that is the animals that come with each passing Lunar Year. The animals of the Lunar New Year originated from an old Chinese poem about 12 animals that descended from the heavens to participate in the celebration of spring. This year we are moving into the year of the snake. To find the animal belonging to your birth year, simply follow to the dates back through the 12-year cycle. Happy Lunar New Year and perhaps the animals will help bring in a joyful celebration of spring for you as well.
