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ZORA Explains
What Is Lunar New Year?
Lu·nar New Year (\ ˈlü-nər \ ˈnü \ ˈyir) — a global festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar
Lunar New Year is the observance of the beginning of a new year by cultures that use a lunar calendar. Though often called “Chinese New Year,” it is widely celebrated across Asian countries and communities.
LNY is a multiday celebration. The house is swept clean on the 28th day of the 12th month (of the previous year) because sweeping after New Year’s Day means sweeping away good luck. Vegetarian food is eaten and children receive lucky red envelopes (lai si in Cantonese) packed with money from relatives.
On the first day, the family gathers with the man’s side of the family and with the wife’s side the second day. Gatherings on the third day are believed to lead to conflict and quarreling. The seventh day is “Human’s Day” and is like a birthday celebration for everyone. Congee is eaten because in Cantonese it has the same pronunciation as “plenty.”
Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac as well as one of five elements. On January 25, we will enter the Year of the Metal Rat, a year traditionally associated with financial and romantic opportunities. Tell us your new-year traditions and have a happy and prosperous Year of the Rat!
