Lunar New Year

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Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, celebrates the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar traditional to many East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Vietnam. The holiday typically falls between January 21 and February 20. This year, the Lunar New Year will be on February 12 in the year of the Ox. Celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people, this holiday is a time for family gatherings and celebration of fortune, happiness, and health.

Symbolism through color is a very important facet of the New Year celebrations. The colors white and black symbolize death or mourning, which is why wearing such colors are avoided and decorations, ornaments, and clothes are dominantly red. This color is used in cultural meanings and activities, like the hanging of a calligraphy character on a red paper in the shape of a diamond. The character, “fú,” which means “good luck,” is hung through such pictorial displays in order to symbolize that good luck is coming.

Another meaning of fortune and good luck, like red pockets full of money given by the elderly and parents to children, is a custom that began from a Chinese legend. The tradition began as a way to keep children safe from the Chinese demon Sui who came after sleeping children on New Year’s Eve. By receiving these envelopes, children would be kept safe for the coming new year.

Traditional dances and performances are an exciting part of the New Year parade. In the parade, a dancing lion appears, with of two dancers operating inside the costume and sending away evil spirits. Another type of dance, called the Dragon Dance, happens when puppeteers hold poles and make the dragon move in a flowing motion. These two dances are the most well known dances, among many others.

Taboos and superstitions are also heavily integrated. There are many things a person is supposed to do, such as talking about exclusively happy things on Lunar New Year's, and not do, such as crying or arguing. Additionally, paying back debts before the new year starts is important, otherwise bad luck will be served in the near future, according to long-standing superstitions. Another well known superstition is staying away from scissors on Lunar New Year because using scissors represents severing connections between family or friends. Since the Lunar New Year is also a time of family gathering and togetherness, staying away from scissors is crucial. Because the first and second day of the new year is also celebrated as the birthday of the Water God, people also avoid doing the laundry on these days. Sweeping is also avoided in order to maintain wealth and luck.

Due to the pandemic, New Year celebrations will most likely look different. Hong Kong as of the moment has canceled their parade and fireworks. San Francisco has cancelled live celebrations as well, but virtual meet-ups and cultural events will most likely be held during this time.

Happy Lunar New Year!

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Dear Asian Youth SCV

February 12th

Author: Ashley A. Kim