The Lunar New Year, celebrated on the first new moon of the lunar calendar, is a significant holiday across several Asian countries, known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, and Seollal in Korea.
Spanning 15 days, the festivities commence with the new moon and conclude on the first full moon, typically falling between late January and late February.
The lunar calendar, anchored in the Chinese zodiac’s 12 animals, designates each year to a specific creature. For 2024, it is the Year of the Dragon. Vietnamese zodiac replaces the rabbit with the cat and the ox with the buffalo.
Ancient traditions aim to ward off the mythical monster Nian, associated with New Year’s Day. Activities include placing red paper dragons on doors, burning red lanterns, and setting off firecrackers to dispel the creature’s fears of red, loud noises, and fire.
The essence of Lunar New Year is cleansing bad luck and embracing prosperity. Red, symbolizing good fortune and joy, dominates celebrations.
Red clothing, paper lanterns, and envelopes containing money gifts convey luck. Traditional games and gambling are also common.
Ancestor worship plays a pivotal role during this period. Korean families participate in the “charye” ceremony, where females prepare food served by males to ancestors. Vietnamese culture mirrors this practice by placing traditional dishes on home altars.
Diaspora communities, including Asian Americans, celebrate with parades, lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and cultural performances. Homes undergo special cleanings, adorned with orchids and vibrant flowers.
Distinctive New Year foods vary across cultures, featuring dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, tangerines, fish, and meats.
“Changshou mian” symbolizes long life in Chinese culture, “tteokguk” graces Korean tables, and Vietnamese “banh chung” represents a steamed square dish with rice, mung beans, and pork belly wrapped in banana leaves.