An Overview of the Lunar New Year

Photo+by+Lauren+David

Photo by Lauren David

Lauren David and Sheila Stern

Lunar New Year is the celebration of the beginning of the new year in the traditional Chinese calendar. It is celebrated in Vietnam, Singapore and many other countries in Asia. Today’s Lunar New Year is one of the many Lunar celebrations throughout the year. According to the ancient Chinese zodiac, this year is the year of the pig. This is a sign for wealth and love for the year, so therefore people will find luck and success in these aspects for their lives. Red is also the color of luck every year and it decorated throughout China during this celebration.

Some traditions for the Chinese Lunar New Year include the reunion dinner, which is considered as the most important meal of the year in Chinese tradition. There is also the tradition of receiving gifts in red envelopes. Typically these envelopes are filled with money and are gifted to friends and family on this day. Starting at 12 A.M. the morning of the Lunar New Year, fireworks are displayed throughout the countries. There are also parades featuring dragons, lights, and firecrackers honoring this day. The Lunar New Year has been celebrated in Asian culture for over 3,000 years. During the period of two weeks, time is spent with friends and family.