Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is additionally called Chinese New Year or Spring fiesta. It is celebrated across the globe by billions of individuals. It’s a time for family reunions and hope.
As its name suggests, the date of the Lunar New Year is based on the phases of the moon and begins with the rise of the second new moon, after the winter solstice falling between January 20th and February 21st.
Typically celebrated in China, but various other Asian countries like Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, Japan, and Singapore also celebrate this fiesta with admirable passion.
Different countries have different names and ways to celebrate this fiesta. But, their theme is the same, reunion and hope.
Origins:
The origins of Chinese New Year are drenched with myths and legends, dating back to the fourteenth century.
Among the most famous legends is Nian, a legendary beast who ate human flesh on new year’s eve. It is said that he was frightened of the color red and loud noises.
To avoid the loss of lives of the people, red paper decorations were hung on windows and doors, firecrackers were lit, and lanterns were burned to scare the beast away, and therefore monster never showed up again.
Another myth states that people held sacrificial ceremonies in honor of gods and forefathers at the beginning of the year.
Celebrations:
In China, New Year is celebrated for fifteen days. Preparations are started nearly ten days before the day of the New Year.
Houses are cleaned thoroughly to brush away any ill luck from the previous year. Home decorations are adorned. The family gathering on New Year’s Eve is a central event, including traditional food dishes with symbolic meanings.
For example, Dumplings and Spring rolls symbolize wealth, and Longevity noodles symbolize happiness and longevity.
The elders offer red envelopes containing cash to the youngest of the family. The Red color of envelopes and home decorations symbolize luck and prosperity.
Other practices include religious pomp like honoring forefathers and traditional magnificence like burning firecrackers and lanterns to dam monsters.
By: Bahaar Abdullah