How to celebrate Lunar New Year

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On 10 February, individuals all over the world will celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the upcoming 12 months of the dragon.

The occasion is generally 15 days lengthy and follows the phases of the moon because it begins with the primary new moon of the lunar calendar and ends with a full moon. Each 12 months is meant to honour one of many 12 Chinese zodiacs together with: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, canine and pig.

Lunar New Year is also referred to as the “Spring Festival,” because it additionally commemorates the top of winter and the start of the spring, therefore the themes specializing in revival, renewal and rejuvenation.

The festivities sometimes embody fireworks and lots of household gatherings to begin as recent as potential. But when you’re in search of different concepts, listed here are some methods individuals have a tendency to celebrate Lunar New Year.

How do individuals put together for success within the New Year?

A few days main up to the beginning of the brand new 12 months, individuals have a tendency to totally clear their dwelling areas as a manner to clear out any unhealthy luck that will have occurred over the previous 12 months. Another phrase of recommendation is to repay any money owed which can be lingering over from the prior 12 months as a manner to keep away from having something pointless carrying over from one 12 months to the subsequent. In Chinese tradition, this might go so far as avoiding borrowing or lending any cash throughout Lunar New Year, as it’s believed it might lead to a 12 months full of monetary struggles.

Another widespread custom is to put on the color purple, which is supposed to symbolise success and pleasure, and which follows the theme of avoiding unhealthy luck. To some, this additionally means ensuring that their outfits are fully model new, in case any of their previous garments are carrying any unhealthy luck. People additionally have a tendency to embellish their properties in purple as effectively with paper lanterns and wall hangings.

In Chinese tradition, individuals usually obtain purple envelopes referred to as “hong bao” in Mandarin which can be full of cash as a logo of excellent luck. These envelopes are sometimes given to youngsters, members of the family, buddies, and workers.

There are additionally a few superstitions that sure cultures have advocated for avoiding on both New Year’s Day, 10 February, or for the complete 15-day celebration interval.

The Chinese character for hair is similar as the primary character within the phrase prosper. Because of this, some individuals say it is best to keep away from reducing or altering your hair on both the primary day of the month or throughout Lunar New Year in any respect. Although this custom has been tweaked earlier than by some who solely abide by the rule of the primary day of the vacation.

Some who celebrate the Lunar New Year additionally keep away from shopping for or making a gift of books. The Chinese phrase for guide is pronounced the identical manner because the phrase lose, so some imagine that purchasing books for your self or others can forecast unhealthy luck for the upcoming 12 months. However, it’s fully acceptable to purchase books earlier than the 15-day interval, or you’ll be able to learn the books you could have already got.

What meals are eaten on Lunar New Year?

There are many generally eaten meals which can be related to the celebration firstly of the brand new 12 months.

Dumplings are a widely known Chinese New Year staple, as they’re given the very same identify in Mandarin because the foreign money used in the course of the Ming Dynasty. Because they share the identical identify as cash, it’s believed that consuming them will carry success. Some dad and mom even disguise a coin inside a dumpling on Chinese New Year’s Eve for a kid to discover.

In Chinese communities, individuals additionally eat glutinous rice balls, that are tiny spherical desserts which can be full of purple bean, sesame, peanut, and different candy fillings which can be very related to mochi.

Certain elements of China additionally eat what interprets to “long-life noodles” or “longevity noodles.” These noodles might be so long as two toes and are served uncut, both fried or submerged in a broth. Symbolically, the longer the noodle you eat, the longer you’ll dwell. According to superstition, care have to be taken not to minimize the noodle whereas cooking so that you don’t by chance minimize your lifeline brief.