Fireworks up. Candles lit. Nians prancing.
This year, Lunar New Year was celebrated Feb. 10 and ended Feb. 24. Welcoming the new and good into the year ahead and removing the bad and the old.
Celebrations for the Lunar New Year are determined by the phases of the moon. The holiday begins during the second new moon after the winter solstice.
There are countries that celebrate off the Chinese calendar, like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, but other countries and cultures use their own lunar calendars, with New Years falling at different times.
Although the Lunar New Year can be mistaken for Chinese New Year, they are different holidays. The term ‘Lunar New Year’ is increasingly used to refer to festivals in other countries that take place at the same time and with many of the same traditions as in China.
Throughout the course of celebrating Lunar New Year, ancestors are worshiped, and portraits of them are hung in the household. There are offerings of food such as dumplings, spring rolls, and rice balls. Clothing and various personal items are left at the altar.
̈ I don’t know much, I just know about some animals that represent some things. And get envelopes of money,¨ said OH senior Christina Jernigian.
It’s a tradition to give a loved one a red envelope filled with money. This envelope symbolizes good wishes and luck for the new year to come.
Lunar New Year celebrations incorporate similar symbols and practices related to Chinese New Year. They both use the color red, which symbolizes good fortune and joy. In addition, red lanterns are left hanging outside doors to fend off evil spirits and bad luck.
According to the University of Minnesota, “Some people believe you light [fireworks] to scare away evil spirits. But others believe they [eliminate] elements of life that you don’t want to have in the new year.”
Dances including mascots like lions and dragons are generally paraded throughout the city to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the community. Colors of the lion (nian) including red, represent courage. The nain will carry a mirror in hopes that the evil spirits are frightened and back off when they see their reflections.
OH senior Paola Rodriguez said, “I don’t know much, but I do know about zodiac signs that represent birthdays.”
Zodiac signs are determined by the lunar calendar and the 12 animals that measure the cycle of time.
According to Washington’s Department of Education, “This is important in Asian cultures because animals and signs are used in stories and folklore during Lunar New Year.”
Lunar New Year is a deep and sentimental celebration attended by many around the world. The culture is tender hearted and celebrated thoughtfully.
Hello, I´m Aiyana. I´m a senior working my first year along side the 42fifty staff here at Oswego High School.
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