Lunar New years

Lunar New Year holds a significant cultural significance to a vast population across East and Southeast Asia, including countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and others. Unlike the Western concept of New Year's Eve celebrations and making resolutions, the Lunar New Year is centered around reuniting with loved ones, welcoming good fortune, and celebrating prosperity. During the festivities, one may observe an abundance of the colors red and yellow, as they are believed to bring good luck. Additionally, there is a plethora of traditional lucky foods that are served and various symbolic decorations that adorn homes and streets, all aimed at inviting prosperity into the lives of those celebrating.

                Legends and origin

There is an interesting legend surrounding the origin of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The festival has a rich history, tracing its roots back thousands of years. One of the most intriguing legends associated with the holiday is that of Nian, a mythical beast believed to terrorize villages by eating humans exclusively on New Year's Day. In an effort to ward off the beast, people began hanging red decorations, lighting firecrackers, and making loud noises to frighten Nian away. Over time, these customs evolved into the vibrant and colorful celebrations we see today, with red and fire still playing an important role in the festivities and symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil.

                Traditional foods

Traditional foods play an important role in the celebration of Lunar New Year. A variety of dishes are prepared to mark the occasion, with many having symbolic meanings associated with luck, prosperity, and good fortune. Dumplings resemble gold and silver objects used as money in ancient times, which is why they symbolize gaining wealth in the new year. Tangerines in Cantonese are a homonym that sounds like the word for "good fortune". Noodles that are not cut are called longevity noodles, it is believed that the longer the noodle, the longer your life. Fish is another popular food during Lunar New Year, with its pronunciation in Chinese sounding similar to the word for surplus or abundance, making it a symbol of prosperity. The preparation and sharing of these traditional foods is a key aspect of the celebration, bringing families together and creating a festive atmosphere.

                            Celebration 

Family gatherings are a key aspect of the celebration, with relatives coming together to feast and exchange well-wishes for the coming year. One popular ritual associated with Lunar New Year is the giving of red envelopes filled with money, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. These envelopes are often exchanged between family members, particularly between children and their parents or grandparents. Additionally, the Lunar New Year is a time for feasting, with traditional foods such as dumplings, rice cakes, and fish being served to mark the occasion. Overall, the celebration of Lunar New Year is an opportunity for families to come together, exchange gifts, and wish each other happiness and success for the coming year.

                            Customs

Lunar New Year is a time of rich cultural traditions, many of which have been passed down from generation to generation. During the celebrations, people engage in a variety of customs aimed at bringing good luck, health, and prosperity for the coming year. One popular custom is gift-giving, where families and friends exchange gifts, including red envelopes filled with money, to wish each other good fortune. Cleaning the house is another tradition, with families taking the opportunity to tidy up and rid their homes of any negativity in preparation for the new year. Visiting ancestors' graves and offering incense and prayers is also a common custom, with families paying respect to their ancestors and seeking their blessings for the coming year. These customs help to bring families and communities together, reinforcing the bonds of love and solidarity and creating a warm and festive atmosphere during the Lunar New Year celebrations.