As one of the most significant celebrations of the year approaches, it's time to prepare for the Lunar New Year, coinciding with the first new moon according to the lunar calendar.
This year, the festivities begin on February 10, ushering in the 15-day Spring Festival. Whether you're new to observing Lunar New Year or simply seeking a refresher on its traditions, this article will provide insights into the most beloved customs associated with this vibrant occasion.
Why the Year of the Dragon?
The Chinese zodiac, a complex system that repeats every 12 years, assigns an animal to each year. The cycle includes the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, in that order. The animal sign for 2024 is the Dragon, promising the arrival of many "baby dragons." The zodiac sign for someone is determined by their birth year, influencing their fortune, which is believed to be affected by the Tai Sui deities' positions, associated with Jupiter's movements.
Among the myriad of Lunar New Year legends, the story of Nian, a sea monster, is particularly notable. According to folklore, Nian would attack villages on Lunar New Year's Eve, but was scared away by red banners, firecrackers, and red clothes. This tradition continues with the wearing of red and the use of firecrackers to ward off evil and invite good luck.
Preparation for Lunar New Year is extensive, involving various activities spanning over 15 days. Preparations start with making festive cakes and puddings on the 24th day of the last lunar month (February 3, 2024), symbolizing growth and improvement for the upcoming year. Additionally, homes are adorned with red banners featuring auspicious sayings to both deter Nian and attract fortune. A thorough cleaning of homes is also customary to eliminate any bad luck before the new year begins.
The eve of Lunar New Year (February 9, 2024) is marked by a grand family dinner, featuring dishes that symbolize luck, such as fish for surplus and dumplings resembling gold ingots. The selection of dishes varies across different regions of China, each associated with specific blessings and wordplay related to prosperity and advancement.
The initial days of the Lunar New Year are filled with visits to family and friends, exchange of gifts, and the giving of red packets (hongbao/lai see) by married individuals to children and unmarried juniors, a practice believed to offer protection from evil spirits.
The third day of the Lunar New Year is reserved for temple visits to avoid arguments, known as "chi kou/cek hau," or red mouth day. The seventh day, celebrated as the people's birthday, features various traditional foods across different Asian communities. The festivities conclude with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day (February 24, 2024), celebrating the first full moon of the year and symbolizing the transition from winter to spring.