春节 lunar new year（Lunar New Year Embrace the Festivities and Traditions）

The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in many Asian countries. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, delicious food, and colorful festivities. During this time, people reflect on the past year, set new goals, and hope for good fortune in the upcoming year. Here's a glimpse into the customs and traditions that make Lunar New Year so special.

Family Reunions

For many who live far away from their hometowns, Lunar New Year is a much-anticipated time to reunite with family. People travel from all corners of the globe to share this important holiday with their loved ones. In China, where the population is vast and personal connections run deep, the Lunar New Year travel rush, or chunyun, is often referred to as the world's largest human migration.

During the reunion, family members gather together to feast and catch up, often with a traditional meal of dumplings, niangao, and whole fish. A must-see event during family reunions is the annual CCTV Spring Festival Gala, which is broadcasted nationwide in China and around the world, featuring comedy, song and dance performances, acrobatics, and celebrity appearances.

Traditional Customs

Lunar New Year is steeped in centuries of tradition, and many customs and beliefs associated with the holiday are still practised today. One popular custom is to decorate the home with red paper couplets, posters, and lanterns to bring good luck and prosperity. In addition to that, setting off firecrackers and fireworks is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Another custom is to give red envelopes, or hongbao, filled with money, which symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.

Chinese Zodiac plays a significant role in the Lunar New Year celebration. Each year is designated by an animal sign, and there is a 12-year cycle. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, symbolizing diligence, hard work, and honesty. People born in the Year of the Ox are believed to display these characteristics, and those who are not may wear red underwear or bracelets to ward off bad luck.

Cultural Festivities

Lunar New Year celebrations are not just limited to China. Many other Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore, also embrace Lunar New Year with unique customs and celebrations.

In Vietnam, Tet is the most important holiday, and people usually take a week off work to celebrate. In addition to traditional food and family gatherings, Tet is celebrated with the Lion Dance, musical performances, and various decorations. In Korea, Seollal is the New Year, and people participate in ancestral rites, prepare traditional food, and wear hanbok, traditional Korean clothing.

Singapore's Chinatown comes alive during Lunar New Year, with the Festive Street Bazaar, cultural performances, and lively parades. The highlight of the parade is the Chingay procession, a colorful and spectacular display of floats, dragons, lions, and other performers that attracts visitors from around the world.

Overall, Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate culture, tradition, and family bond. Whether one is in Asia or beyond, the holiday brings a sense of togetherness and hope for the year ahead. So let's embrace the festivities and traditions of Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Ox with cheer and optimism.