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© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
What is Lunar New Year?
- Lunar New Year marks the transition from winter to spring, celebrating renewal and rejuvenation. It's rooted in agricultural traditions and is often called the Spring Festival.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Ancient origins
- This holiday dates back to China's Shang Dynasty (1600 BCE) and has deep roots in history, symbolism, and myth passed through generations.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Themes of renewal
- Celebrations focus on attracting good luck and avoiding misfortune. Traditions emphasize starting fresh, cleansing negativity, and setting intentions for a prosperous year ahead.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Global celebrations
- Lunar New Year is celebrated worldwide, especially in China, Korea, Vietnam, and across Asia. Diasporas in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe also honor the holiday with cherished traditions.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Cleaning for a fresh start
- Many people clean their homes thoroughly before the holiday to sweep away bad fortune and prepare for a fresh start, avoiding cleaning during the 15-day celebration.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Vibrant red decorations
- Red symbolizes good luck, health, and prosperity. Homes are adorned with red scrolls, lanterns, and zodiac-themed decorations to welcome positive energy for the year ahead.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Financial preparations
- Paying off debts before the holiday is a common practice. Borrowing or lending money during the celebration is avoided to prevent financial struggles in the coming year.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Hair and prosperity
- Superstition links hair to prosperity, so cutting or washing hair on the first day is avoided to prevent "washing away" good fortune.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Breaking things
- Breaking items like plates or bowls during Lunar New Year symbolizes misfortune. To counteract, wrap fragments in red paper or say Sui Sui Ping An to restore harmony.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Red envelopes for luck
- Gifted by elders, red envelopes filled with money symbolize blessings for the year ahead. They're called Hónɡ Bāo in China, Ang Pao in the Philippines, and Li Xi in Vietnam.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
New year, new clothes
- Wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start. Some opt for traditional garments, like China's qípáo or Korea's hanbok (pictured), for formal family gatherings and festivities.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Avoiding books
- The Chinese word for "book" sounds like "lose," so buying or gifting books during the holiday is thought to bring bad luck.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Staying safe in your zodiac year
- In your Chinese zodiac year, superstition suggests potential challenges. To counter bad luck, wear red underwear, socks, or bracelets, and jade accessories, known for their protective qualities.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Kindness and positivity
- The first day sets the tone for the year. Being kind and generous and avoiding negative language or arguments brings luck and fosters harmonious relationships.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Lantern festival finale
- The 15-day celebration ends with the Lantern Festival, featuring parades, games, and lion and dragon dances that symbolize luck, strength, and the banishment of bad energy.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Markets
- Before Lunar New Year, vibrant markets in China and Chinatowns worldwide offer traditional foods, red decorations, fireworks, and auspicious plants.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Firecrackers
- Firecrackers are set off at midnight to ward off evil spirits. Staying up late symbolizes vigilance and protection, inspired by the mythical beast Nian in Chinese folklore.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Festive greetings
- Asian countries have unique Lunar New Year greetings. Koreans say, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo to honor elders. In China, it's Gōng xǐ fā cái, and in Vietnam, Chúc mừng năm mới.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Connecting with family
- Lunar New Year is a time to visit grandparents and older relatives, express good wishes, and forgive past grudges, fostering harmony and strengthening family bonds for the year ahead.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Reuniting over dinner
- Families travel to reunite for a celebratory meal, often including multiple generations. For those far away, virtual gatherings and calls ensure connection during this meaningful time.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Symbolic foods
- Holiday feasts feature foods symbolizing good fortune, health, and longevity. Each country and family incorporates unique delicacies with rich cultural and symbolic meaning.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Dumplings
- Dumplings are believed to bring prosperity. Some families hide coins in them as a fun way to share luck during the meal.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Rice cake soup
- Tteokguk, Korea's rice cake soup, symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings. Eating it during Seollal, Korea's Lunar New Year, is said to add a year to your age.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Glutinous rice balls
- Yuánxiāo or Tāngyuán, sweet glutinous rice balls with fillings like sesame or red bean, symbolize family unity and are a popular treat during Lunar New Year.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Longevity noodles
- Chang shou mian, or longevity noodles, are served uncut to symbolize a long life. Eating these long noodles carefully reflects the superstition of preserving one’s lifeline.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Mythology and superstition
- From firecrackers scaring away Nian to avoiding unlucky words, Lunar New Year traditions are steeped in folklore and practices designed to bring protection and prosperity.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Children's excitement
- For children, receiving red envelopes and watching colorful festivities make Lunar New Year a magical experience, connecting them to their cultural heritage and community.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
An inclusive celebration
- Lunar New Year invites everyone to reflect, refresh, and participate in traditions. It's a time to embrace diversity and appreciate cultural richness.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Looking to the future
- Beyond traditions, Lunar New Year symbolizes hope. Whether cleaning your home, sharing a meal, or embracing kindness, the holiday inspires renewal and a positive start to the year. Sources: (CNN) (Reader's Digest) (Good Housekeeping)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 30 Fotos
What is Lunar New Year?
- Lunar New Year marks the transition from winter to spring, celebrating renewal and rejuvenation. It's rooted in agricultural traditions and is often called the Spring Festival.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Ancient origins
- This holiday dates back to China's Shang Dynasty (1600 BCE) and has deep roots in history, symbolism, and myth passed through generations.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Themes of renewal
- Celebrations focus on attracting good luck and avoiding misfortune. Traditions emphasize starting fresh, cleansing negativity, and setting intentions for a prosperous year ahead.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Global celebrations
- Lunar New Year is celebrated worldwide, especially in China, Korea, Vietnam, and across Asia. Diasporas in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe also honor the holiday with cherished traditions.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Cleaning for a fresh start
- Many people clean their homes thoroughly before the holiday to sweep away bad fortune and prepare for a fresh start, avoiding cleaning during the 15-day celebration.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Vibrant red decorations
- Red symbolizes good luck, health, and prosperity. Homes are adorned with red scrolls, lanterns, and zodiac-themed decorations to welcome positive energy for the year ahead.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
Financial preparations
- Paying off debts before the holiday is a common practice. Borrowing or lending money during the celebration is avoided to prevent financial struggles in the coming year.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Hair and prosperity
- Superstition links hair to prosperity, so cutting or washing hair on the first day is avoided to prevent "washing away" good fortune.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Breaking things
- Breaking items like plates or bowls during Lunar New Year symbolizes misfortune. To counteract, wrap fragments in red paper or say Sui Sui Ping An to restore harmony.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Red envelopes for luck
- Gifted by elders, red envelopes filled with money symbolize blessings for the year ahead. They're called Hónɡ Bāo in China, Ang Pao in the Philippines, and Li Xi in Vietnam.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
New year, new clothes
- Wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh start. Some opt for traditional garments, like China's qípáo or Korea's hanbok (pictured), for formal family gatherings and festivities.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Avoiding books
- The Chinese word for "book" sounds like "lose," so buying or gifting books during the holiday is thought to bring bad luck.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Staying safe in your zodiac year
- In your Chinese zodiac year, superstition suggests potential challenges. To counter bad luck, wear red underwear, socks, or bracelets, and jade accessories, known for their protective qualities.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Kindness and positivity
- The first day sets the tone for the year. Being kind and generous and avoiding negative language or arguments brings luck and fosters harmonious relationships.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Lantern festival finale
- The 15-day celebration ends with the Lantern Festival, featuring parades, games, and lion and dragon dances that symbolize luck, strength, and the banishment of bad energy.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Markets
- Before Lunar New Year, vibrant markets in China and Chinatowns worldwide offer traditional foods, red decorations, fireworks, and auspicious plants.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Firecrackers
- Firecrackers are set off at midnight to ward off evil spirits. Staying up late symbolizes vigilance and protection, inspired by the mythical beast Nian in Chinese folklore.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Festive greetings
- Asian countries have unique Lunar New Year greetings. Koreans say, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo to honor elders. In China, it's Gōng xǐ fā cái, and in Vietnam, Chúc mừng năm mới.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Connecting with family
- Lunar New Year is a time to visit grandparents and older relatives, express good wishes, and forgive past grudges, fostering harmony and strengthening family bonds for the year ahead.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Reuniting over dinner
- Families travel to reunite for a celebratory meal, often including multiple generations. For those far away, virtual gatherings and calls ensure connection during this meaningful time.
© Getty Images
20 / 30 Fotos
Symbolic foods
- Holiday feasts feature foods symbolizing good fortune, health, and longevity. Each country and family incorporates unique delicacies with rich cultural and symbolic meaning.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Dumplings
- Dumplings are believed to bring prosperity. Some families hide coins in them as a fun way to share luck during the meal.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Rice cake soup
- Tteokguk, Korea's rice cake soup, symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings. Eating it during Seollal, Korea's Lunar New Year, is said to add a year to your age.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Glutinous rice balls
- Yuánxiāo or Tāngyuán, sweet glutinous rice balls with fillings like sesame or red bean, symbolize family unity and are a popular treat during Lunar New Year.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Longevity noodles
- Chang shou mian, or longevity noodles, are served uncut to symbolize a long life. Eating these long noodles carefully reflects the superstition of preserving one’s lifeline.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Mythology and superstition
- From firecrackers scaring away Nian to avoiding unlucky words, Lunar New Year traditions are steeped in folklore and practices designed to bring protection and prosperity.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Children's excitement
- For children, receiving red envelopes and watching colorful festivities make Lunar New Year a magical experience, connecting them to their cultural heritage and community.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
An inclusive celebration
- Lunar New Year invites everyone to reflect, refresh, and participate in traditions. It's a time to embrace diversity and appreciate cultural richness.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Looking to the future
- Beyond traditions, Lunar New Year symbolizes hope. Whether cleaning your home, sharing a meal, or embracing kindness, the holiday inspires renewal and a positive start to the year. Sources: (CNN) (Reader's Digest) (Good Housekeeping)
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Exploring the rich traditions of Lunar New Year
Celebrate the year of the snake with these traditions
© Getty Images
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations across Asia. Originating in China, the holiday marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and family unity. Celebrated in countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, and among diaspora communities worldwide, this vibrant festival is rich with ancient customs. It's celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically falling between January 21 and February 20.
With parades, festive foods, and centuries-old rituals, click on for a fascinating look into the traditions of Lunar New Year.
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