The 2024 Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, kicks off on February 10 this year, starting the 15-day Spring Festival. It’s one of the biggest traditions in many Asian cultures, celebrating the start of the lunar calendar with lots of traditions.
The 15-day celebration marks the beginning of a new sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac. This year, according to the Chinese Horoscope 2024, it’s going to be the Year of the Wood Dragon. That means there’s potential for growth, transformation, and abundance.
A Wood Dragon year only comes around every60 years in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. It’s seen as a time for new opportunities and promising changes. The Dragon symbolizes strength, wisdom, and success, bringing a sense of power and prosperity.
What are some traditions during the Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a time of vibrant celebration deeply rooted in family traditions. It’s a cherished time for relatives to reconnect, exchange stories, and relish in each other’s company, creating cherished memories that endure throughout the year.
Preparations for Lunar New Year often begin with a thorough cleaning of homes, symbolizing the sweeping away of any lingering negativity from the past year. This tradition, known as “spring cleaning,” is believed to pave the way for a fresh start filled with prosperity and good fortune.
Another hallmark of Lunar New Year is the exchange of red envelopes, or “hongbao,” filled with money symbolizing blessings and prosperity. These envelopes are gifted to children, unmarried adults, and sometimes employees by older or married relatives, embodying well-wishes for abundance and happiness in the year ahead.
‘Nian Ye Fan’ and Lantern Festival
The eve of Lunar New Year culminates with a lavish dinner, “Nian Ye Fan,” where families come together to indulge in a feast of symbolic dishes. From fish symbolizing abundance to dumplings representing wealth, each dish holds significance, fostering hopes for a prosperous future.
Throughout the Lunar New Year period there are also many dragon and lion dances, which symbolize good luck and prosperity. Temple visits and offerings are also common, while the Lantern Festival marks the culmination of the celebrations, offering a display of lanterns and sweet treats.
What are some superstitions of the Lunar New Year?
During Lunar New Year, there are several superstitions that play a significant role, with many beliefs centered around attracting good luck and warding off misfortune. One common superstition is the avoidance of cleaning or sweeping on New Year’s Day, as it’s believed to sweep away good luck and prosperity.
Sharp objects like knives and scissors are also avoided, as they’re thought to cut off good fortune. Wearing red clothing is encouraged, as red is considered a lucky color that can repel evil spirits. Additionally, words associated with negativity or death are avoided, with people choosing to focus on positive language and well-wishes for the new year.