What Is Lunar New Year?

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 Lunar New Year!

By Madison H.


Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year! This custom can be dated back all the way to the Shang Dynasty, 1600-1046 BC. Over the years, Lunar New Year evolved into the celebrations we have today. The festivities can last 16 days even though only the first seven are considered a national holiday. The year of 2020 was the year of the rat, and since February 21, 2021 it is now the year of the Ox. Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries around the world like the US. There are several traditions for different cultures and I am going to tell you about some from the Chinese culture.



Traditions:

  1. Red envelopes: This is a tradition for the elder give small gifts to the children in the family. Only new money must be given because it is the new year. Be polite when receiving an envelope and do not forget to say thank you! 

  2. Wearing and decorating with the color red: In the Chinese culture, red is a very special color. It will bring good luck and ward away evil spirits. Decorating your house can bring cheer and excitement and wearing something red on the first day is crucial for a good new year.

  3. Lion Dances: This is another way to ward off evil spirits. Performers will often dance in the streets and parades during the joyful time. It is typically two people dancing together with the first person operating the face of the lion and the second person more of the muscles.

  4. Family: One of the most important parts of the Lunar New Year is seeing family. Lots of families spend time together and people from out of the country may fly over to see their family.

  5. Special Food: Two of my favorite foods made only during this time of the year are dumplings and mooncakes. Mooncakes are usually made with a filling and get steamed with an elaborate design on the tops. Dumplings are super delicious and special because they can take a long time to make but it is always so worth it.


The Story of the Chinese Zodiacs:


According to the legends (and my childhood stories), the god, the Jade Emperor,  gathered animals and challenged them to the Great Race. This was to determine their abilities to become his guards. At the strong river the sneaky rat climbed up onto the strongest animal, the ox. Right before the ox crossed the finish line, the rat jumped off and became the first zodiac and the second zodiac was the ox. The tiger and the rabbit were both fast but the tiger was faster. In third was the tiger and rabbit was the fourth. The kind dragon was pulled away a few times to help people, but could still manage to hop into fifth place. Next came the horse and snake. Like the rat, the snake wrapped himself around the horse’s leg and at the last minute leaped off and became the sixth zodiac. The horse soon after became the seventh zodiac. The sheep, monkey and rooster teamed up to build a raft to get across the river. Once on shore the sheep/goat ran up first (eight zodiac), followed by the monkey (ninth zodiac), then the rooster (tenth zodiac). The playful dog got distracted playing with the water while giving the opportunity to the first ten zodiac animals to catch up. Eventually the dog ran over into eleventh zodiac spot. The hungry pig got distracted by food but still managed to become the twelfth and final zodiac.


Bibliography:

“How the Creatures in the Chinese Zodiac Found Their Place.” BBC Bitesize, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zd9nd6f. Accessed 16 Feb. 2021.

“The Origin and History of Chinese New Year.” China Highlights - Since 1998!, China Highlights, www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-history.htm. Accessed 16 Feb. 2021.

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