These Are The Traditions And Superstitions Surrounding The Lunar New Year
For most people in the U.S., the holiday season ranges from Thanksgiving dinner to New Year’s Day.
However, there is another major holiday that occurs shortly afterward that some Americans take part in, alongside several Asian countries.
The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is followed by countries such as China, Korea, and Vietnam.
It falls sometime between January 21 and February 20 each year. This year, the Lunar New Year is on February 10.
In terms of the Chinese zodiac animal, it’s the Year of the Dragon. The dragon, a symbol of strength, good luck, and power, holds a special place in Chinese culture.
In China, celebrations of the holiday take place over the course of 15 days. During this time, there are many traditions and superstitions to follow that are aimed at ensuring that the year ahead is a lucky and prosperous one.
Some of the traditions include gathering with family to enjoy a feast of traditional Lunar New Year foods, watching the Lion and Dragon Dances, handing out red envelopes full of money, and setting off firecrackers.
The Lunar New Year meal is the most important dinner of the year. The meal will typically consist of dishes such as dumplings, fish, chicken, and black sesame rice ball soup.
The Lion Dance and Dragon Dance are traditional dances that are part of the Lunar New Year parade.
Akarawut – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
The purpose of the Lion Dance is to ward off evil spirits. Two performers will wear the lion costume and operate as the creature’s front and hind legs. The Dragon Dance features puppeteers making a dragon mounted on poles move in a flowing motion.
As for the red envelopes full of money, kids and anyone who is unmarried will receive them from parents or elders.
The custom originated from the tradition of using coins as a gift to repel evil spirits. Finally, firecrackers are often set off throughout the Lunar New Year for their festive racket and to scare away a fierce ancient beast called Nian.
The superstitious practices that take place during the Lunar New Year also help to protect against bad fortune.
There are many things you’re supposed to avoid doing. For example, you should not cry, argue, or talk about sad or bad things.
Additionally, do not cut or wash your hair, as those actions are seen as washing away your fortune and severing connections with your family.
Do not do your laundry for the same reasons as washing your hair. Also, refrain from wearing black and white because they’re associated with mourning. Instead, wear red to attract luck and happiness.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:News