Lunar New Year is celebrated in more than 12 countries worldwide, each of them celebrating it differently depending on their own culture and customs.
Read more about how different countries celebrated the Year of the Rooster!
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In countries that follow the lunar calendar, January 25th is the traditional cleansing day to prepare for the new year. Do you know why it has to be today?
In ancient times, this cleaning day symbolized a ritualistic cleansing of evil spirits and bad luck accumulated in the past year.
Learn more about the traditional Spring Cleansing Day here .
Lunar New Year and the Color Red
It is well known that the color red symbolizes fortune and happiness in Lunar New Year. There is no consesus on the origins of the tradition, but it is widely believed to have come from the story of Nian-a monster in Chinese folklore.
In Ancient China, Nian was known to visit villages to attack humans and animals just before New Year. People would flee to the mountains the day before to avoid him. However one day a brave man stayed behind and realizing that the monster was afraid of the colour red and of lots of noise, stuck red papers on his door and set off firecrackers. By doing this he chased the monster away and from then on people started to hang red items on their doors and set off firecrackers and banging drums to ward off the monster. These customs remained and become the red festive decorations and celebrations we see today.
Food is a large part of Lunar New Year, especially dishes made on New Year’s Eve- they are chosen for the significance of their names.
New Year’s Eve is the time when family members, even those living far away would come back to get together. Thus, the dishes generally represent fortune and well-being for the family.
Click here to read about what different countries have for dinner on Lunar New Year's Eve!
According to Chinese customs, the 7th day of the lunar month is the birthday of all mankind. In Chinese folklore, it is believed that Nuwa created the world and human beings on the 7th day.
In fact, countries such as Japan and South Korea also celebrate a similar festival in January.
Click here to read more about the story of Nuwa, as well as the customs in Japan and South Korea.
Chinese Valentine, also called the Latern Festival marks the end of the 15 day-long Lunar New Year festival.
The festival originated from a traditional practice tracing back to Ming Dynasty in China. Do you know why it is called Chinese Valetine as well?
Click here to read more about the stories behind.
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