What is Lunar New Year and What Does it Celebrate?

In Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year is a time to commemorate the coming of spring and the start of a new year. It is the most prominent holiday in China, and it is extensively observed in South Korea, Vietnam, and other nations with sizable populations of Chinese immigrants.

In Chinese culture, when families gather together for festive gatherings known as “red envelope” (红包 hóngbāo). Traditionally, people would exchange red envelopes filled with money or gifts at this time. It was believed that if you gave money to someone while they were giving you one, then your fortunes would be better throughout the year. In addition to this practice, there are also several other traditions that go along with Lunar New Year celebrations.

One common tradition is called “warming up the heart” (做心转气). This means that you should spend time with your family during this time; however, you should also make sure not to miss out on any opportunities for good fortune by continuing with business or career goals. The best way to do this is by taking care of yourself first!

 

Understanding the Zodiac Animal for Year of the Rabbit

The zodiac animal year of the Rabbit is associated with many positive traits, such as kindness, intelligence, and trustworthiness. People born in the year of the Rabbit tend to be gentle and sensitive, and they bring a sense of calm to any situation. Those born under this sign are also very creative and have great communication skills.

Rabbits are known for their peaceful nature, but they can also be quite independent when it comes to decision-making. They also have a good sense of humor and enjoy socializing with others.

Understanding the characteristics associated with being born in the year of the Rabbit can help you appreciate your own strengths or those of someone close to you who was born in that year. With knowledge about these traits, we can better understand what makes rabbits unique individuals!

 

In Chinese Astrology, what is my sign?

Look for your birth year to discover your Chinese horoscope:

• Rabbit 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 
• Dragon 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 
• Snake 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 
• Horse 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 
• Goat 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 
• Monkey 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 
• Rooster 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 
• Dog 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 
• Pig 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
• Rat 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 
• Ox 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
• Tiger 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

 

5 Ways to Get Ready for Lunar New Year 2023

Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about all the preparations you're going to need to make. Whether you're going to host dinner parties or just want to decorate your home or office, here are five tips for how you can get ready for this year's celebration.

1. Decorate your home with new plants and flowers, and put away old decorations.
2. Try a new recipe that uses ingredients that are traditional for the holiday season.
3. Clean out your closet and donate any clothes that no longer fit or make you feel good.
4. Get a haircut or color treatment to refresh your look for the new year.
5. Create a personal wish list of things that you want to accomplish in the coming year.

 

Traditional Foods to Enjoy During the Lunar New Year Celebration and their Symbolic Meanings

 

The Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is one of the most important traditions in the country, and it's a time for families and friends to get together and share good food.

But what are some traditional dishes to eat during this time? We've got you covered with our guide to the best foods for celebrating your Chinese New Year.

1. Fish — an Increase in Prosperity

In Chinese, “fish” (鱼 Yú /yoo/) sounds like ‘surplus'. Fish is a traditional Chinese New Year dinner dish. A surplus at the end of the year is always a goal for Chinese people, since they believe that if they have saved something at the end of the year, they will be able to earn more next year.

2. Chinese Dumplings — Wealth

Legend has it that you will earn more money if you eat more dumplings during the New Year celebrations. Chinese dumplings have been around for more than 1,800 years, and they are a traditional Lunar New Year food.

3. Whole Chicken — ‘Luck' and ‘Wholeness'

Chicken is a homophone for ji (which means ‘good luck' and ‘prosperity'). This is one of the reasons why it is such a popular dish at reunion dinners. To signify ‘unity' and ‘wholeness', and also to signify a successful beginning and end to the year, chicken is usually served whole – head and feet included.

4. Chinese New Year Cake — a Higher Income or Position

Glutinous rice cake (年糕 Niángāo /nyen-gaoww/) is considered to be a lucky food eaten on Chinese New Year's Eve. Glutinous rice cake in Chinese means “getting higher every year”. It is believed that the higher you are, the more prosperous your business will be. The quality of life generally improves.

5. Spring Rolls — Wealth

As spring rolls (chwnn-jwen) are eaten more commonly during spring festivals, they receive their name. ‘A ton of gold' (fried spring rolls resemble gold bars) – prosperity wishes.

6. Sweet Rice Balls — Family Togetherness

It has traditionally been the main food for China's Lantern Festival, but in south China, people eat sweet rice balls throughout the Spring Festival as well. Tangyuan's round shape and pronunciation symbolize reunion and being together. Chinese people prefer them during New Year celebrations for this reason.

7. Longevity Noodles — Happiness and Longevity

It is not surprising that longevity noodles symbolize happiness and longevity. The long and continuous preparation of these foods also symbolizes the life of the eater.