Though it's been a month since the start of 2022 and fresh beginnings are well over the horizon, for some people in Asia, the New Year is just getting started. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival, begins Feb. 1 this cycle and will end about two weeks later. Curious about what the celebration means and how to participate yourself? We’re here to give you the rundown on all things Lunar New Year:
Starting with some background, the Lunar New Year is celebrated across many countries in both East Asia and Southeast Asia, including China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Singapore. Though acknowledged in different ways and in varying traditions depending on the country, the holiday is meant to commemorate new beginnings and leaving negative energy in the previous year. People typically do this by cleaning their homes before the New Year in hopes of luck and prosperity finding them.
The date of the Lunar New Year changes every year. In the U.S. and in other parts of the world, it's tradition for Dec. 31 to be New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1 to be New Year's Day. However, Lunar New Year follows the cycle of the moon. According to Hindustan Times, the celebration usually falls anywhere from Jan. 20 to Feb. 21 and is associated with one of 12 zodiac animals.
2022 is the year of the tiger — meaning things will be fast-paced, and big adventures are in store. Tigers are headstrong individuals but are loyal to family and those they care about. According to TCM Academy of Integrative Medicine, the Lunar New Year is represented by three energies: Yin or Yang, one of the five elements (earth, water, fire, wood or metal) and one of the 12 zodiac animals as mentioned above.
This year is one of Yang, as it’s associated with the tiger for its masculine and active energy. Compared to Yin, Yang is outward energy that’s positive and seen as growth. Because of the Yang Tiger, the year should be filled with productivity, drive and moving forward. However, be wary of overdoing things: Judgment and restlessness may follow!
Additionally, water is the element for the New Year. It tells us to go with the flow and embrace changes as well as live in the moment. The component of water is also known to be emotional, so make sure to take care of yourself and check in once in a while in order to stay more grounded.
If you’re interested in celebrating the holiday and allowing the Yang Water Tiger to guide your New Year, there are quite a few things you can do. As mentioned before, you can clean your house or dorm room the night before Feb. 1. By doing that, you’re sweeping away the past and ready to embrace the new. Don’t clean on Lunar New Year's Day, though! You’ll be pushing away the possible good luck and fortune for the New Year.
Red is the iconic and traditional color for the event that's another symbol of good wishes, so add some red accents around or hang up colorful paper lanterns. The food is another big part of the celebration. Try and cook up some Lunar New Year dishes like stir-fried noodles and mandu or go support a local Asian restaurant.
Another tradition of the Lunar New Year is to give and receive red envelopes. It’s usually done by the family elders to the grandchildren, but the parents can give them out, too. The envelopes typically have designs that go with the theme of the New Year such as the zodiac animal of that year or traditional characters that say what you wish the year would bring, like prosperity. Red envelopes usually also contain small amounts of money.
Although you may not be able to do some conventional Lunar New Year’s activities, such as lighting fireworks, there are still many ways to enjoy the holiday and celebrate. It’s never too late to take charge and turn the New Year into your best one yet.
