Lunar New Year Traditions

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival in many parts of Asia, marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. This vibrant holiday is celebrated with fireworks, family reunions, delicious food, and countless cultural traditions. Here's a look at some of the most beloved Lunar New Year traditions that bring joy and prosperity to people all around the world.

Cleaning and Decorating the Home

Before the celebration begins, many families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the past year. Homes are often decorated with red lanterns, couplets (a poem with two lines that rhyme), and pictures of animals that represent the zodiac year (for 2025, it’s the Year of the Snake!). Red symbolizes good luck and happiness, so expect to see it everywhere.

Family Reunion and Feast

One of the most important traditions of the Lunar New Year is reuniting with family and friends. Many people make a special effort to return home for the holidays. Families gather to share an extravagant meal that includes dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, fish, and rice cakes, each representing wealth, prosperity, and good health. It is believed that eating fish (yu, 鱼) brings abundance because it sounds like the world for surplus in Chinese. Similarly, long noodles symbolize long life and are often served during the festivities.

Red Envelopes

The giving of red envelopes, known as hongbao in Mandarin or lai see in Cantonese, is a heartwarming tradition. Elders give these envelopes, filled with money to children, friends, and other loved ones. The envelopes symbolize prosperity for the new year and are often decorated with Chinese characters wishing happiness and success. In some regions, married couples also give red envelopes to unmarried adults, symbolizing the passing of good luck.

Lion and Dragon Dances

Colorful lion and dragon dances are a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations. These lively performances, accompanied by loud drums and cymbals, are believed to chase evil spirits and bring good fortune and prosperity to businesses and households. The lion dance, is often performed by two dancers inside a lion costume. The dragon dance, on the other hand, is performed with a team of dancers holding up a long dragon figure, which symbolizes strength and wisdom.

Fireworks and Firecrackers

The loud noises produced by fireworks and firecrackers set off by people play a huge role in the Lunar New Year festivities. Many cities host dazzling fireworks displays to welcome the new year with excitement and joy. These noises are meant to scare away the evil, mythical monster Nian who, according to the legend, used to attack villages at the beginning of the year. Today, the tradition continues as a way to welcome the new year with a bang— literally!

Visiting Temples

Many families visit temples during this time to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. They may light incense, make offerings, and ask for blessings from deities. Some temples also feature fortune-telling activities to give guidance for the year ahead. This tradition reflects deep-rooted family values and appreciation for past generations.

Wearing New Clothes

Wearing new clothes, especially in bright colors like red, is a popular tradition among those who celebrate this holiday. It is a symbol of a fresh start and good fortune. It is also believed to ward off bad luck and ensure a prosperous year ahead for those who wear new clothes.

Giving and Eating Tangerines and Oranges

These fruits are common gifts exchanged during the Lunar New Year since they symbolize wealth and good luck. Their round shape and bright color resemble gold coins, making them a fitting sign of prosperity. Many families keep bowls of tangerines or oranges at home and serve them to guests.

Extended Festivities

Lunar New Year celebrations typically last for fifteen days, sometimes even more, concluding with the Lantern Festival. This festival features beautiful lantern displays, cultural performances, and the tradition of solving lantern riddles. It is a time for families to gather once more and enjoy sweet rice dumplings called tangyuan, which symbolize unity, peace, and togetherness.  Some cities even host parades with illuminated floats and spectacular firework displays to mark the end of the festivities.

Lunar New Year is a time of joy, renewal, and tradition. Whether it’s sharing meals with family, receiving red envelopes, or watching dazzling dragon dances, each custom brings a sense of unity and hope for a prosperous year ahead