By Eh Kri Say

As many know, Lunar New Year, which can also be called the spring festival, is a holiday that happens every year between January and February that many students here at McCaskey celebrate. It is rooted in an ancient Chinese tradition that ties in with the Lunar Calendar, which basically follows the directions and phases of the moon. It has vastly spread throughout East and Southeast Asia with countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, etc. It is now celebrated all over the world as these cultures migrate and bring their traditions with them.

The first new moon of the Lunar calendar indicates when the celebration starts and lasts up to 15 days when there is a full moon. There are many variations of ways it’s celebrated throughout East and Southeast Asia, each culture unique. Some ways they are celebrated is by playing lunar games, going to parades or festivals, and the lantern festival celebrated on the 15th day. The one that’s most important of all is gathering with family and friends, and celebrating towards the new year! 

The color red is an important symbol for the holiday, as it’s very prominent in decorations. It’s a very traditional color of the Han people, signifying fortune, luck, and vitality. Chinese people would also decorate their houses with red lanterns and clothing to bring good luck and keep off evil spirits. Dragons are also a major part as it represents power, nobility, luck, success, and ambition. There is even a dance for dragons, started as a way to respect ancestors now turned into a way of entertainment during the Lunar New Year. Children also get these red envelopes, called hongbao in China. They are filled with money to symbolize a great year ahead!

Many different foods are served during this holiday. The foods are eaten meaningfully, like the yi mein, made with wheat, eggs, and baking soda eaten for longevity. Fish is also a very important meal as it symbolizes prosperity and abundance. Another dish eaten during the celebration is sweet rice balls, as they’re a way to represent unity with one another and bring peace. There are many other delicious dishes representing the beautiful holiday with meaning.

Although you or your family may not celebrate it, there is an annual event celebrating Lunar New Year in our own downtown, held in Ewell Plaza by the library! You may go and enjoy the performances, live singing, yummy food, and games they have! Definitely try it out as a way to learn and try new things!