🐶 The Year of the Dog 🐶

By: Adrienne La

Xīn nián kuài lè! Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year is a very special and important holiday in China and has spread its traditions to every part of the world. It is also known at the Lunar New Year, because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar. A lunisolar calendar uses both the moon and solar phases which affects the calendar. Therefore, Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day as the previous years. There are many ways to celebrate the New Year in China. Traditionally, there will be a parade on the streets where you will see lion dances, dragon dances,  and fireworks. Those are just some of many ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year as a community. Family gatherings and having a meal together during the New Year is very common to practice along with giving friends and family red envelopes containing money. The red envelopes are symbols of good luck throughout the year. During these gatherings, it is essential to eat one of the following:

• Noodles – to resemble long life and happiness

• Dumplings and spring rolls – signifies having wealth and having a great year financially

• Tangyuan (sweet rice balls) – represents family unity and togetherness

• Tangerines and oranges –symbolizes fullness and eternity of luck

• Fish – suggests an increase in prosperity

Ultimately, the roots of Chinese New Year customs lead back to family and unity. It is key to have a good relationship during this time with families. It is thought of in the Chinese tradition that what happens during the New Year will affect you throughout the whole year.