Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, begins on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. The date of this celebration changes each year, based on traditional lunar calendars from China and other cultures, and may fall anywhere between January 21 and February 20. It is celebrated in several nations, including China, Korea, Mongolia, and Vietnam. It is also celebrated all over the world by people who share this cultural heritage. More than 20% percent of the world’s population celebrates at this time!
2022 is the Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Rat, Pig and Ox. The animal zodiac cycle repeats every 12 years. There are different legends and myths associated with the origin of the zodiac, which has existed in Chinese culture for more than 2,000 years. In Vietnam, the zodiac animals are Tiger, Cat, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, and Buffalo.
In mainland China, the lunar new year is known as the Spring Festival, or Chūn jié in Mandarin and Chēun jit in Cantonese (transcribed). It is the most festive and important holiday of the year. Celebrations last for fifteen days, and may include banquets, carnivals, dragon dances, and fireworks. On new year’s eve, families gather for a special meal. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes, symbolizing prosperity in the year to come, and people may exchange gifts. On the 15th day is the Lantern Festival, with games, performances, lanterns, and fireworks. Traditional foods such as yuanxiao (sticky rice balls, symbolizing family unity), fagao (prosperity cake), dumplings (for wealth) and noodles (for longevity) are served. People born in a year that matches the new year’s animal may receive red gifts to bring luck in the year to come.
In Vietnam, the lunar new year celebration is Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Äán, Feast of the First Morning of the First Day. This is the most important festival in the Vietnamese calendar, and represents a new universal cycle and a fresh start. People may prepare in the weeks ahead by resolving personal conflicts, cleaning homes, settling debts, and tending burial sites. Families gather on the last day of the old year to share a meal and honor ancestors with offerings of food. The holiday lasts three days, and some traditions are observed for a week. The first day is often spent with immediate family, while the second day is spent visiting with friends. On the third day, people may attend temples for worship and meet with teachers. Special holiday food includes bánh chÆ°ng (a square cake made from rice, pork and mung bean), sticky rice, bánh dà y (white, flat and round rice cake), and canh măng (a dried young bamboo soup). During the holiday, younger family members receive Bao Lì Xì (red envelopes with lucky money) from elders, along with advice about life, school, and work. Younger people respond with wishes of good health, success, and good luck.
South Koreans celebrate the lunar new year as Seollal, and as in other countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. Many people take time from work to visit their hometowns or take a vacation. Families may dress in traditional clothing and gather to exchange gifts, honor ancestors, and share feasts. Holiday foods may include tteokguk, a sliced rice-cake soup that is typically made of garaetteok, a long, cylindrical rice cake that symbolizes luck, health, and a long life. Manduguk (Korean-style dumpling soup) is also popular. Ancestors who have passed away are honored with offerings of food, incense and traditional drinks.
In Mongolia, the lunar new year is called Tsagaan Sar, White Moon. Homes are cleaned in preparation, and people may purchase new traditional clothing, called deel, to wear on this special day. On Tsagaan Sar, families gather at sunrise at the home of the eldest family member to greet them and exchange gifts. People may visit a lama (Buddhist priest) to seek blessings and support in keeping new year’s resolutions. Hundreds of buuzes (meat dumplings) are prepared for feasts. A few lucky buuzes are made with different ingredients, and the person who eats a lucky buuz will enjoy good fortune in the new year.
People all over the world celebrate lunar new year with traditions that are unique to their family, region, and religion. We will also be celebrating at the library! Ask about opportunities at your branch to complete a treasure hunt, learn how to make a folded red envelope, and more. If you are looking for even more ways to celebrate, visit our events calendar online.
