The Lunar New Year is a celebration brimming with history, cultural symbolism, and familial joy. But as this remarkable festival approaches, many find themselves asking questions about its customs and traditions. What’s the proper way to celebrate? More importantly, what should you absolutely avoid doing? To gain a clearer understanding of these traditions, let’s break it down with the dos and don’ts of Lunar New Year.
What’s the Difference Between Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year?
Before we explore the customs, let’s clarify something essential. Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t quite the same. Lunar New Year is a broader term, referring to celebrations that follow the lunar calendar. It’s marked by many cultures across Asia, including China, South Korea (Seollal), Vietnam (Tết), and Mongolia (Tsagaan Sar).
Chinese New Year, on the other hand, specifically pertains to the traditions observed in China and within Chinese communities. While certain elements—like red decorations and family reunions—overlap, different regions offer their unique flavors, from the food served to the rituals followed. Highlighting these distinctions gives us a richer appreciation for the diversity encapsulated by Lunar New Year festivities.
The Dos of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a time to welcome prosperity, health, and happiness into the year ahead. To start things off on the right foot, there are time-honored practices to follow.
1. Clean and Declutter Before New Year’s Eve
Why? Historically, sweeping out bad luck and misfortune symbolized a fresh start. But remember, cleaning after the New Year has begun is a no-go (more on that shortly!).
2. Wear Red
Red clothing is believed to chase away evil spirits and invite good fortune. It originates from Chinese mythology about Nian—a beast that feared the color red and loud noises. Today, red remains everywhere in Lunar New Year celebrations, from outfits to lanterns.
3. Give Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Gifting red envelopes filled with money is one of the most beloved customs. It symbolizes spreading wealth and blessings to loved ones, primarily children and unmarried friends or family members.
Why? The origins may go back to talismans used to ward off evil spirits, but today it’s more about fostering goodwill and strengthening bonds.
4. Feast with Family
Gathering around a table laden with symbolic dishes is a hallmark of celebration. Every dish has meaning—dumplings for wealth, fish for abundance, and noodles for longevity. Lunar New Year is as much about togetherness as it is about lucky foods.
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5. Express Good Wishes
You’ll hear phrases like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin for “Wishing You Prosperity”). Sharing blessings not only spreads joy but also solidifies relationships in the process.
The Don’ts of Lunar New Year
Just as there are rites to attract luck, there are practices you’ll want to avoid at all costs to keep misfortune at bay. Superstitions still hold sway, many of them rooted in centuries-old beliefs.
1. No Cleaning on New Year’s Day
While cleaning beforehand is encouraged, doing so on New Year’s Day may symbolically sweep away the good luck you’ve just invited into your home.
2. Avoid Haircuts or Washing Hair
Why? It’s linked to the idea that “hair” (髮) is phonetically similar to “prosperity” in Chinese. Washing or cutting it during the New Year might metaphorically wash away wealth.
3. No Sharp Objects
Knives and scissors are strictly avoided during celebrations. Cutting things with sharp tools is thought to sever the good fortune you’re hoping to preserve.
4. Don’t Lend or Borrow Money
Financial transactions can be touchy during the New Year, as they’re believed to bring debt or signify losses for the year ahead. Stick to gifting instead!
5. Say “No” to Negative Words
Avoid words associated with bad luck—like death, illness, or failure—during the festivities. Positive energy is key to starting the year right.
Tradition Meets Modern Fun
Even though not everyone follows these customs to the letter these days, the dos and don’ts of Lunar New Year are still part of what makes this celebration so delightful—whether you honor them for their significance or simply view them as a way to connect over shared traditions.
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Here’s wishing you a year full of luck, laughter, and meaningful connections!