Lunar New Year is known as a holiday that is celebrated by Southeast or South Asian countries, as a time of the new season, renewal, family, and traditions. It was first recognized as a holiday in ancient China around 3,000 to 3,500 years ago. Though it has Chinese origins it is a major holiday in many Asian cultures, like in Vietnamese, Korean, Mongolian, and Tibetan communities. The celebration of the Lunar New Year is not a one day celebration but rather a 15-day celebration. 

Now, many people question why do they celebrate the new year so late and longer? Well, the simple answer to that is that they don’t use the Gregorian calendar very often like America, Brazil, Australia, and even most of Europe does. Though they do use it simultaneously, they very often use the Lunar calendar. This calendar was adopted in 1912 in China, this is the reason for their new years being a little later than what is the usual for most Americans. The Lunar New Year lasts 15 days to align with the full cycle of the moon, meaning it begins on a new moon, and ends on the first full moon of the new year, along with the lantern festival.

Red is also a very symbolic color for this time, the people believe that the red color is able to ward off evil spirits. Scaring away the mythical beast known as nián shòu, translating to “Year Beast.” According to Chinese myths, it comes out on the New year to prey on villagers, animals, and even children. Making red a very important piece of Chinese tradition. Along with avoiding cleaning, doing laundry, and sweeping, believing that it will shoo the money and good fortune away rather than bringing it in. Even eating specific foods like lobster because they move backwards, and chickens who scratch backwards. Fighting and arguments should also be heavily avoided to stay clear of negative energy in the new year.  Hóngbāo, known as the red envelopes with money inside, are given to symbolize good luck, happiness, and prosperity. 

The New Year does not only impact the people celebrating it but also transportation. It triggers one of the world’s largest migrations. This is known as chunyun. Millions of people who celebrate this holiday travel back home or to other places to reunite with their families, loved ones, and relatives. Usually to have a very important meal of the new year together with their families. 

So to close this article up, the Lunar New Year is not only a new year but an amazing time of peace, reconciliation, love, and family. The new spring and year brings in fresh warm air for a great restart and new life. So for all those who celebrate this holiday, happy new years and have a great new year. Remember this is the time for a restart, so the past will stay and the past and the future will hopefully hold good for you.