Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, has gained popularity since the 19th century through Chinese immigrant communities. The festivities begin on the first day of the first lunar month in the calendar, which varies each year, and culminate with the “Lantern Festival” on the 15th day. This holiday is celebrated in various countries, including North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan, among others.
Chinese New Year is a centuries-old tradition rooted in the lunar calendar and the cycles of the moon, rather than the Gregorian calendar used by most of the United States and Western civilization. The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, used for religious purposes, festivals, and agriculture.
In 2025, we celebrate the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake is associated with the element of fire, symbolizing passion, energy, and transformation. This year encourages individuals and communities to let go of old patterns and embrace innovation. It is considered a time for thoughtful action, strategic change, reflection, deep thought, and personal growth. The snake, known for its wisdom, charm, and mystery, is the sixth animal in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle, following the Dragon (2024).
Did you know – educational insights related to Chinese culture:
• The Dragon is central to Chinese history, representing natural duality.
• Chinese art often features 117 scales on the dragon, symbolizing a perfect balance of yin (negative) and yang (positive) essence.
– Chinese immigrants brought flowers from China to remind them of their cultural values. Thanks to their efforts, we have azaleas, camellias, chrysanthemums, hibiscus, rhododendrons, and their “King of Flowers,” the peony.
Fun Food Facts: Traditional Recipes for Lunar New Year
1. Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls symbolize wealth and prosperity due to their resemblance to gold bars. They are filled with a mix of vegetables and sometimes meat, then deep-fried to perfection.
2. Dumplings: Dumplings are a must-have during Lunar New Year as they represent wealth. They can be filled with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables. The shape of the dumplings resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots.
3. Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake): This sweet, sticky cake is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is made from glutinous rice flour and can be flavored with ingredients like brown sugar or red bean paste.
4. Longevity Noodles: These long noodles symbolize a long life. They are usually stir-fried with vegetables and meat, and it’s important not to cut the noodles to maintain their symbolism.
5. Whole Fish: Serving a whole fish represents surplus and abundance. The fish is often steamed with ginger and scallions and served whole to signify a good start and finish to the year.
6. Lion’s Head Meatballs: These large pork meatballs are named for their resemblance to a lion’s head, symbolizing strength and power. They are usually braised with vegetables.
7. Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan): These glutinous rice balls are often filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste or red bean paste. They are served in a sweet syrup and symbolize family unity and togetherness.
8. Eight Treasures Rice: This dessert is made with glutinous rice and eight different kinds of fruits and nuts, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.
These dishes not only add to the festive spirit but also carry deep cultural significance, making your celebration even more meaningful.
