Happy Lunar New Year!
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Wish you happiness and all the best in the Year of the Tiger!
February marks the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Tiger! This week, Asian-Americans in the US will be celebrating with their families, just like many others around the globe in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! Each country has their own version of the festival’s celebrations, but at the central core of each of them is Family. Today we’ll be focusing mainly on the Chinese celebrations for Lunar New Year, but we encourage you to explore other global versions of these celebrations with your family, as they are equally important and wonderful!
Here are some key elements you will see in Lunar New Year celebrations:
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Dragon - Much like many of the other symbols in Chinese new year, this also represents prosperity and good fortune, as well as a cultural symbol that the Chinese people are descendants of the Dragon. Click here to learn more about the festival origins!
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Duilian - These are two vertical banners usually placed on either side of a doorway which announce wishes for good fortune, success, and happiness in the coming year:
- Wan Shi Ru Yi: May everything be as you wish
- Da Zhan Hong Tu: May you achieve your great plan
- Sheng Yi Xing Long: May your business be prosperous -
Fish - Whole fish is a traditional dish served on New Years, and it is considered quite lucky. It is customary to leave the head, tail and bones in one piece symbolizing a good beginning and end to the year.
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Flowers - The Plum Blossom and the Water Narcissus (or white daffodil) are both prevalent in Chinese New Year celebrations. Plum blossoms represent growth, hope, and courage. The Narcissus plants are representative of good fortune and prosperity, and if the blossoms open precisely on New Year Day, it is said to bring good luck all year long!
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Lanterns - On the 15th day of Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern festival.
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Red - This hue is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, often used in decor, gift giving, clothing, and more. It represents life, vitality, good fortune, and prosperity. Red envelopes, or hong bao, are envelopes filled with money given to unemployed single folks and young children
Celebrate with Kids and Family
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Make some dragon crafts with the kiddos at home like these from Red Ted Art.
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Chinese dragon puppets would make a great addition for storytime!
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Hang up some handcrafted Chinese Paper Lanterns to get festive!
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Make a family friendly “T is for Tiger” Felt or Paper Craft with Printable Pattern
Cook at Home for Lunar New Year
Fantastic Chinese Dinners in the NY Metro Area
Supporting Asian Creators Year Round
To celebrate the global Asian cultures that participate in Lunar New Year, we’ve also compiled a wonderful list of books and films by Asian creators and authors for you to check out and support all year round
Fantastic New Books by Asian Authors for Audio/EBooks
Make sure to load up your e-reader or tablet with some of these great books before your next road trip! You’ll find a slew of incredible tales written by both new and treasured voices in the writing community.
Wonderful Movies Starring Asians and Asian Americans to Stream This Week
Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong