The Lunar New Year this year falls on January 31. It lasts for 15 days and this year it will end on February 14 (Valentine's Day)! According to the Chinese zodiac, it will be the Year of the Horse. Here are 5 interesting facts about the celebration:
What is the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?
- The Lunar New year is not merely a celebration for the Chinese community. There are other communities such as Korean,Japanese,Vietnamese,Burmese and others that celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar . In China, the Lunar New Year is also known as Spring Festival.
- The Lunar New year is not merely a celebration for the Chinese community. There are other communities such as Korean,Japanese,Vietnamese,Burmese and others that celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar . In China, the Lunar New Year is also known as Spring Festival.
Why wear red colored clothing and avoid black colored clothing during the Lunar New Year while visiting the Chinese community ?
-Red symbolizes Prosperity and Good Luck. Black is usually associated with bad luck or funerals.
-Red symbolizes Prosperity and Good Luck. Black is usually associated with bad luck or funerals.
How do we greet someone who is celebrating the Lunar New Year?
Here are a few examples:
In Chinese Cantonese language- "Gong Hei Fatt Choy" (Translation- Wishing you good fortune)
In Chinese Mandarin language- "Gong Xi Fa Chai" (Translation- Wishing you good fortune)
In Korean language- "Sae hae bok manee baduseyo" (Translation- Please receive a lot of luck in New Year)
In Japanese language- "Happi kyu shogatsu" (Translation- Happy New Year)
In Vietnamese language- "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Translation- Happy New Year)
Why do I see so many mandarin oranges on sale in supermarkets in the US during the Chinese New Year?
- The Chinese pronounciation for Mandarin orange rhymes with the word Gold. Thus, it symbolize Wealth and Prosperity
What is the meaning of the red packets given during the Chinese New Year?
- Red packets symbolize Fortune and Prosperity. It is usually given out by married couples to children and single adults. It is also common to give out red packets to our elders as a symbol of respect and good health.
- Red packets symbolize Fortune and Prosperity. It is usually given out by married couples to children and single adults. It is also common to give out red packets to our elders as a symbol of respect and good health.
To learn more about the Lunar New Year, please refer to the following link for an article on cnn.com http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/travel/11-things-lny/
Wishing everyone a Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
May the year of the Horse bring lots of happiness and good luck to everyone!
May the year of the Horse bring lots of happiness and good luck to everyone!
