You’ve probably heard of Chinese New Year, but did you know that the more accurate terminology is Lunar New Year? The holiday is observed by many non-Chinese Asian countries and Asian diaspora as well. Lunar New Year kicks off on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon and ends on the next full moon fifteen days later. Unlike under the Gregorian calendar, with New Year’s Day always falling on January 1, Lunar New Year depends on cycles of the moon
Unlike the solar or Gregorian calendar, which has been adopted in many Asian countries, the lunar calendar’s months have 30 days in odd-numbered months (January, March, May) and 29 days in even-numbered months (February, April, June). In some Asian countries, people choose to celebrate their birthdays accordingly to the lunar and/or solar calendars.
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Although specific celebrations and formal dates encompassing the holiday vary by country and culture, one common thread spurns through it: it’s time to reunite with immediate and extended family to ring in the new year. The holiday is also widely celebrated in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam by exchanging gifts or money for good fortune, partying in the streets and setting off fireworks.
This year, Lunar New Year falls on January 25, and it’s the Year of the Rat. The holiday occurs in a 12-year cycle, with each year corresponding to a different animal as a symbol: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
The tradition of giving money in little envelops on the first day of Lunar New Year simply began with modest, symbolic amounts but gradually grown over the top through recent decades. Just like the December holidays, such as Christmas and Hanukkah, many celebrants spend large sums under a sense of obligation. Also, what was initially meant for giving to immediate family members has grown beyond the bloodline to the occasional mailman or trash collector. Lunar New Year has developed into a consumerist holiday.
There are other ways people celebrate Lunar New Year. For example, in South Korea, it’s called Seollal and they pay tribute to their ancestors, typically lasting two to three days. In Vietnam, Tết Nguyên Đán celebrations can last up to seven days and celebrants participate in ancestral rituals and pay off as much debt as possible.
In the United States, the growth of Asian immigrant populations, especially those of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese descent, has contributed to the increasing population and cultural awareness of Lunar New Year. Many major cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco, hold large-scale celebrations. Well-known Western brands like Apple, Gucci and Nike, have adopted the holiday to their advertising campaigns.
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