Celebrate the Lunar New Year on 12 February

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated by many East Asian countries, including China, Singapore, Vietnam, and South Korea. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on 12 February, marking the beginning of the Year of the Ox according to the Chinese zodiac. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and honoring ancestors. Let’s delve into the history and traditions of this festive holiday.

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important festivals in East Asia, as it symbolizes a fresh start and the coming of spring.

In Chinese culture, each year is represented by one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, with the ox being the second animal in the cycle.

The Year of the Ox is believed to bring hard work, determination, and prosperity for those born in this zodiac year.

The preparations for the Lunar New Year typically start weeks in advance, with families cleaning their homes and decorating them with red lanterns, paper cutouts, and other auspicious symbols.

Red is the dominant color during this holiday as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

On 12 February, the eve of the Lunar New Year, families gather for a reunion dinner, where traditional dishes, such as dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cake, are served.

It is also a time to pay respects to ancestors by offering food, incense, and burning paper offerings at their gravesites.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, children receive red envelopes filled with money from their elders as a symbol of good fortune and blessings.

The celebrations continue for the next two weeks with parades, dragon and lion dances, and the lighting of firecrackers.

Many believe that the loud noises and bright colors of the celebrations can scare away any lingering bad luck and usher in a prosperous new year.

Aside from traditional customs, the Lunar New Year is also a time to embrace new trends and modern celebrations.

In recent years, cities around the world have started to hold large scale Lunar New Year festivities, showcasing traditional performances and food to a broader audience.

The Lunar New Year has also become a popular theme for businesses, with special promotions and limited-edition products featuring the zodiac animal of the year.

This year, due to the ongoing pandemic, many traditional festivities may be put on hold or adjusted to adhere to safety regulations.

However, this does not diminish the significance and spirit of the Lunar New Year, as families and communities continue to adapt and celebrate in new ways.

Let’s welcome the Year of the Ox with hope, positivity, and unity, as we look forward to a brighter future ahead.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year on 12 February

On 12 February, Chinese families will gather for their annual reunion dinner to welcome the Lunar New Year, the most significant celebration in their culture.

This year marks the beginning of the Year of the Ox, the second animal in the Chinese zodiac known for its strength and diligence.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by many countries in East Asia, with each region adding their unique customs and traditions to the holiday.

It is a time for honoring ancestors, enjoying traditional dishes, and setting off firecrackers to ward off any bad luck for the new year.

Despite the pandemic, the spirit of the Lunar New Year remains strong as families find ways to celebrate and embrace new traditions.

Join in the celebrations and spread joy, happiness, and good luck to all those around you.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

#LunarNewYear #YearofTheOx #ChineseNewYear