7 Fun Facts about Lunar New Year
February 12th marks the start of the Lunar New Year. Celebrated by one-sixth of the population worldwide, it is the biggest holiday in China and many other Asian countries. You might already know it or seen it in movies; LNY carries traditions such as big family gatherings, opulent feast (with highly symbolic food) and the gifting of red envelops for good wishes. But that’s not all, here are some fun facts that you might not know about this very special holiday:
It’s never on the same date.
Every year is a different year! The second new moon after the winter solstice marks the new year, which in our Gregorian calendar, appears between January 21st and February 20th
The entire festival lasts 15 days.
It’s similar to our Christmas Holidays with different kinds of celebrations for each day.
2021 marks the year of the Metal Ox.
We don’t want to get carried away with horoscopes but in a nutshell, this year is synonymous with hard work, discipline and fair appreciation of tangible reality.
Red scares away monsters.
Legend says there was once a creature called Nian that terrified villagers and ate children and livestock. But, Nian was scared of the colour red. Therefore, villagers used red lanterns, clothes and decorations to drive it away.
Don't wash or cut your hair on the first day of the new year.
The Chinese character for hair is the first character in the word prosperity. Washing or cutting it off is seen as washing your fortune away.
Get lucky through eating.
Many dishes like spring rolls and dumplings are eaten for good luck and wealth.
Everyone wears new clothes.
A brand new year deserves a fresh start. And new clothes can do that.
