Happy Lunar New Year!
Image credit: Aleksandra Jankovic
The Lunar New Year, typically falls sometime between January 21 and February 20 annually. It used to be known as “Chinese New Year” but the more accurate terminology now is Lunar New Year, according to Forbes. Named for the Chinese Zodiac, this year is specially known as the Year of the Metal Ox (so rock’n’roll!). It is said that the ox, in Chinese culture, is a hardworking zodiac sign and usually signifies movements according to Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui master. It is the second animal in the Chinese zodiac. This holiday is kicked off on the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar (based on the cycles of the moon and ends on the next full moon fifteen days later). One major theme reigns during this holiday and that is reuniting with immediate and extended family. It is a joyful celebration full of beautiful traditions. Want to honor these important traditions? We’ve made a quick, inspired guide to enjoy the Lunar New Year safely from home.
Sweeping of the Grounds
Typically houses are thoroughly cleaned about ten days before the beginning of the lunar new year. While we don’t have ten days, you could just go for a shortened, deep clean. Might be a good time to rid yourself of 2020 reminders! Sweep that evil away, lil’ doggie. Drop off unneeded items at your local thrift shop, Macklemore (personal fave here).
Fire Walk with Me
The lanterns! Dancers and fireworks are prevalent throughout these holidays. The last night of the New Year typically ends with a lantern festival. On this night lanterns light up the houses, along with red banners, artwork and flowers. This important and beautiful new moon holiday is so full of love, joy and warmth. A great time to stop what you’re doing and just celebrate (watch San Francisco’s virtual parade on February 20th at 6:30 PM CST here).
FOOD
The delicious varieties of Lunar New Year party favorites all have meaning. Certain dishes are said to bring good fortune, longevity and luck. Noodles for longevity (great band name)! Here’s a recipe for spicy beef noodles from NYC’s iconic Xi’an’s Famous Foods. Dumplings for wealth! Jump into some fat juicy dumplings for good fortune all year long. We vote for pork and chives. Fish is said to symbolize wholeness and wealth, as well. Get yourself some steamed fish and make your heart and doctor happy.
Meaning of the Ox
Take a deep dive down the tunnel of the Chinese Zodiac. There is so much to learn about the year you were born, the year we are in and each animal (there are 12 animals and they do fall in a certain order). You don’t need to go far to investigate! Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card. A quick snippet though, there are lucky ox associations to pay attention to. For instance, the lucky colors for the ox are blue, yellow and green. Numbers 1 and 4 are lucky. The flowers are lily and of the valley and lucky bamboo.
Have a beautiful, safe and prosperous year, Nellies! Avoid the colors red and black and stay away from the numbers 3 and 6. Happy Lunar New Year!
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