Discover the Different Cultures that Celebrate Lunar New Year Around the World
For centuries, Lunar New Year has been celebrated by millions of people around the world. It’s a time for family reunions, fireworks, and delicious food, all while honoring traditions that have been passed down for generations. But did you know that the customs and celebrations of Lunar New Year vary greatly depending on where you are in the world?
China
China is perhaps the most well-known country when it comes to celebrating Lunar New Year. Known as Spring Festival, the holiday is celebrated for 15 days, with each day having its own unique traditions and customs. The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where families gather to enjoy a meal together. People also participate in dragon and lion dances, set off fireworks, and exchange red envelopes filled with money.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year is called Tet and is the most important holiday of the year. Tet is a time to remember and honor ancestors and spirits, with many people visiting their family’s ancestral tombs to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity. Traditional activities during Tet include wearing new clothes, eating traditional foods such as banh chung (sticky rice cake), and giving lucky money to children.
Korea
In Korea, Lunar New Year is known as Seollal and is celebrated for three days. Families gather to participate in many traditional activities, such as making rice cakes, playing traditional games, and honoring ancestors. One of the most popular games played during Seollal is Yunnori, a board game where teams race to the finish line while avoiding obstacles.
Thailand
In Thailand, Lunar New Year is known as Songkran and is celebrated in April. The festival is known for its water fights, where people use water guns and buckets to splash water on each other to wash away bad luck from the old year. Families also attend temple ceremonies and participate in traditional Thai dances.
Conclusion
From China to Korea to Thailand and beyond, Lunar New Year is celebrated in different ways all over the world. No matter where you are, the holiday is a time to honor traditions, spend time with loved ones, and look forward to a new year filled with health, happiness, and prosperity.
