SALES, a musical group with 10 years of history and over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, has amassed multiple songs with many of which setting the stage for trending TikTok audios. However, their most streamed song with over 191 million listens is “Chinese New Year”, with lyrics detailing the need for change and inner transformation. Though Lunar New Year is sometimes celebrated through these methods mentioned by SALES, each East Asian country’s form of celebration varies.
This year, Lunar New Year is celebrated on January 22nd, marking the start of the Year of the Rabbit. The fourth animal in Chinese Zodiacs, rabbits are representative of peace and relaxation. For those born in the Year of the Rabbit, peace is said to be a common characteristic while conflict and change are generally avoided.
Though animals change on an annual basis for Lunar New Year, traditions have constantly held their stance in celebrations. Red and gold colors are often worn or used as home decoration to symbolize good fortune, while envelopes with similar color themes are often given out to children. Across countries, these traditions also break off into individualized activities.
In Korea, Lunar New Year is referred to as “seollal” where ancestral remembrance is common. Wearing “hanbok”, or traditional Korean clothing, is also often practiced along with playing folk games and enjoying traditional foods. Often eaten is “ddeokguk”, or rice cake soup. Though it is enjoyed throughout the year, it is particularly consumed for Lunar New Year.
In China, celebrations are more directed towards the concept of New Year’s Eve. Similar to Korea, food is an essential aspect of Lunar New Year with dumplings, baos, and other dishes often shared with family. The Chinese rendition of this holiday is also more superstitious, with houses being cleaned and cutting or washing hair being avoided to keep luck from washing away in the new year.
In Vietnam, Lunar New Year, or Tết, is a time of celebration centered around family. The “áo dài”, a traditional article of Vietnamese clothing, is also often worn. In terms of food, commonly consumed foods include dried shrimp, rice cake snacks, and candied fruits.
Though many more countries celebrate Lunar New Year, each encompasses their unique aspects. But beyond countries, celebrations are often different among households with each family participating in their personal and cultural traditions. As a result, Lunar New Year celebrations become a beautiful combination between historic traditions and personal incorporations.
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