What Lunar New Year Means To Me

0
Wishing you peace during the Year of the Rat!

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year for Chinese and other Asian cultures. The time of celebration begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later, on the first full moon. 

Lunar New Year marks a new beginning and a fresh start.  It gives us an opportunity to reflect on the mistakes we’ve made in the past in order to better ourselves for the coming year.  It is also a time for families to come together and enjoy special dishes. 

There are a few things that are done to prepare for the New Year:  

House Preparation 

Those who celebrate the Lunar New Year prepare their houses for its arrival. House cleaning is done to optimize Feng Shui, which puts a home in harmony with its inhabitants. The house is also decorated with red and gold to symbolize good luck. 

Settle All Debts

At the start of the New Year, any borrowed items must be returned and any money owed must be repaid. This is considered an act of good karma.  

Family Dinner

Lunar New Year is celebrated by a very important shared family meal. The food served is symbolic of good things to come. Typically, you will see things like fish (symbolizing prosperity), noodles (symbolizing longevity), round fruit (symbolizing fullness and wealth), and dumplings or spring rolls (symbolizing wealth).  

Red Envelopes 

People who celebrate this time of year believe that sharing your wealth with other people brings more luck to yourself. Traditionally, red envelopes filled with money are given to unmarried people to keep them healthy and give them long lives.  

Fireworks

Loud fireworks are believed to drive evil away.  Fireworks can be seen at parades accompanied by lion and dragon dancing.  

Lion and Dragon Dancing

Lion and dragon dances are a large part of the Lunar New Year festivities. They are thought to scare away evil and bring good luck.  The lion is the most auspicious animal. The dragon symbolizes wisdom, power and wealth.  

What Lunar New Year Means To Me

Our family’s favorite part of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the annual Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco.  This parade dates back to 1847 and it is the largest in the world. Each year, our Kung Fu school, One Tribe Martial Arts Academy, combined with our affiliate school, Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy, participates. 

I will never forget the first time I walked in the Lunar New Year parade. Although I was a bit frightened by the immense crowds and loud noises, I also felt very proud. It means so much to us to be a part of this parade, especially now that we can share the experience with our daughter. She is only 2 now, but one day she will be able to march and perform in the parade alongside her dad. I can’t even imagine what I will feel when I watch her perform for the first time. I know she will probably feel a bit overwhelmed as I did the first time I walked in the parade, but I know she will enjoy it. I also know how proud I’ll feel to see her participate in something that means a lot to our family and culture.  

Previous articleDisney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Feb. 19 – Mar. 1 [Giveaway and Promo Code]
Next articleHow to Get a Passport for Kids in San Francisco Without the Stress
Rowena is a work-from-home mom from Martinez. She owns 2 businesses, One Tribe Martial Arts Academy and MRL Consulting Services and is constantly trying to keep up with her 2 year old daughter. Rowena has over 10 years of early childhood education experience. She started working as a teacher’s assistant as a part time job while going to school at San Jose State University. After graduating, she knew wanted to come back to the East Bay in order to be closer to her family. She started working at KinderCare in Clayton as a preschool teacher, but started having aspirations for more. The Assistant Director position opened up as the current AD transferred to another site. She was offered the position and worked as AD and even Interim Director for 2 years. After working in childcare, she wanted to dabble in sales. She worked as a Recruiter and Staffing Manager. After working in sales, she worked in Insurance as a Client Services Rep. When she’s not working, Rowena enjoys doing CrossFit and Kickboxing/Sparring, which she considers her therapy. When she’s not working or working out, Rowena enjoys a nice glass of wine, hanging out with friends and family and singing/dancing to her favorite tune!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here