Lunar New Year is one of the most meaningful holidays celebrated by billions around the world. Rich with tradition, symbolism, and a focus on family, it’s a joyous occasion to welcome a fresh start. But to fully enjoy this cultural celebration, it helps to know the dos and don’ts that come with it. Whether you’re observing with your family or simply want to participate in the festivities, this guide will help you engage with the holiday’s traditions respectfully and wholeheartedly.
Lunar New Year vs. Chinese New Year
Many people often use Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year interchangeably, but there’s a key distinction. Lunar New Year refers to celebrations that follow the lunar calendar and is observed by various cultures across East and Southeast Asia. For example, Koreans celebrate Seollal, Vietnamese communities observe Tết, and Mongolians mark Tsagaan Sar.
Chinese New Year, by contrast, specifically refers to how the holiday is celebrated within Chinese culture and Chinese communities worldwide. While there are certainly shared traditions—like gatherings with family and honoring ancestors—each region and culture has its unique flavors, foods, and customs. Exploring these variations is a powerful way to appreciate the beautiful diversity within the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The Dos of Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is about ushering in good fortune, health, and joy. Here’s how you can participate in the right spirit while understanding the traditions behind each action.
1. Clean and Tidy Up Before New Year’s Eve
One of Lunar New Year’s most important traditions is cleaning your home before the first day of the new year. This practice symbolizes discarding misfortunes and clearing the way for positive energy. Just make sure all the cleaning is done before the festivities begin—sweeping after the new year starts may “sweep away” your good luck!
2. Wear Red for Good Luck
Red is the color of luck and warding off evil. Rooted in folklore, the belief comes from the story of Nian, a mythical beast who feared the color red, fire, and loud noise. Today, red is everywhere during Lunar New Year—from garments to decorations—reminding us of the vibrancy and joy associated with the holiday.
3. Give Red Envelopes (Lucky Money)
One of the standout traditions is the gifting of red envelopes, often filled with money, to children and younger family members. Known as “hongbao” in Mandarin or “lai see” in Cantonese, these envelopes symbolize wishes for prosperity and happiness in the year ahead. While the specific amounts may vary, the gesture itself brings families closer and makes younger generations feel uplifted.
4. Celebrate With a Lucky Feast
Gathering over a table full of symbolic foods is the heart of Lunar New Year. Expect dishes like dumplings for wealth, fish for abundance, and noodles for longevity. Family-style sharing is key, and each dish carries deep meaning tied to the hopes for the coming year.
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5. Share Festive Greetings
Wishing others well is deeply ingrained in Lunar New Year traditions. Even if you don’t speak the language, a simple “Happy Lunar New Year!” to friends, neighbors, or coworkers celebrating is always appreciated. And if you want to go the extra mile, try learning phrases like “Gong Hei Fat Choy” (Cantonese) or “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin), which mean “Wishing You Prosperity.”
The Don’ts of Lunar New Year
Just as there are practices to welcome good fortune, there are certain things to avoid during the celebrations. These longstanding superstitions are observed to ward off bad luck and misfortune.
1. Don’t Clean on New Year’s Day
While tidying up beforehand is essential, avoid cleaning during the actual holiday. Sweeping or taking out the trash on New Year’s Day is believed to remove blessings and positive energy that have entered your home.
2. Skip Haircuts or Washing Hair
This particular tradition stems from a linguistic pun—“hair” (髮) sounds similar to “prosperity” in Chinese. Washing or cutting your hair is seen as potentially washing away your riches and luck.
3. Be Cautious With Sharp Objects
Anything sharp, like scissors or knives, is best avoided during Lunar New Year. Superstition has it that using sharp tools could sever good luck or lead to disputes within the family.
4. Don’t Borrow or Lend Money
Financial dealings are frowned upon during Lunar New Year celebrations. Lending or borrowing money could set a tone of debt and financial strain for the year ahead.
5. Avoid Saying Negative Words
Finally, language plays an important role in Lunar New Year traditions. Words connected to bad outcomes—like “death,” “illness,” or “loss”—are best avoided to keep the holiday mood positive and lighthearted.
Celebrating the Diversity and Spirit
Whether you’re from an Asian community or simply interested in participating, Lunar New Year offers a fantastic way to connect through traditions and collective joy. Even though not everyone follows these customs strictly today, the holiday remains a great time to reflect on cultural values and keep family bonds strong.
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Here’s to a year filled with abundance, joy, and good fortune! Happy Lunar New Year!