We have included the romanized versions of both languages in our descriptions of the various traditions. It all begins about a week ahead of the new year.īefore we get started, a quick note: while there are different ways to say “Happy new year!” depending on where you are, we’re sticking with Mandarin and Cantonese in this story. This is how wearing the fiery color – right down to undergarments – along with hanging red banners with auspicious phrases and lighting firecrackers or fireworks became Lunar New Year traditions, all of which are still followed today.įun aside, Lunar New Year can actually be a lot of work.įestivities often last for 15 days – or even more – with different tasks and activities taking place over that period. The man claimed to have scared Nian away by hanging red banners on the door, lighting firecrackers and wearing red clothes. To the villagers’ surprise, the old man and the village survived utterly unscathed. On one such occasion, as the villagers rushed into hiding, a mysterious old man showed up and insisted on staying in the village despite being warned of impending doom. Every Lunar New Year’s Eve, it crawled onto the land and attacked a nearby village. Legend has it Nian was a ferocious underwater beast with sharp teeth and horns. There are countless folktales attached to Lunar New Year, but the myth of “Nian” stands out as the most iconic and fun. If you’re a Lunar New Year newbie, here’s a quick guide to the most common traditions and superstitions associated with the occasion. Millions of families worldwide are preparing celebrations for one of the year’s biggest festivals. Saying goodbye to the Tiger, we enter the Year of the Rabbit on January 22, 2023. Grab your favorite red shirt it’s time to celebrate the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival.
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