Celebrated by nearly 2 billion people worldwide, the Lunar New Year marks a time of rebirth and renewal. Also known as Chinese New Year, the multi-day holiday is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese lunar calendar is based on the moon’s 12 phases. This Lunar New Year started on February 1, and festivities can go on for more than two weeks. The date marks the end of the Year of the Ox and the start of the Year of the Tiger. 

The holiday allows people to put the past behind them and look forward to a fresh start. Various Asian cultures have their own distinct ways of ringing in the new year. In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is called Tết and is celebrated with bánh chung (sticky rice cakes), bushels of yellow ochna flowers, and visits to friends, relatives, and neighbors. In Malaysia, celebrants enjoy yee sang, a dish of raw fish, and shredded vegetables. Many Americans are familiar with Chinese traditions that surround large public celebrations filled with dragon parades, boat races, fireworks, and firecrackers to ward off bad luck. Red and gold symbolize good fortune on the Lunar New Year, with many people wearing red and children often receiving red envelopes filled with money. The holiday is traditionally a time to honor ancestors and deities with family reunions and street parades. 

The Lantern Festival, a Chinese tradition celebrated on the first full moon of the year, marks the end of the New Year season. This year, it lands on February 15. The festival is celebrated by flying paper lanterns and eating turnip cakes and tangyuan, a Chinese dessert of sweet rice ball dumplings. Many families will hold feasts, perform thorough cleanings of their homes, and honor deceased relatives. 

Each Lunar New Year is represented by a cycle of 12 zodiac animals—the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. In Chinese culture, the tiger is the king of the jungle. People born during a Tiger Year are thought to be natural leaders who are both brave and thrill-seeking, often craving attention. They are courageous and energetic, love a challenge or competition, and are prepared to take risks. They can also be rebellious, short-tempered, and outspoken, preferring to give orders rather than take them, which often leads to conflict. The tiger is the symbol of bravery, wisdom, and strength. It can be viewed as an uplifting animal that gives people hope in the midst of challenging times. 

For all those who celebrate, Le Petit Colonel wishes you a happy Lunar New Year!