The New Year Just Began…at Least for the Chinese
A Chinese New Year celebration in pictures.
Luna and her cousin’s baby are spending all the time they get creating memories before family members leave Kentucky and return to New York.
“Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “have a prosperous year” is one of the most common phrases said around this time. During 2020, Chinese New Year falls on January 25, following the movement of the moon. The Lunar calendar changes annually as the motion of the moon doesn’t stay the same. Chinese New Year isn’t only celebrated on one day, it’s celebrated for 15 days. Similar to the horoscopes, according to the Lunar calendar, this year is represented by a rat. There are 12 different animals that are cycled through each year. With the new year coming up, superstitions, like not washing your hair or cleaning the house, are important because following them means not getting rid of your luck or fortune. However, to bring good luck, families will wear red, which symbolizes luck and happiness and hand out gifts in even numbers, as well.
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This is an example of a lunar calendar that includes the zodiacs and date that the new year starts on.
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Families gather together to eat dinner and unite. Dishes are spread around the table for everyone to grab.
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Barbecue pork or ‘char siu’ provides a rich and sweet flavor to the mouth. Pork is known to bring blessings.
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Red envelopes are given in pairs and to people that are unmarried. Inside the envelopes is money and typically the recipient will say a new year phrase after receiving the envelope.
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A plate of ‘bai qie ji’ or poached chicken is eaten at the Lunar New Year meal as a symbol of reunion and rebirth.
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Broth is common food that is made and consumed at almost every dinner. It helps clear your body and bring you good health.
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This dish of greens is one of the most popular vegetables and symbolizes jade, meaning good health and youth.
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Roast duck is a staple in a celebratory meal and is a symbol of fertility.
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The wall decoration describes how to obtain treasure and has double strands of gold coins dangling down symbolizing wealth.
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Luna Wu is a freshman at Woodford County High School. This will be her first year on The Jacket Journal. She moved to Kentucky with her family when she...
