Happy Lunar New Year to everyone! Although I didn’t have the money to truly celebrate the holiday this year, I made sure to check my horoscope and wish everyone a happy new year.
(My Zodiac = The Pig)
In Chinese culture, the lunar new year is much more prominent. In fact, the calendar new year is hardly noted and only some people actually celebrate it. During new years the elders hand out lai see (red envelopes) of money to the youngsters in their family. Traditionally they also light fireworks in order to scare of bad spirits, and to welcome in good luck. There are numerous traditions and different symbols that are followed and observed in the biggest holiday of the year. It’s bigger than Christmas is here.
In Korean culture it is called Seollal (설날.) One of the most time-honored traditions of lunar new year is dressing up in a hanbok and performing Sebae; a bow of respect to their elders. It’s rather specific, and is sometimes hard to figure out if you aren’t used to it.
Here is a clip of Rain/Bi (비) trying it out. 🙂 Hooray for silly commercials. 🙂
The Japanese celebrate with the U.S. during the calendar New Year, and one big tradition for them is to dress up in kimono and visit the local temple to pray for luck in the new year and to draw their horoscopes for the new year. Oshogatsu is a fun time, and I’ve spent a couple of them at Morikami feeding the fish, making mochi and eating yakisoba.
Hanetsuki at Morikami
I hope no matter where you are or what your beliefs are, you can enjoy the start of this new year – if you celebrate with the moon, or follow the calendar a bright new year is upon us.
Daydreaming Lotus 