January 29th starts the Chinese New Year, known as the Lunar New Year. It is the day when Chinese people wear their best color red and watch fireworks and The Year of the Dragon as it prances around not only in China but also in New York City!
The Year of the Dragon is celebrated every Lunar New Year. It’s symbolized power, strength, and good fortune. The reason why wearing red is important in the Lunar New Year tradition is because it represents good luck and happiness for the upcoming year. The most common food to eat during the Lunar New Year is hotpot; A dish also known as steamboat that contains meat, vegetables, and Seafood according to Mala HotPot. Seafood is the most consumed food during the celebration for the upcoming year. Fish ball, Fish tofu, and Dried tofu are also inside the HotPot/Steamboat.
“We buy a lot of oranges,” Sophia Li, a student from Galileo Magnet High School said, “And put them around the house for good luck.”
The Lunar New Year is celebrated on multiple days, lasting up to 15 days. However, The Lunar New Year date is changed every year to fall on the day when the first new moon comes out claimed by National Day Calendar . Despite having a New Year, students like Sophia still come to school. One tradition for the Lunar Year is cleaning inside your house is a sign of welcoming luck for the upcoming year. Another tradition is Elders giving out cash in a red pocket for fortune and wealth.
Sophia Li celebrates the American New Year but not as much as the Lunar New Year. The comparison between the American New Year and The Lunar New Year is quite different, “Lunar New Year has many more traditions regarding luck and fortune throughout the year,” Said Sophia Li.
Let’s hope everyone around the world have success in the new year!
