Celebrate Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year celebrations are a welcome respite to the long dark days of winter. Winter can seem so long, especially up north, so why not bring some cheer and happiness to break those long winter days!
Lunar Calendar
Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations on the Lunar Calendar, with billions of people worldwide observing this socially and traditionally important Holiday every year.
Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year or Spring Festival
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival celebrates the beginning of the New Year according to the the lunar calendar.
While it is often referred to as Chinese New Year, a number of other countries observe this festival that begins with the first new moon in January and ends 15 days later on the first full moon.
Lunar New Year Traditions
Many Lunar New Year and spring festival traditions focus on ensuring that the year ahead is lucky and prosperous.
Lunar New Year celebrations and observances are varied and beautiful.
Some common observances include:
Lantern festival
Lunar New Year parade with Lion dance
Family reunion dinner
Gifting money in red envelopes
Rituals to banish bad luck
Create your Own Lunar New Year Celebrations
Regardless of where you are in the world, the bright colors, traditional foods of Lunar New Year, along with the focus on positive things like health, good fortune, prosperity, and family can be a welcome respite from the long dark days of January and February.
Simple Ways to Observe Lunar New Year
Google Lunar New Year
Simplest mini celebration ever!
If you’re having a bleak day at work between now and the end of Lunar New Year, simply enter “Lunar New Year” or “Chinese New Year” into the google machine and treat yourself to an adorable fireworks display.
Eat Dumplings
Eating dumplings is a traditional Lunar New Year observance.
Dumplings are shaped like gold coins and therefore symbolize wealth during the year ahead. Plus they are delicious!
Order in from your favorite restaurant or try your hand at making your own dumplings. Cooking for loved ones is another great way to observe this festival by showing gratitude for family and friends and all that you have.
Essentials for Making Dumplings
Dumpling Making Kit – This kit comes with all the essentials to make your own dumplings at home.
Dumplings for Beginners – This Recipe book has 50 recipes with step by step instructions on how to make some seriously delicious Dumplings!
You can also add a little dumpling friend to your celebrations – because it’s adorable and why not!?
Don’t wash your hair
This is another super simple observance.
It is traditional to not wash your hair on the first day of Lunar New Year. Washing your hair is seen as washing away all of your good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.
So – wash your hair the night before or plan on rocking second-day hair on the first day of festival (January 22, 2023).
Plan ahead by ensuring you have dry shampoo on hand
These days, there are endless dry shampoo options for purchase or try making your own.
This article is another great place to start if you are interested in the Dry Shampoo DIY option.
Clean your House
Sweeping and cleaning the house are common Lunar New Year traditions. Cleaning your house in preparation for the this festival symbolises clearing your home of bad luck.
The origins of this ritual are likely similar to the origins of the modern concept of Spring cleaning in the West. Clearing out the old and making way for the new!
This might not sound like the most exciting ritual, but cold winter days are the perfect opportunity to spend time cleaning your house; clearing it of unwanted dust bunnies and bad luck to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
Stock up on some secret weapons to make your Spring cleaning easier – and maybe even a little fun!
A Pink Miracle
I swear this cleaning paste is an actual miracle! It seems to remove literally any stain or discoloration. Don’t just take my word for it, the rave reviews speak for themselves. In fact, this cleaning miracle is so popular it is often sold out, so if you find it available somewhere stock up!
Cleaning Cloths
Microfiber cleaning cloths are a cleaning essential. They are multiple purpose, wash-up well and are better for the environment than paper towels
Duster Buddy
This microfiber duster will allow to reach anywhere and everywhere and completely rid your house of dust and of the bad luck clinging to it!
Year of the Rabbit
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, according to Chinese astrology.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year in the repeating 12 year cycle is represented by an animal. In 2023 that animal is the Rabbit.
The Year of the Rabbit is expected to be a year of hope and peace, bringing prosperity and longevity.
I’ll be celebrating the Year of the Rabbit by using these gorgeous cookie stamps to make soft glazed gingerbread cookies.
Happy Lunar New Year!
However you choose to celebrate, observing the 15 day long lunar new year or spring festival can help make the long cold months of January and February more bearable.
With Christmas (Yule) behind us, Lunar New Year traditions remind us of the promise of Spring and can help us prolong the spirit of new beginnings that comes with the change of the calendar.
