The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon so the date of Lunar New Year is different each year. As well as being celebrated in China, Lunar New Year is also an important festival in many other places, including Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea.
Different places celebrate in slightly different ways, but Lunar New Year is a family celebration wherever it takes place. The young greet their parents and grandparents with good wishes for the year ahead and show their respect for the old. Old members of the family give the young money as presents, traditionally in small packets. Red packets are used in China, South Korea and Vietnam, as red is a lucky color.
Traditional foods which are eaten at Lunar New Year often have another meaning. It's because the Chinese word for "fish" sounds similar to "surplus", meaning you will have plenty of what you need.
For example, in Vietnam, people believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will decide their luck for the year ahead. They are careful to invite someone who is kind, well behaved and successful. In South Korea, families often play traditional board games together. They watch street performances, in which dancers dress up as a lion or a dragon. All the celebrations are about wishing everyone the very best for the year ahead.
A. In China, many people set off firecrackers (鞭炮). B. They kneel on the ground and bow deeply. C. In another way it is bad luck to say new year wishes to everybody. D. There are many other Lunar New Year traditions. E. However, it is usually in January or February. F. For example, in China, many people eat fish dishes. |
