Lunar New Year 2021
With the Gregorian calendar’s new year just beginning on January 1st, “Chinese New Year” or “Lunar New Year” is just around the corner. Also called spring festival, Chūn Jié (Mandarin Chinese), Sŏllal (Korean), or Tết (Vietnamese) among others, this holiday begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends with the first full moon 15 days later. Celebrated by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide (more than 20% of the population), Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays of the year for many East and Southeast Asian countries and families. This year, Lunar New Year 2021 falls on Friday February 12. Each year is dedicated to one of 12 animals and 5 elements based on the Chinese zodiac. 2021 is the year of the metal ox.
As the ox is known to be very hardworking and methodical, 2021 is a year we may feel especially pressured by our responsibilities. But according to predictions, the hard work we put in is sure to pay off. It’s anticipated that the year of the metal ox will bring success in careers as well as much-needed economic recoveries. Similarly, making long-term investments to protect ourselves and our loved ones for the following years is highly recommended.
Chinese fortune also predicts that this year, our relationships should bring us good luck; Those we focus on building — friendships, business partnerships, and others — will prosper. It is also an ideal year to emphasize love and family. Marriages made in the year of the metal ox will be very happy as will stronger, more peaceful relationships that are created with family.
Because 2021 is the year of the metal ox, lucky colors include white, yellow, and green; These colors will attract success and prosperity. We should also wear metal accessories to increase our good luck.
Just as there are countless predictions that change with every new year, there are countless ways to celebrate Lunar New Year that have remained the same for thousands of years. In China, most look forward to a special feast with family. Traditional foods include spring rolls, dumplings, steamed fish, poached chicken, soups with red beans, rice cakes or rice balls, and noodles. Each of these dishes holds a symbolic meaning. Spring rolls (chūn juǎn) and dumplings (jiaozi) indicate wealth and a fresh start. Steamed fish (zhēng yú) indicates surplus and fortune while poached chicken (bai qie ji) represents family togetherness and rebirth. Rice balls (tangyuan) also symbolize family reunion while noodles (yī miàn) are eaten for long life.
While each family may have their own traditions, customs and dishes, there are many more ways to celebrate Lunar New Year by country and region. Whether or not you celebrate this holiday, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and successful 2021. Xīnnián kuàilè, gōng xǐ fā cái.
By: Derrick Hills, Office Manager
Box Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine
Sources:
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/when-chinese-new-year.htm
https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/ox/