Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a significant holiday celebrated in many Asian countries and regions, including China, Vietnam, Korea, and Taiwan. It is also known as the Spring Festival in China, Tết in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, and Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia. The holiday is based on the lunisolar calendar, which is why it is referred to as the Lunar New Year.

Origins

The Lunar New Year has ancient roots in the Chinese calendar, which is a lunisolar calendar. The holiday was traditionally a time to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. It was also a time to bring families together for feasting.

Celebrations

Celebrations vary widely depending on the country and even within regions of the same country. However, common themes include family gatherings, feasting, gift-giving, and various customs intended to bring good luck for the coming year.

In China, the Lunar New Year is marked by the Chinese New Year celebrations, which include the famous Dragon Dance and Lion Dance, as well as the lighting of firecrackers.

In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year is known as Tết, and is the most important holiday in the country. Celebrations include cooking special holiday foods, cleaning the house, and making offerings at the family altar.

In Korea, the Lunar New Year is known as Seollal, and is one of the most important traditional holidays of the year. Celebrations include ancestral rites, wearing traditional clothing known as Hanbok, and playing traditional games.

Date

The date of the Lunar New Year varies from year to year, but it generally falls between January 21 and February 20. The exact date is determined by the lunar calendar, with the holiday falling on the new moon that comes between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

See Also

• Chinese New Year
• Tết
• Seollal
• Tsagaan Sar
• Lunisolar calendar