The Lunar New Year is upon us. It’s an extended celebration of the new year as defined by the anci-ent Asian or lunar, calendar. As such, the Asian Zodiac is an integral part of the tradition, as are traditional foods and feasts…
A traditional reunion dinner includes many dishes, headlined by chicken or duck,
steamed or fried fish, noodles and dumplings, rice cakes and sweet rice balls.
The Asian Zodiac repeats every 12 years. This is a year of the Snake. Those born in a snake year are said to be, “known in the zodiac for their wisdom, intuition, and mystery. Naturally strategic, they are excellent problem-solvers and skilled communicators.”
The snake is seen as a complementary opposite to the sign of the bold Dragon, whose latest appear-ance is ending. According to chinesenewyear.net: “The Snake represents calmness and introspection. These traits are seen as essential for guiding one’s life with wisdom and grace.”
Kicked off with a feast
In China, the Lunar New Year is marked by Chun Yun, the world’s largest human migration, as millions travel to reunite with their families, some starting their pilgrimmage weeks in advance.
The Chinese new year celebrations are traditionally kicked of with a major family feast: the Reunion Dinner. (See photo, upper tableau, above.) This year, the Reunion Dinner is scheduled for… Tonight! (January 28, 2025.) Tomorrow (January 29, 2025) is Lunar New Year’s Day…
And this is just the beginning…
Chinese New Year celebrations continue for 16 days. And we’ll be bringing you additional posts over this period, as more than a billion people worldwide focus the Asian core values of family, food, and hopes for a prosperous year ahead!
Guo Nian Hao! (Happy New Year!)
~ Maggie J.