Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! 恭喜发财
So grateful to make it to the Lunar New Year celebration at the Chinatown in San Francisco today. So happy to see happy faces of different races & nationalities sharing positive vibes. Beautiful weather, so much food and I overate! The fireworks were a bit scary and well, I survive them hahaha!
Lunar New Year is celebrated and observed by numerous cultures in Asia and marks the beginning of a calendar year with months based on moon cycles. Lunar New Year in 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.
Lunar New Year customs begin days before the widely known celebrations of the new year. Here are some of the common customs and practices that will help you kick off a prosperous and abundant new year:
1. Clean your home to get rid of dirt and bad luck, with special attention to the kitchen to welcome the Kitchen God to protect the family.
2. Have a family dinner on New Year’s Eve (January 21) with traditional foods such as fish (symbolizing surplus), chicken (symbolizing auspciousness), New Year cake (“nian gao”, symbolizing advancement), lettuce (symbolizing wealth generation), and dumplings (symbolizing prosperity pouring in from all sides).
3. Red envelopes are usually given from married adults to unmarried children in the family, with red symbolizing luck and good fortune.
4. Wear new clothes and say auspicious words to each other for a joyful start on New Year’s Day.
Each new year is paired with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog or pig. This year, it is the powerful dragon’s turn. Dragon years are associated with strength, luck and good fortune. Folklore tells us that these royally powerful creatures are a benevolent force for society and create prosperity.
Happy Year of the Dragon!
Recorded February 10, 2024 Saturday