CHINESE NEW YEAR: WHO CELEBRATES IT?
Karakura News | Marceline Klein
When January ends and February rolls around, you might start seeing red lanterns, gold decorations and maybe even hear a firecracker or two. That’s because Chinese New Year- also known as the Spring Festival- is right around the corner! But here’s something you might not know, despite the name, it’s not just China celebrating. Crazy, right?
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date shifts every year, typically falling between late January and mid-February and lasts for a lengthy 15 to 16 days. While it’s the most important holiday in China, the celebrations stretch far beyond its borders. Countries like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines all celebrate to a great extent! It doesn’t stop there though- communities in places like the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia also hold massive Lunar New Year events, thanks to large Chinese and East Asian populations.
I’ve done some rather heavy research and here’s where it gets a little interesting. While many call it Chinese New Year, other cultures have their own versions of the holiday! For example, Vietnam has Tết, Korea has Seollal and Mongolia has Tsagaan Sar. Each of these traditions share themes of family, food and the freshest of beginnings. Sweet!
Although Chinese New Year isn’t widely celebrated here in Karakura, you’ll still find plenty of families marking the occasion. Some might prepare a feast with dishes that are meant to bring luck- fish for prosperity, dumplings for wealth and tang yuan, also known as sweet rice balls for family unity.
Now, let’s talk about one of the many traditions that are meant to symbolise and bring good fortune in the coming year; hóngbāo (红包)! Now, you must be wondering… What exactly is a hóngbāo? They’re red envelopes where money is gifted in bright red packets, it’s done to pass on luck and blessings to the receiver. Now, these red packets aren’t usually handed out by just anyone! Traditionally, married couples hand them to children and younger family members, though in some families, elders also receive them as a sign of respect. The amount of cash inside isn’t as important as the gesture itself, though, the number 8 is considered lucky since it symbolises wealth whereas the number 4 is often avoided as it sounds like the word ‘death’ in Chinese. And, please don’t even think about handing over a crumpled bill- fresh, crisp bills only!
Let’s not forget about fireworks! Crackling, loud and colourful fireworks are typically set off to ‘scare away’ a beast named Nian, who was said to terrorise villages once a year! This is, of course, according to legend. However, over time, fireworks became a way to welcome the new year with, well, a literal bang.
So, if you find yourself invited to a Chinese New Year celebration, consider yourself lucky! It’s a time for joy, unity, good fortune and prosperity and we can’t forget the most delectable foods! Want to know the best part? You don’t have to be Chinese- or celebrate the new year traditionally to enjoy the new year's spirit.
Alright! To give you a deeper look, I sat down with two Karakura residents; one who celebrates Chinese New Year and one who doesn't celebrate to hear their perspectives firsthand. Here’s what they had to say!
Karakura News | Marceline Klein
When January ends and February rolls around, you might start seeing red lanterns, gold decorations and maybe even hear a firecracker or two. That’s because Chinese New Year- also known as the Spring Festival- is right around the corner! But here’s something you might not know, despite the name, it’s not just China celebrating. Crazy, right?
Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date shifts every year, typically falling between late January and mid-February and lasts for a lengthy 15 to 16 days. While it’s the most important holiday in China, the celebrations stretch far beyond its borders. Countries like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines all celebrate to a great extent! It doesn’t stop there though- communities in places like the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia also hold massive Lunar New Year events, thanks to large Chinese and East Asian populations.
I’ve done some rather heavy research and here’s where it gets a little interesting. While many call it Chinese New Year, other cultures have their own versions of the holiday! For example, Vietnam has Tết, Korea has Seollal and Mongolia has Tsagaan Sar. Each of these traditions share themes of family, food and the freshest of beginnings. Sweet!
Although Chinese New Year isn’t widely celebrated here in Karakura, you’ll still find plenty of families marking the occasion. Some might prepare a feast with dishes that are meant to bring luck- fish for prosperity, dumplings for wealth and tang yuan, also known as sweet rice balls for family unity.
Now, let’s talk about one of the many traditions that are meant to symbolise and bring good fortune in the coming year; hóngbāo (红包)! Now, you must be wondering… What exactly is a hóngbāo? They’re red envelopes where money is gifted in bright red packets, it’s done to pass on luck and blessings to the receiver. Now, these red packets aren’t usually handed out by just anyone! Traditionally, married couples hand them to children and younger family members, though in some families, elders also receive them as a sign of respect. The amount of cash inside isn’t as important as the gesture itself, though, the number 8 is considered lucky since it symbolises wealth whereas the number 4 is often avoided as it sounds like the word ‘death’ in Chinese. And, please don’t even think about handing over a crumpled bill- fresh, crisp bills only!
Let’s not forget about fireworks! Crackling, loud and colourful fireworks are typically set off to ‘scare away’ a beast named Nian, who was said to terrorise villages once a year! This is, of course, according to legend. However, over time, fireworks became a way to welcome the new year with, well, a literal bang.
So, if you find yourself invited to a Chinese New Year celebration, consider yourself lucky! It’s a time for joy, unity, good fortune and prosperity and we can’t forget the most delectable foods! Want to know the best part? You don’t have to be Chinese- or celebrate the new year traditionally to enjoy the new year's spirit.
Alright! To give you a deeper look, I sat down with two Karakura residents; one who celebrates Chinese New Year and one who doesn't celebrate to hear their perspectives firsthand. Here’s what they had to say!
Do you celebrate Chinese New Year? If so, how do you usually spend it?
Athia Chen: Well for starters, I do celebrate Chinese New Year (which is) also known as Lunar New Year!
Chen seemed so happy to be speaking about this holiday almost as if it was her favorite, Chen reached into the pocket located on the side of her pants and slipped her phone out, pulling up pictures she would set the phone onto the table, swiping the picture her nail would be heard tapping the screen. She would stop on a specific picture. A picture of Chen and her family!
Athia Chen: The way I have always celebrated and what many people do is spending time with family, enjoying delicious food, giving and receiving red envelopes, and watching fireworks.
Chen swiped once more, the phone screen would land on a picture of a dumpling!
Athia Chen: This right here is called a jiǎozi. It's a popular dumpling especially in the northern part of China! These dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity because of their shape! My grandma makes them every year... Heh.
Athia Chen: Well for starters, I do celebrate Chinese New Year (which is) also known as Lunar New Year!
Chen seemed so happy to be speaking about this holiday almost as if it was her favorite, Chen reached into the pocket located on the side of her pants and slipped her phone out, pulling up pictures she would set the phone onto the table, swiping the picture her nail would be heard tapping the screen. She would stop on a specific picture. A picture of Chen and her family!
Athia Chen: The way I have always celebrated and what many people do is spending time with family, enjoying delicious food, giving and receiving red envelopes, and watching fireworks.
Chen swiped once more, the phone screen would land on a picture of a dumpling!
Athia Chen: This right here is called a jiǎozi. It's a popular dumpling especially in the northern part of China! These dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity because of their shape! My grandma makes them every year... Heh.
The blonde's head nodded several times as Athia spoke even though he quite literally had not a clue what she was talking about but no matter he still nodded along not wanting be rude and interrupt. Eventually when it finally had reached his turn to speak he popped out his jacket making sure it looked REAAAALLLL nice.
Akhilles Toshima: Well uhm- I thought we were going to talk about things like basketball- and sports and stuff… But since you asked so kindly, I will tell you about, uhm, Chinese New Year and stuff because I'm super smart. So basically, uhhhhmmm, so basically Chinese new year is when it's (the) new year.. But in China! Ooh and when the big dragons come out! I saw one on TV one time.
Toshima's eyes lit up as he realized this was his opportunity to finally put something that he truly cared about in.
Akhilles Toshima: You know that uhm the dragons are as MASSIVE as the low taper fade meme? I mean the low taper fade meme is still MASSIVE after all.
Finally he had done it, completed his mission of putting the low taper fade meme in what he thought was national TV,
Akhilles Toshima: Anyways, uhm that just about wraps up my super cool talk and GO SPARTANS!!!!
Well... Thank you both for the very detailed insights! Bonus points for the, what is it..? 'Low taper fade' reference, very cultural of you.
Akhilles Toshima: Well uhm- I thought we were going to talk about things like basketball- and sports and stuff… But since you asked so kindly, I will tell you about, uhm, Chinese New Year and stuff because I'm super smart. So basically, uhhhhmmm, so basically Chinese new year is when it's (the) new year.. But in China! Ooh and when the big dragons come out! I saw one on TV one time.
Toshima's eyes lit up as he realized this was his opportunity to finally put something that he truly cared about in.
Akhilles Toshima: You know that uhm the dragons are as MASSIVE as the low taper fade meme? I mean the low taper fade meme is still MASSIVE after all.
Finally he had done it, completed his mission of putting the low taper fade meme in what he thought was national TV,
Akhilles Toshima: Anyways, uhm that just about wraps up my super cool talk and GO SPARTANS!!!!
Well... Thank you both for the very detailed insights! Bonus points for the, what is it..? 'Low taper fade' reference, very cultural of you.
2025 is the year of the snake- do you believe in zodiac predictions? Do you think it’ll be a lucky year for you?
Akhilles Toshima: OH OOH- I know this one! I know this one!
The excitement didn’t just show in his body language but also his loud excitement to answer. After he put himself back down, he began his yap.
Akhilles Toshima: Okay so basically, zodiac signs are like, when um, the month of birth and sometimes they suck. Like, in highschool, this one chick dump- And this one time, I saw that snake eating itself, the um! Oh-ruh-bo-gus (ouroboros) or something like that. I’d totally get that tattooed one day, it’s going to be a great year! Right, Athia?
* The audio cut off. *
Riiight… Sorry about that, folks.
Akhilles Toshima: OH OOH- I know this one! I know this one!
The excitement didn’t just show in his body language but also his loud excitement to answer. After he put himself back down, he began his yap.
Akhilles Toshima: Okay so basically, zodiac signs are like, when um, the month of birth and sometimes they suck. Like, in highschool, this one chick dump- And this one time, I saw that snake eating itself, the um! Oh-ruh-bo-gus (ouroboros) or something like that. I’d totally get that tattooed one day, it’s going to be a great year! Right, Athia?
* The audio cut off. *
Riiight… Sorry about that, folks.
Hearing the blondie next to her shoot up with excitement, she would flinch a little. Clearly, the young woman didn’t expect that… Nodding along with his words.
Athia Chen: Right... Anyways! What I think he meant was the ouroboros, which symbolises the cycles of renewal, creation and destruction. I think Chinese zodiac signs can say something about our energies, but the universe is limitless and people are always evolving. I’m open to the mysteries of life- anything can happen and I don’t judge anybody for what they think.
Tilting her head towards the man next to her, sort of as a way to point at him.
Athia Chen: As blondie here said, I do think and hope that this year will be a good year!
Athia Chen: Right... Anyways! What I think he meant was the ouroboros, which symbolises the cycles of renewal, creation and destruction. I think Chinese zodiac signs can say something about our energies, but the universe is limitless and people are always evolving. I’m open to the mysteries of life- anything can happen and I don’t judge anybody for what they think.
Tilting her head towards the man next to her, sort of as a way to point at him.
Athia Chen: As blondie here said, I do think and hope that this year will be a good year!
Very well said! For the most part..!
If you could only eat ONE Chinese New Year dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If you could only eat ONE Chinese New Year dish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Athia Chen: Oooh, easy! Dumplings. The ones my grandma makes, in specific. Sorry to those… Dumpling stores out there.
Akhilles Toshima: Well, you see, given my answers from the previous question… I don’t celebrate. But! I do know of some really good steamed fish and glutinous rice cakes. They eat those on Chinese New Year, right? AND PURPLE MOONCAKES.
* the audio clip ends. *
Akhilles Toshima: Well, you see, given my answers from the previous question… I don’t celebrate. But! I do know of some really good steamed fish and glutinous rice cakes. They eat those on Chinese New Year, right? AND PURPLE MOONCAKES.
* the audio clip ends. *
So, if you find yourself invited to a Chinese New Year celebration, consider yourself lucky! It’s a time for joy, unity, good fortune and prosperity and we can’t forget the most delectable foods! Want to know the best part? You don’t have to be Chinese- or celebrate the new year traditionally to enjoy the new year's spirit.
Till next time, thank you for reading.
Till next time, thank you for reading.
