This 29th of January marks the New Year of the Lunar calendar. Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday in Vietnam, where I am from, and many other Asian countries. It cherishes a long, eventful year and celebrates a new, exciting beginning. During this time, people return to their homes, surrounding themselves with family and welcoming the new year with many traditions.
During the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, my family buys Peach Blossoms or Yellow Apricot Blossoms and hangs decorations on them. My favorite tradition is receiving red envelopes containing money, which are given to me by the adults who visit the house. Traditional New Year food includes Banh Chung and Banh Tet. Different regions in Vietnam have different traditions and celebrations. The Vietnamese celebrate New Year wholeheartedly to kick off a year of prosperity.
I also asked about her family’s tradition in celebrating the Lunar New Year in China:
“We usually buy paper cuts to decorate our house,” Willow Zhao, a sophomore from China, said. “We cook together as well. My favorite tradition is lighting fireworks right at midnight. I love the holiday because it brings all the family members together. I haven’t spent the New Year with my family for almost 2 years now. During this time of the year, I often get homesick from seeing all the pictures of my family from home. But I am glad to spend this new year with my friends, and we are probably going to get dinner in town to celebrate the holiday,” Zhao added.
Lunar New Year brings together families and communities with a shared spirit of renewal and hope. Whether it’s the Vietnamese or Chinese New Year, this holiday is a reminder of the importance of family. It is the time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
