Lunar New Year

A lunar year is the time it takes for the Moon to complete its circle around the Earth. It is around 29.5 days long, which is more restricted than the sun controlled year (the time it takes for the Earth to circle the Sun) which is 365.25 days long. The lunar year is used in various lunar timetables, for instance, the Chinese and Hebrew timetables, which rely upon the examples of the Moon.

WHAT TO KNOW:

1. What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?

2. Stand by — is it similarly the Drawn out time of the Cat?

3. When is Lunar New Year?

4. How should I celebrate the Lunar New Year?

5. How could World commend the Lunar New Year?

A cat statue in Hanoi’s Thong Nhat Park

1. What does the Year of the Rabbit represent?

The Chinese zodiac's Time of the Rabbit is associated with a number of symbols and meanings. Due to their reputation for having a long lifespan, rabbits are frequently used as symbols of longevity. It is also associated with prosperity and good fortune since the Rabbit is thought of as a symbol of good fortune. People born during the Time of the Rabbit are thought to be delicate, gentle, and delicate since the Rabbit is also associated with qualities of elegance, sympathy, and judgement. They are also expected to be imaginative and have strong sensory faculties.

2. Stand by — is it similarly the Drawn out time of the Cat?

No, the cat is not one of the twelve animals that make up the Chinese zodiac. Rodent, bull, tiger, hare, mythical beast, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, and dog are among the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac. Every living thing speaks to a year once every twelve years. As a result, the year symbolized by the rabbit is referred to as the Time of the Rabbit and not the Extended time of the Feline.

3. When is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is an important holiday observed in China as well as other countries with sizable Chinese populations, such as Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The lunar calendar determines when it occurs, however it often occurs between late January and mid-February. The new moon of the main lunar month does not completely determine the exact day of Lunar New Year, hence it varies every year. Beginning on New Year's Eve and ending on the Light Celebration, the main celebration lasts 15 days.

For instance, the basic celebration will end on February 15th in the year 2023, with Lunar New Year falling on February 1st.

4. How should I celebrate the Lunar New Year?

Depending on your social standing and location, there are many different methods to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Common methods to celebrate include:

• Adding traditional decor to your home, such as red lights, paper cuts, and couplets (red standards with promising maxims composed on them).
• Preparing typical food items such rice cakes, noodles, and dumplings.
• Giving children and single adults red envelopes filled with cash as presents
• Wearing brand-new clothing, typically in bright colours like red or other, to symbolise a new beginning
• Spectacular lion and legendary beast marches and light displays.
• Spending time with loved ones while wishing them happiness, success, and a healthy new year.
• Before the start of the new year, thoroughly clean your house to clear out bad luck and make room for good karma to enter.
• Participating in social events and sanctuary fairs.

It's important to keep in mind that some of these activities might not be possible given the present situation with Covid-19 pandemics, and some activities might have been cancelled or held online.

5. How could World commend the Lunar New Year?

Many cultures across the world, including those in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other countries with sizable Chinese populations, celebrate the Lunar New Year. The way it is observed varies from nation to nation, but generally speaking, it is a time for family to get together, exchange presents, and savor traditional food sources.

During the Lunar New Year, people frequently travel great distances to be with their relatives in China, and many businesses and schools close for a week or more to allow for the celebrations. The main celebration often includes marches, firecrackers, and lion and legendary beast dances.

Different countries regularly distinguish the Lunar New Year with marches and social gatherings that feature displays of traditional music and dancing, food stalls, and acts by lions and other mythological creatures.

However, the current Coronavirus pandemic situation has significantly changed how Lunar New Year is celebrated across the world. Numerous activities have been cancelled, and people are urged to celebrate with their own family rather than attending large social gatherings. A few events have been held online.

People are asked to abide by these restrictions in order to be safe and healthy because several locations on Earth have also implemented tighter measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus, such as mandatory veil wearing and social isolation.