The Lunar New Year is just around the corner! This year, the Lunar New Year begins on January 25th and ends on February 8th. My heritage and culture as a Chinese American are important to me, so that's why I wanted to share with you more about it. If you’re wondering how we will be celebrating, this is how we plan to do it:
1. House Cleaning
Cleaning before the start of the new year is believed to get rid of the bad luck of the past year and get ready to fill the home with good luck and fortune. During this time, I like to go to every room and de-clutter by throwing away things I haven't used at all this past year. I also like to light up some sandalwood incense to help cleanse and clear the air of negative energy.
2. Wear Red
Wearing the color red is believed to bring good luck and ward off misfortune during the Lunar New Year. I generally don't like to wear an all-red dress/outfit, so I always opt for some red with my favorite color - black.
3. Give red packets
In Cantonese, we call these red packets "Lai See" and they are given out during this time of year. The packets are stuffed with money and are given as a token of good fortune to friends and family. Believe it or not, my parents give lai see to my fur babies!
4. Be a part of or watch the traditional lion dance at a parade
In Chinese culture, the lion symbolizes power, wisdom, and superiority. Traditional lion dances are performed at parades to bring good fortune and chase away evil spirits. I didn't get the chance to take Gatsby to see this last year because he was still too young but this year, we plan on walking the parade in Chinatown, NYC on February 9th, 2020. Come by and say hi to Gatsby at the parade if you are in NYC!
5. Visit a Buddhist temple
We've visited our local temple in Chinatown to pray to Buddha for a prosperous new year. I also spent some time here to meditate and reflected on this year, what I liked about it and what changes I would like to make in the Lunar New Year. After the meditation, I felt much more centered and serene.
6. Reunion Dinner
On Lunar New Year's Eve, families gather together for a reunion dinner. Growing up, my Mom made some really great authentic Cantonese dishes using my Grandma's recipes. The dumplings, steamed fish with spring onions, ginger and soy sauce, spring rolls, turnip cakes, and the Nian Gao were absolutely delicious! In the past couple of years, we all opted to dine out instead. Here are some Chinese restaurants if you are looking to try some authentic dishes. My favorite Michelin star Cantonese restaurant is Hakkasan. I loved this restaurant so much that Danny and I held our wedding reception here! This year, we plan on dining out as well as cook at home so we can include Gatsby and the cats in the New Year festivities. Check out Gatsby's Lunar New Year ground bison dish below.
7. Read the new 2020 Chinese Zodiac Horoscope
There are 12 Chinese zodiac animals used to represent the years and 2020 is the Year of the Rat. Your own zodiac animal is based on the year you were born. I was born in the year of the Rooster and according to the 2020 Chinese horoscope, it's supposed to be a stellar year for me. Want to see what's in store for you this Lunar New Year? Check it out here.
8. Spend time with friends and family
Like any celebration, it's spent with those you love - friends and family. And yes. That includes Gatsby and the cats too.
Whether you are Chinese America, have some Chinese friends or just want to learn more about the Chinese culture, how will you be celebrating the 2020 Lunar New Year?
Comments