By Riley Wang, rw163@uakron.edu
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is a holiday that celebrates the first day in the Chinese calendar. The celebration lasts multiple days and family and friends often come together to have a sumptuous meal. This year, Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 22, 2022.
What are some Chinese New Year traditions?
During Chinese New Year, people wear red clothing and set off fireworks. Parades and dragon dancing performances can be seen on the streets. Children often receive red envelopes, filled with cash. Foods like dumplings, rice cakes, steam fish, and longevity noodles are stables for New Year’s dinner.
What does the animal represent?
2023 is the year of the rabbit and it symbolizes peace and prosperity. There are twelve animals in Chinese Zodiac signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Unlike western astrology, where signs represent the months of the year, Chinese zodiac signs are changed at the start of each new year. You can learn more about the story behind Chinese zodiac signs here:The myth behind the Chinese zodiac - Megan Campisi and Pen-Pen Chen
Why the color red?
Legend has it that long ago, a monster named Nian (which translates to the word “year” in English) woke from his slumber every new year to terrorize villagers and eat their food. People were frightened by Nian and every year they hike up the mountain to hide from this hideous beast. However everything changed when an old man visited the village.
“Nian is scared of bright colors and loud noises,” informs the old man. “When the beast comes tonight, wear your brightest clothes and light your loudest firecrackers.”
The villagers accepted the old man’s advice and got to work decorating their homes with vibrant colors and wore red from head to toe. When Nian came howling down the streets that night he was shocked by the flashing colors and was petrified by the firecrackers. He ran back to his cave crying and whining; never dared to come back again. The villagers celebrated the defeat of Nian with feast and music and every new year they wore red clothing and set off firecrackers to prevent Nian from disturbing them again.
Downtown Akron Lunar New Year celebration
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Akron Civic Theatre is hosting the Lunar New Year celebration! There will be food, amazing performances, and fireworks! Learn more about the event here: downtownakron.com/LunarNewYear23.
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