Chinese New Year falls on Sunday January 22 this year with celebrations lasting up to 16 days. More than 20% of the world’s population celebrates the Lunar New Year!
It’s the Year of the Rabbit. For those of you with this Zodiac sign, born in 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, this is your year! Rabbits are 4th in the Chinese zodiac and are believed to be kind, gentle, witty and ingenious. The sign of the Rabbit signifies peace, prosperity and longevity.
There are a lot of superstitions associated with the Lunar New Year. Red symbolizes good luck so many Asians wear red and children and unmarried relatives receive red envelopes filled with cash. Homes are cleaned prior to the New Year to rid it of any bad luck but you shouldn’t sweep during the celebration as you’ll sweep away good luck. You’re not supposed to cut or wash your hair on the first day because that can wash away good luck. Negative words and fighting are taboo as well. Fireworks are set off to scare away bad luck.
The big family dinner is held on January 21st, New Year’s Eve, where many dishes associated with good luck are shared such as dumplings, egg rolls, rice cakes and steamed fish and chicken. Long noodles symbolize longevity, so the longer the noodle, the longer your life. Slurping is perfectly allowed.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health, peace and prosperity!!
Thanks for the insight Dr. Judy!! You are the best!!