You may have noticed red lanterns, stickers, and Chinese knots popping up across the country — that’s all in celebration of Lunar New Year, which falls on January 29 this year.
Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, has grown beyond its roots, becoming a beloved celebration embraced by people from diverse backgrounds around the world.
NSW is known for hosting some of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, showcasing Australia’s inclusive and multicultural spirit.
So, if you’re in the mood to celebrate this festive season, here’s everything you need to know and do to join in on the fun.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many places across Australia.
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When is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
Named after the lunar calendar, Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of a new year, differing from the Gregorian calendar most commonly used in the West.
Unlike the Gregorian New Year, which doesn’t carry the same cultural significance for Asian communities, Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the year with cultural and traditional observances.
The celebration officially begins on Lunar New Year Eve, when families come together for their reunion dinner.
Those celebrating Lunar New Year make a special effort to return home for the reunion dinner.
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Similar to Christmas, families aim to be together for this significant meal, often making a trip home.
The celebrations extend formally until the 15th day of the new year, marked by the Lantern Festival, which occurs on February 12 this year. However, many in China limit their celebrations to the first week, returning to work on the seventh day.
How is Lunar New Year Celebrated?
The reunion dinner, enjoyed on Lunar New Year Eve, is the pinnacle of this celebration.
Specific foods are crucial to this dinner, though they can vary by region. For example, fish is a must due to its linguistic similarity to the word for abundance in Mandarin, symbolising a bountiful year ahead.
Other symbolic foods include chicken and tangerines, known for their luck-bringing qualities.
In southern China, rice cake is essential, as its pronunciation suggests progress year after year.
Glutinous rice balls, or Tang Yuan, are another important dish, their name similar to ‘Tuan Yuan’, meaning family reunion.
Northern China celebrates with dumplings, traditionally associated with pairs of prosperity.
After the dinner, families often stay united, chatting until sunrise, a practice known as Shou Sui.
In the ensuing days, it’s customary to wear new clothes and visit family and friends, a tradition known as Bai Nian.
