The Lunar New year is celebrated in many countries across Asia, and in many communities all over the world. The date of Lunar New Year differs every year because it is based on a Lunar calendar but usually occurs somewhere in late January through February. Lunar calendars are tied to the phases of the moon; and the celebrations run from the first new moon (this year falling on February 17th) of the lunar year to the first full moon (March 3rd) of the year.
A deep cleaning of the house is traditionally done in the lead up to the New Year’s celebration, removing bad luck that might be lingering in the home from the previous year. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are traditionally meant more for family and might include religious ceremonies to honor ancestors, and the gifting of red envelopes with money to family members. The home is decorated with lanterns, and the coming days are filled with celebrations of various kinds. This might include dances (like the famous Lion Dance and Dragon Dance), fireworks, sharing meals and snacks, attending parades, and more. All these celebrations lead into the Lantern Festival held on the full moon which closes out the New Year festivities.
This year the New Year begins on the 17th of February, and this coming year will be the year of the Fire Horse! There is a twelve-year cycle of animals (some animals differ depending on the tradition followed), and a rotation of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal- gold, and water), each animal getting a year for each element and combining to make a sixty-year cycle. This year we are celebrating the year of the Fire Horse.
The Fire Horse: those born in the year of the horse tend to be independent, passionate, and energetic. The horse is a fire sign and since this is also the year of the fire horse there is twice the fire in horses born this year. The last year of the fire horse was 1966.
Library Programs
Many of our Libraries are hosting events to mark the new year. Check them out here!
Picture Books, JE Fiction and JE and J Nonfiction titles about Lunar New Year.
