5 Things To Know About Lunar New Year

Americans this week will join hundreds of millions of people around the world to welcome the Year of the Dog. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins Friday with Americans celebrating the new year for three days. In China, the holiday is celebrated for 15 days.

The U.S. is home to some of the biggest Lunar New Year festivals, including in Orange County, which is home to nearly 200,000 Vietnamese people. The region hosts the Tet Festival, which attracts Vietnamese people from throughout the country. San Diego is home to the second-largest Tet Festival, which is hosted by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance.

With an estimated 600,000 Chinese people in the Bay Area, the region hosts various events throughout the month to celebrate the new moon.

Here are just five things you should know about Lunar New Year:

1. It's arguably the most important holiday celebrated in countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand, among others. Those who celebrate the Lunar New Year consider it a time to come together with family to celebrate new beginnings, as well as, acknowledge the past year. You're required to visit your loved ones, especially your elders, to wish them well. You're also expected to pray to your ancestors as you honor their memory.

2. The date of the new year is based on the moon. The Lunar New Year begins at the new moon, which typically falls between late January and mid-February. Each year also represents a different animal in the Chinese Zodiac with 2018 representing the Year of the Dog. Those who were born in a Year of the Dog (1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018) will have a lucky year, the Chinese believe.

3. There are many traditions leading up to Lunar New Year. For some, you must do a deep clean to your house so that you can ring in the new year with a completely fresh beginning. People will often buy new clothes to wear during the new year (but don't buy clothes on the day of the new year, that's considered bad luck!). Red is also considered a lucky color so you will see many celebrators wearing the bright color.

4. There are a lot of gifts and food. Married couples are required to give those younger than them and unmarried red envelopes with cash inside. The cash represents wealth and fortune. The couples are also required to give their elders gifts of appreciation and oranges that signify health. The gifts are a way for the Chinese or Vietnamese to share their affection for their loved ones, much like how we celebrate Christmas with gifts. The three-day or 14-day festival is also filled with good food as people celebrate the new moon. Food, such as moon cakes and bánh chưng, are often used as gifts.

5. It's a big party. As people gather with their loved ones to celebrate, you might see a traditional lion dance where several people are hidden in a bright lion costume and dance to music. The lion, like some of the gifts, represents good fortune for the new year. The lion is also seen as a strong animal that can scare off evil spirits or bad luck. Just like a western new year celebration, you'll also see fireworks and other festive celebrations. In Vietnam, adults also throw red envelopes with money and candy onto the streets for the children to collect.

Happy Lunar New Year! And a very happy new year to the dogs!

--Photos courtesy of Sydney Tran/San Diego Tet Festival