The Lunar New Year, first came to be when ceremonies were held for our Ancestors and Gods thousands of years ago. For the Chinese culture, we celebrate the New Year with our loved ones. We go around spreading cheer, and happiness by handing out red envelopes filled with a small amount of currency. We hand them out by bowing which also shows respect to others. Another big tradition is Lion, and dragon dances. Around the Lunar New year, or any special occasion, Lion dances are done to symbolize power, wisdom, and superiority. They have a special meaning in the Chinese culture.
Lion Dances, also symbolize bringing Good Fortune to the New year, and Chasing away evil spirits. They are very interesting to participate in, and even to watch! Another very and well known fun tradition, is how every year there's a new animal! In other words, it's called the Chinese Zodiac signs. This year, which is 2021, is the Year of the Ox! The Chinese Zodiac signs are filled with a total of 12 animals. It includes dogs, dragons, pigs, rabbits and many more. There's not a big difference between the Chinese Zodiac signs and the regular Zodiac signs, besides the use of animals. They both depend on which year you were born in, and your personality. It's simple, yet fascinating.
For the Korean culture, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated. We wear traditional outfits and bow down to the adults, which is a sign of respect. We go around wishing our family friends, and loved ones a Happy New Year in Korean. After getting our traditional oration, we learn about how we should live up to the New Year, and what new and better choices we will make. For supper, we normally eat a traditional rice cake soup, which tastes like heaven! Something my family does is play a game with sticks which tells a bit about zodiac signs, because of the fun animals that are used. This special holiday is celebrated with our family members, as well as close friends.
One way I celebrate the Lunar New Year is the annual Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco. I walk in the parade every year with the St. Mary group. We wear beautifully made outfits covered in jewels, and pins, and twirl batons. Some people in our group play instruments such as drums, and xylophones. They're held on our shoulders as we walk in the chilly streets of San Francisco. It’s super fun and such an amazing tradition we do. Around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated differently throughout the cultures, and it is so fun to celebrate the Lunar New Year!