Modern Lunar New Year
Did you know that the lunar new year falls on a different date every year? Traditionally, everyone returns home or gathers at their parents’ or grandparents’ house to celebrate. The lunar new year is also called the Spring Festival in China and many Asian countries, which lasts for 15 days, from the new moon to the full moon.
This year, we have to take precautions with the pandemic and widespread of COVID. Many of us probably won’t be gathering with our families in person, but we can still safely celebrate at home and carry out some of the traditions.
We’ve included 5 must-have items for your lunar new year including food, decoration, and entertainment ideas. Thank goodness for technology, we can order takeouts or delivery through apps like Postmate, GrubHub, UberEats, and Fantuan (飯糰), while staying connected with family and relatives virtually through Zoom, Facebook, Line, WeChat, and WhatsApp.
5 Must-haves for Lunar New Year
- A New Year’s Eve feast (年夜飯)
- Red decorations including Spring Coupling Scrolls (春聯), “Fu” Signs (福), and red lanterns.
- Red envelopes (紅包)
- Traditional snacks and treats
- Family entertainment
Lunar New Year Food
There are many popular Chinese New Year dishes that symbolize prosperity, health, and wealth. We eat them to bring us good fortunes for the whole year!
- Fish – In Chinese, the word “fish” sounds the same as “abundance”. The fish is served whole, with the head and tail attached, representing a good beginning and ending for the new year.
- Dumplings – In ancient China, the currency used was gold or silver bars/ingots shaped like a boat. The shape of the dumplings is like gold ingots which symbolize wealth.
- Chicken or Duck – We love Peking Duck at our house, but other families also celebrate with roast duck or steamed chicken which represents completeness.
- Rice Ball – The round shape of the rice ball symbolizes family reunion or togetherness, They’re made of rice flour, can be plain or with stuffing, and usually served in a bowl of soup.
- Rice Cake – Rice cake can be savory or sweet. It symbolizes promotions in career or education and life gets better and better.
- There are many many more dishes and their meaning to bring good luck. More about Chinese New Year Reunion Feast
Lunar New Year Decorations
Red and gold are the main colors of the Lunar New Year. Old Chinese tales told a story of a beast called Nian that would terrorize the villages on new year’s day. To defeat the monster, the villagers used fire, loud noise, and the color red. They hung red lanterns and posted red paper scrolls on their door frame, and set out firecrackers to scare the beast away. These became annual traditions for the Lunar New Year.
Lunar New Year Entertainment
What can we do if we can’t get together in person? Here are a few ideas you can try:
- For grown-up’s – Go Virtual! Select a platform that you and your family are familiar with. It can be Zoom, Facebook, or Facetime. Pick one that provides a quality streaming experience, clear video feed, and allows multiple people to talk at once. Pick a date and set a time for everyone to call in. Send out a digital invitation along with the link, password/code, and instructions for the older family members.
- For kids – Order and download fun kids activity sheet and lunar new year dragon craft kit from La Design Boutique. Or try these fun origami Chinese zodiac animals bookmark from Red Ted Art.
- Watch a movie together – Pick a movie on DisneyPlus and use the Group Watch feature to sync the playback. More of a Netflix crowd? Try Teleparty to watch your favorite show/TV together.
Where to buy Lunar New Year Supplies
- Satin Chinese Design Pillowcase (Amazon)
- Gold Decorative Paper Fans (Amazon)
- Handmade Decorative Paper Flowers
- Lunar New Year Paper Lanterns (Portofino International)
- Traditional Chinese Rotating Snack Tray (Wing Hop Fung)
- Lunar New Year Macaroons & Cupcakes
- Custom Lunar New Year Cookies
- Custom Koi Chocolate and Chocolate Gift Box
- Gifting Idea: Sugarfina Gift Box
Additional Lunar New Year Resources
- 7 Lucky Food and Symbolism
- 10 Facts You Should Know About Chinese New Year
- The Do’s and Don’ts during Lunar New Years
Lunar New Year Vendors
Love the pretty photos here? Thanks to these amazing vendors:
- Venue: Whimsy Pasadena
- Planner: In the Clouds Events
- Planner: My Wedding Songbird
- Photographer: LA Momma
- Macaroon & Cupcakes: Phanncy Treats
- Cookies: Custom Sweets by Z
- Painting: Artistry by Adonna
- Chocolates: Cocoa Rome Chocolate Company
- Florist: Yours Truly Design
- Decor & Props: Portofino International
- Paper Flowers: Enchanting Crafts by Ana
- Tableware: Vintage Borrowed Rentals
- Graphics & Prints: La Design Boutique
- Menu & Signs: MoCaLife
- Balloon Garland: AbGrfx
- Rentals: Vini’s Party Rentals
- Holiday Guide Producer: Festively
