LA Momma Photography

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.

Lunar New Year Decoration Red Lanterns

5 Must-haves for Lunar New Year

  1. A New Year’s Eve feast (年夜飯)
  2. Red decorations including Spring Coupling Scrolls (春聯), “Fu” Signs (福), and red lanterns.
  3. Red envelopes (紅包)
  4. Traditional snacks and treats
  5. Family entertainment
Lunar New Year Feast Pork Belly Green Sprouts Duck Soup Shrimp

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 with paper flower and paper fans

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.

Chinese New Year Decoration
Lunar New Year Kids Activity Placemat

Lunar New Year Entertainment

What can we do if we can’t get together in person? Here are a few ideas you can try:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Lunar New Year Macaroons
Super Cute Macaroons with Lunar New Year Design

Where to buy Lunar New Year Supplies

Lunar New Year Gift Chocolate
Gourmet Chocolate Gift Box

Additional Lunar New Year Resources

Cookies & Snacks + Tea
Lunar New Year Snack Trays with Traditional Chinese Candy, Seeds, Rice Puff, Dried Plum, tangerine for good luck
Traditional Chinese Treats
Chinese New Year Sweets
Lunar New Year Desserts – Chocolates, Macaroons, Sugar Cookies

Lunar New Year Vendors

Love the pretty photos here? Thanks to these amazing vendors:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest