By Talia M.
Staff Writer

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023 was the Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Rabbit, which symbolizes mercy, elegance, and beauty. This means people who are born during this year are calm and peaceful. 

Chinese New Year is also known as “Lunar New Year,” which is celebrated in East Asia. Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival, which is a time to worship ancestors and to bring prosperity and happiness. 

My family is Chinese and has always celebrated the Chinese New Year. 

Some traditions that are celebrated by my family during Chinese New Year are giving red envelopes and going to the lion dances. Red envelopes or “hong bao” in Mandarin are typically filled with money and given to children or unmarried adults. The red color symbolizes good luck and fortune in Chinese culture. 

The lion dance, which is also a traditional dance in other countries, is usually performed during Chinese New Year to chase away evil spirits. Firecrackers and fireworks are used as well to scare off the evil spirits. The lion symbolizes strength, superiority, and stability. 

At 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 29 there will be a lion dance held in Maplewood, New Jersey, which is about an hour and 40 minute drive from Absecon.

In my house during Chinese New Year, it is typical to have mandarin oranges around. That is because the word “kam,” which means both the fruit and gold in Mandarin (the language). So it is said to bring money into our life. 

Foods that are traditionally eaten on Chinese New Year include dumplings, fish, steamed chicken, and fruits and vegetables. Mooncakes are also important during this new year because it brings families together. Fish symbolizes prosperity, a whole chicken symbolizes luck and wholeness, and dumplings represent wealth. 

If you and your family want to do a few things to celebrate Chinese New Year you can eat traditional Chinese food, do a bit of cleaning, or maybe catch up with some family and friends. At the end of the day, Chinese New Year can be celebrated by anyone and is a time to celebrate the good in the new year.