In many East and Southeast Asian countries, the Lunar New Year is a time for celebrations. This year, Lunar New Year celebrations began on February 1, 2022. The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar. The celebrations vary between cultures but are typically celebrated with family through many traditional activities that symbolize prosperity, abundance, and togetherness.
The origin of the Lunar New Year would come from the tales and legends from a time the Chinese refer to as "Shang Gu" or "the ancient times". The story would say that there was a beast named Nian. It had the body of a bull and the head of a lion, with a sharp horn on top. Every new year's eve, Nian would leave its home deep in the sea to cause all kinds of trouble for the villages across the land. Returning every year, the villagers had to flee to the mountains and hide from Nian. Over the years, the villagers would come to find that Nian feared the color red, loud noises, and fire. To keep Nian away, every new year's eve, red spring couplets were placed on doors, lanterns or candles were burned all night, and firecrackers were lit. The legends of these traditions would later develop to the celebrations observed today.
This year we celebrate the Lunar New Year and emphasize the traits of the Tiger, known for its resiliency, perseverance, strength and hardworking nature. The Tiger represents our community and its power and confidence to fight through this challenging time. We stand together to honor everything that makes our community unique.
From the Y: Happy Lunar New Year!