Millions of people around the world are marking the start of the Lunar New Year this week, in a celebration that corresponds with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.
The festival lasts 15 days, and usually begins between the 21st of January and the 20th of February every year.
On Tuesday, thousands of people were preparing to take the whole week off work in China to mark this special celebration with their families and friends.
And while food takes centre stage, other traditions are also being respected – with millions of people heading to their local (or not) temples to burn incense, pray and hope for a successful, happy new year.
The Year of the Fire Horse
After the Year of the Snake, we are now officially in the Year of the Fire Horse.
This is a rare occurrence, as it only comes once every 60 years.
Different interpretations surround this almost mythical return.
In Chinese culture, the horse is a revered animal. This admiration is mirrored in the Chinese zodiac, according to which the horse represents grace, success, loyalty, and strength.
Not everyone is on the same page, though.
In Japan, the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse brings with it an ill-fated omen.
The last time the Fire Horse was celebrated, in 1966, Japan suffered one of the worst dips in birth rate in the country’s history.
This was due to a superstition according to which women born during this year would bring misfortune upon their families.
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Food can also mean… luck
As for any big festivity, food plays a fundamental part in the celebrations.
The best of Asian food shines on this occasion, with people traditionally consuming meaty or veggie dumplings, fish, toasted pork buns, rice cakes and all sorts of noodles.
But it’s not just about the taste. Eating with one’s loved ones is an opportunity for togetherness and good luck for the incoming new year.
And each plate brings its own set of traditions. For example, eating a lot of dumplings is supposed to attract money, with some families hiding a coin inside one dumpling for good fortune.
Steamed fish is also essential, and it represents abundance.
The fish should be served whole, as it symbolises completeness and a powerful start and end of the year.
Noodles represent good health and longevity, while tangerines and oranges, with their bright colours, symbolise gold and abundance.
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