Lunar New Year is one of the most significant traditional holidays in many Asian cultures. It is a time for families to come together and wish for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead. 

Some traditions includes giving red envelopes (紅包, hóngbāo”), dragon and lion dance, Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner with family, and wearing new clothes, preferably red to symbolize luck and good fortune. 

Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, which rotate in a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals in order are Rat (鼠), Ox (牛), Tiger (虎), Rabbit (兔 ), Dragon (龍), Snake (蛇), Horse (馬), Sheep (羊), Monkey (猴), Rooster (雞), Dog (狗), Pig (豬).  I was born in 2002, which makes me born in the Year of the Horse! Below is a diagram for reference.

Each animal is believed to influence the personality and fortunes of those born in the year representing the animals. For example, people born during the Snake years are thought to be wise and mysterious.

Two of the most representative traditional foods associated with Lunar New Year are dumplings and fish. Dumplings are considered a symbol of wealth, with their shape resembling ancient gold money. Fish is served to symbolize abundance and good luck. The word for fish (魚, yú) sounds like “surplus” in Chinese, suggesting prosperity in the new year.

Wishing everyone the best of health and prosperity during this Year of the Snake!