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Schema interviewsLunar New Year | Year of the Rat | 12 months of plentiful prosperity and prospect ... Bring it on!
Lunar New Year is one of the world's most celebrated occasions. It's considered the largest migration of people in the world with an estimated 2 billion journeys each year!
As Chinese immigrants were "the first people recognized as celebrating (the Lunar New Year)" in North America, it is often over-simplified as "Chinese New Year" (from San Francisco Chronicle). In fact, Gung Hay Fat Choy isn't the only phrase wishing health and prosperity. Koreans around the world greet each other with Saehae Bok Mani Paduseyo; and similarly the Vietnamese version is Chuc Mung Nam Moi.
The larger than life lanterns, red and gold envelopes (filled with carefully folded brand-new bills), the sea of red paper cut outs and fake-gold figurines, and of course the noise and ruckus of the annual Chinese Lion Dance ... it's an assault on the senses. All proof that globalization is not a new thing. The overwhelming showcase of Chinese culture can easily overshadow the fact that Lunar New Year marks the beginning of Solnal, the Korean New Year, and Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. The New Year traditions are very similar, but as you may know, the cultures are distinct.
Alethea Yip said it right years ago, "Despite a number of differences, there's one common theme that takes center stage for all Asian New Year celebrations: family. No matter what the country, religion or race, New Year's Day is a time for family reunions, gatherings and reflection and reaffirming bonds." (from asianamericanbooks.com)
In many ways Lunar New Year is mainstream in North America. It's been a part of N. American history for a long time. "The Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the oldest of its kind and largest outside Asia. It began in Chinatown in the 1860s, when a group of recent immigrants marched down what is now Grant Avenue carrying colorful flags, banners, lanterns -- and drums and firecrackers to drive away evil spirits." (SFGate.com)
As though to refer to an ancient understanding of subliminal messaging, "what you do and how you act during the period is crucial in determining how the rest of your year will go. So, eating the right foods, such as black moss seaweed, which is a homonym for exceeding in wealth, and dried bean curd, which is another homonym for fulfillment of wealth and happiness, is a must." Ironically, that black moss seaweed is now close to extinction.
Need some help getting into the New Year hysteria? Thank the gods for YouTube:
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