17/02/2026
🎉 Happy Lunar New Year! 🎉
Today, we welcome the start of the new lunar calendar year—a celebration filled with rich traditions, symbolism, and togetherness.
🗓 Why We Celebrate
New Beginnings: Marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar, usually between late January and mid-February, and begins the 15-day Spring Festival. [britannica.com], [polyglotti...cademy.com]
Legend of Nian: Ancient stories describe a monster named Nian who was scared away by red colors, loud noises, and fire—hence the use of fireworks, lanterns, and vibrant decorations. [britannica.com], [chn.info]
📌 Key Traditions
House Cleaning: Thoroughly tidy your home to sweep away the old year's bad luck—just be careful not to clean on New Year’s Day! [polyglotti...cademy.com], [chinahighlights.com]
Red Decor & Envelopes: Hang red couplets, lanterns, and paper cuttings to invite fortune, and give “hongbao” (red envelopes) with money as blessings for prosperity. [britannica.com], [polyglotti...cademy.com]
Family Reunion Dinner: A lavish meal on New Year’s Eve unites loved ones—food symbolizes luck, longevity, and abundance. [britannica.com], [polyglotti...cademy.com]
Fireworks & Lion/Dragon Dances: Performed to chase away evil spirits, bring energy, and celebrate goodness. [polyglotti...cademy.com], [prokerala.com]
Lantern Festival Finale: The festival ends on the 15th day with glowing lanterns, family reunions, and sweet treats like sticky rice balls. [britannica.com], [chinahighlights.com]
Wishing you a joyful, prosperous, and harmonious Year of the Horse!
May this Lunar New Year bring fresh starts, meaningful connections, and plenty of happiness. 🐴