Lunar New Year festivities date back to the 14th Century BCE, and are observed in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and other countries as well. The term "Lunar New Year" is used to be more inclusive of the numerous Asian cultures that celebrate with a lunar calendar. Also known as "Spring Festival", the Lunar New Year festivities continue for up to fifteen days.
During Lunar New Year, superstitions abound. It is traditional to spend time with family on the second day, which is considered the official beginning of the new year. On the third day, visits with close friends and family are to be avoided, as this is considered the day of arguments. On the seventh day, a collective party in celebration of everyone's birthdays takes place.
Red packets of money traditionally change hands during Lunar New Year. Instead of wrapped gifts, children receive red envelopes stuffed with lucky money from their grandparents, uncles, aunts and other elders who have started to earn their way.
In some countries, including China, the new year celebration lasts 15 days, with the peak celebration occurring on the first day of the new year. The 15th day is the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Festival), which marks the end of the celebration. On this night, colorful lanterns light up the houses, and traditional foods such as yuanxiao (rice balls that symbolize family unity), Prosperity Cake (fagao) and fish and vegetable salad (yusheng) are served. The Lantern Festival honors deceased ancestors on the 15th day of the first month (Yuan) of the lunar calendar. The Lantern Festival aims to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness.
Believe it or not, it is considered bad luck to clean and especially sweep at the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Traditionally, houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside ten days prior to the start of the festivities, and then all cleaning, washing clothes, and sweeping should be avoided, including taking out the trash. These activities are believed to remove or 'throw away' your good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Firecrackers are believed to frighten away monsters. Legend has it that the half-dragon, half-lion monster, 'Nian', comes out of hiding and attacks adults and especially children during the Lunar New Year. Loud noises are believed to hurt Nian's sensitive ears, thus lighting firecrackers and banging pots and pans together are two important Lunar New Year traditions which are believed to chase him away. You may recognize Nian as the ferocious and playful dragon featured in the popular dragon dance.