How to celebrate the wonder of Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, is a special celebration that marks the start of the lunar calendar. This year, we’re celebrating the Year of the Dragon. This celebration has traditions and a sense of renewal that can be felt from the far East to the shores of the West, I wanted to do something special to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Consequently, on Saturday, February 10, the day the festival begins, I’ll post a second jigsaw puzzle. I hope you enjoy!

Puzzle Help

Click to view the puzzle image overlaid on the puzzle. Click again to remove the overlay.

The ghost lets you choose the opacity of the overlay. If you want to see the image on top of all or part of your puzzle, this is helpful.

 You may choose to arrange (line the pieces up around the edges) or disarrange the puzzle pieces. (For more, see Help)

 General settings, including Restart and Help (how to move pieces, save the game, arrange and disarrange, etc.)

Maximize the puzzle on Jigsaw Planet. When you’re done, you can return to this site. 

Celebrate the Lunar New Year: A Gateway to Tradition and Community

Whether you’re new to the Lunar New Year celebration or want to deepen your understanding, here’s a chance to explore the history, tradition, and joy that define this special time of year.

How the Spring Festival began and evolved

The Lunar New Year originated from agricultural cycles and celestial observations. It began as a way to protect people from Nian, a mythical beast. The stories about Nian inspired the festival to protect against evil and start anew.

Evolution of Lunar New Year Traditions

Over the centuries, the Lunar New Year evolved, affected by different dynasties, philosophical movements, and the migration of people across Asia. From the practice of ancestor worship to the inclusion of Daoist and Buddhist rituals, the festival showcases traditions that continue to endure.

Color plays a pivotal role in Lunar New Year decor, with red symbolizing good fortunes and gold signifying wealth. Understanding the use and meaning of these hues will brighten your spaces and infuse them with the essence of the festival.

These days, Lunar New Year celebrations are finding a growing audience in the United States. The celebrations are being influenced by American culture in diverse ways. Cities across the country host parades, shows, and festivities that blend the traditional with the new.

Five ways to celebrate Lunar New Year at home

• Redecorate your home with traditional Lunar New Year decorations, such as red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings.
• Cook a traditional Lunar New Year feast with dishes that symbolize good luck and prosperity, like dumplings, fish, and sticky rice cakes.
• Wear new clothes in bright colors to bring good fortune for the coming year.
• Exchange red envelopes filled with money or other gifts with family and friends as a symbol of good wishes and blessings.
• Watch televised performances of traditional lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and other cultural performances. Loud drums and cymbals often accompany these stunning displays to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the upcoming year.

Conclusion

The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and hope for the year ahead. Whether you’re of Chinese descent or simply looking to embrace a new cultural experience, there are various ways to celebrate. For more ideas on how to celebrate, click here. Enjoy all the festivities that this holiday brings, and may it bring you good luck, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead. Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Wishing you wealth and prosperity).