The first day of Lunar New Year in 2023 will be Saturday, 21 January. This signifies the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.
Each New Year is marked by the 12 Chinese signs or zodiac animals – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, which in Chinese culture, is known to be the luckiest out of all the twelve animals. It symbolizes wealth, positivity and elegance.
The Chinese lunar calendar is ruled by lunar phases, the solar solstices and equinoxes. The Yin and yang principles that make up a harmonious world also play a part. Chinese New Year fluctuates slightly with the date each year since it coincides with the new moon.
Lunar New Year is a crucial period where quality time with family is the main focus. In preparation, homes are cleansed to please the gods and prepare for a new beginning. China has designated a weeklong holiday known as Spring Festival to allow people to visit their families.
During this event, colourful Dragons parade along lantern-lined streets, and homes and buildings are designed with red decorations – the colour of lucky in Chinese culture,
Families gather over lovely meals, with particular dishes representing different things. Dumplings represent the family unit, long noodles signify long life, and fish is frequently given to represent abundance. Good luck ornaments are also exchanged between friends and families.
LNY DEALS: CELEBRATE WITH US
To get into the Lunar New Year spirit at P’Nut, from 21 – 28 January we’ll be running an $8 Wonton Soup special for 8 days. Fun fact: in Chinese culture 8 is considered a lucky number and wontons are actually a symbol of wealth and prosperity!
Our Wonton Soup is a rich and hearty broth with chicken dumplings, hokkien noodles, bean sprouts, bok choy and button mushrooms with your choice of chicken, vegetables or tofu and it will definitely leave you won-ting more!
Come on down to a P’Nut restaurant near you and indulge in our Wonton Soup and as an extra treat, add any of our dumplings on the side for only $1 each! Order online here
Also every 80th customer gets a red envelope with a free meal! It doesn’t get any better than that.
Kung hei fat choi everyone!
FAQ
Why is the Lunar New Year celebrated on a different date?
The primary reason why Lunar New Year is celebrated on a different date is because the Lunar calendar differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar. This causes the Lunar New Year date to fluctuate every year.
The solar calendar follows the sun, whereas the Chinese traditional lunar calendar is linked to the moon.
How do Chinese people celebrate Lunar New Year?
Generally speaking, people celebrate Lunar New Year in a variety of ways depending on where they live. Most will:
- Purchase new clothes, presents, and accessories.
- Clean the house and decorate the home with lucky items.
- Prepare a substantial supper to share with the family.
- Distribute red envelopes.
- At midnight, set off fireworks and firecrackers.
- Visit some family and friends and bring them presents.
There will be parades in some locations that feature lion and dragon dances.
What do people eat during Lunar New Year?
For the Lunar New Year, it is said that consuming certain dishes would bring fortune to your home. The cuisines served for Lunar New Year differ from place to region due to the vast diversity of local culture and traditions. People in southern China enjoy Niangao, whilst those in the north prefer dumplings.
Why is red the colour of the Lunar New Year?
It is believed that the colour red is a fortunate colour. Therefore many Chinese people frequently use it for important occasions like weddings, Lunar New Year, and other celebrations.
Red represents joy, prosperity, and good fortune. Chinese people like using red as the primary colour for New Year decorations, and wearing red during Lunar New Year is considered lucky. By doing this, you can frighten away bad luck and attract good fortune.
Why do Chinese people give red envelopes?
Red envelopes are filled with money for best wishes in the New Year. Giving red envelopes is considered lucky in Chinese culture because it would ward off evil spirits and provide good fortune to both the giver and the receiver.
