Photo by Eric Ng, CC'19: Students from CU China Dance perform at the annual Night Market in Fall 2017.
What is Lunar New Year and when is it happening?
The Lunar New Year is the shift into a new year according to the Lunar calendar. The holiday and celebrations take place during the first 15 days of the first month in the calendar, this year kicking off on Tuesday, February 1st. Although the holiday is commonly known as Chinese New Year, it is widely celebrated across Asia in countries such as Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Traditions and names vary across the participating countries.
The Lunar New Year is a holiday all about clean slates, cleansing out the negative, and welcoming the new and positive. However you celebrate, take this opportunity to reaffirm your goals, set your intentions for a prosperous and lucky year, and recharge your hopeful energy.
Spending time with family and loved ones is at the heart of the Lunar celebrations.
What is the Lunar Calendar?
The Lunar Calendar follows the monthly cycles of the Moon’s phases. The Gregorian calendar is the most commonly used today, which is a solar calendar and is originally based on the lunar calendar.
What is the meaning of the year of the Tiger?
2022 is the year of the Tiger and celebrates enthusiasm, courage, and ambition. Everyone born in 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022 is born during this sign according to the Chinese zodiac. The Tiger is the third in the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac.
How can I celebrate?
Chinatown in Lower Manhattan will have plenty of events, and Welcome to Chinatown has created a themed guide to discovering shops and restaurants around Chinatown, including where to get traditional Chinese dishes such as bao buns and dumplings. The 24th annual Lunar New Year Parade & Festival returns to Chinatown after a pause last year. The parade will take place on February 12th and kicks off at 1 pm from Mott Street and Canal Street. Check out the route here. Don’t miss all the street vendors and food along the parade route.
Columbia China Center for Social Policy: Join Columbia students, staff, and faculty in a multicultural celebration on Wednesday, February 2nd. Participants will enjoy traditional performances, games, and a chance to win raffle prizes. This event is online; access more details and registration here.
Lunar Year Comedy: Macy and Ricky at the St. Marks Comedy Club are hosting a Lunar New Year Comedy Show on February 4th. The line-up includes stand-up comedians Jes Tom from NBC, Macy Kwok from NY Comedy Festival, and Mic Nguyen from the Asian Not Asian podcast. Tickets start at $20; purchase them here.
Lion Dance & Scavenger Hunt: The Queens Botanical Garden is hosting plenty of fun and free activities on Saturday, February 5th to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Cheer on the lion dance performers, go on a winter scavenger hunt, and read up on the Zodiac animals in the Zodiac Animal Library. Registration is encouraged. Read more and register here.
Welcome the Year of the Tiger with the NY Philharmonic: See the New York Philharmonic’s annual Lunar New Year special program by Korean-Canadian conductor Earl Lee. The program on Tuesday, February 8th includes Li Huanzhi’s Spring Festival Overture, Bizet’s Carmen Fantasie, and Ma Sicong’s Nostalgia. Learn more and book tickets here. Make sure to take advantage of the student discounts offered by the New York Philharmonic.
How to say Happy New Year in some Asian languages:
- Chinese: 新 Xīn 年 nián 快 kuài 乐 lè!
- Vietnamese: chúc mừng năm mới
- Korean: 새해 복 많이 받으세요 saehae bog manh-i bad-euseyo
- Japanese: 明けましておめでとうございます
- Indonesian: Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek
- Thai: สวัสดีปีใหม่ S̄wạs̄dī pī h̄ım̀
Wear red!
Red is considered a lucky color, so bring out your brightest red clothes to join in on the festivities. It is also believed to scare off evil spirits. However, don’t wear white or black.