While most Western countries follow the Gregorian calendar to celebrate New Year every 1st January, other places from around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new year in regions that follow the lunar calendar or lunisolar calendar. Since the celebration follows the Lunar Calendar, there is no fixed date. This year, it was celebrated on 12th February. Look at how the rest of the world celebrates it!

China

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the biggest holiday for the country, as most people are away from work for long periods of time. Homes will be decorated with lucky charms, fireworks and lanterns will light up the night sky, and families will have a traditional exchange of gifts and red envelopes.

Korea

The Korean New Year is celebrated with loads of traditional food! Their biggest traditional food during the celebration is called tteokguk, which are sliced rice cakes (tteok) in a bowl of soup (guk). Additionally, a lot of Korean folk games are tied to New Year. Yut nori is a traditional Korean game that involves specially designed sticks. Men and young boys also fly traditional rectangular kites.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese New Year is called Tết. Traditionally, they light up the streets with bright parades. The highlight of these parades is the Mua Lan or Lion Dancing. Lan is a hybrid between a lion and a dragon, and it is said that it scares the evil spirits away.

The Philippines

Although Filipinos primarily celebrate the new year on the 1st of January, the Chinese New Year is still considered a special non-working holiday in the country. It can’t be denied that China had a huge cultural influence. Tikoy is a well-loved rice cake that is believed to prolong lives. Coins are tossed around, lucky charms fill rooms, and fruits will be placed on tables.

United Kingdom

There are several Chinatowns in the UK: in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool. Chinatowns are known to be rich in culture and for their authentic celebration of festivities. People flock here for well-sought Chinese food and to witness breathtaking light shows and parades.

At a time where everyone is living their lives in lockdown, the celebration of Lunar New Year has shifted to make way for safety and security. It traditionally brings families together, but this year, most families celebrated at home. Parades are halted and outdoor festivities are all either cancelled or regulated. On a brighter note, we can look forward to seeing the lights outdoors once again.

At UK Virtual School, we will join in the prosperous celebration of the Lunar New Year through our monthly kids’ meeting! Students are highly encouraged to come in dressed in their best Lunar New Year attire.