| arts & culture |
24
stylemg.com
| FEBRUARY 2021 |
Celebrate Chinese New Year
/stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemediagroup /stylemags
by EMILY PETER-COREY
Illustration © Ardea-studio, stock.adobe.com.
C
hinese New Year occurs every year according to the lunar calendar, which is partly why it’s also called Lunar New Year (countries like North and South Korea and Vietnam celebrate it, too). This year, it lands on February 12 and marks the beginning of the traditional Spring Festival that runs till February 22 and celebrates the season brings: plantings and harvest, new beginnings, and fresh starts. Legend has it that the monster “Nian” would terrorize villages once a year, but villagers finally determined that bright red decorations and loud fireworks kept the monster at bay. So, Chinese New Year itself became a day for fighting off monsters (hence the fireworksfilled celebrations), but also praying to gods and honoring deceased loved ones. These important ceremonies are believed to bring good luck in the new year. According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2021 is the year of the ox. Hardworking, intelligent, and reliable without demanding praise, oxen are valuable animals; therefore, babies born in 2021 or in other years of the ox (2009, 1997, 1985…) are considered to be trustworthy and gentle yet confident and stubborn. Choose your lottery numbers and colors accordingly, as numbers one and four and colors blue, yellow, and green are considered lucky! Steer clear of three, six, red, and brown. Although one of the most important holidays in China, more than 20% of the world celebrates Chinese New Year, according to chinesenewyear. net. Luckily, we have some ideas for local ways to honor the occasion. Although cancelled this year, the Chinese New Year Culture Association in Sacramento normally hosts a celebration downtown.
