By keely aouga
Those aware of Chinese cultural traditions may already know that the 2025 Lunar New Year kicked off on Jan. 29.
The event ushered in the Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar. It lasted for seven days and was accompanied by an array of fun and exciting traditions.
Though often associated with the Chinese calendar, there are many ethnic groups who celebrate.
Gift-giving traditions usually include the distribution of small red envelopes containing small sums of cash.
You can give a Lunar New Year envelope to family or those who don’t normally celebrate the holiday, as a general sign of mirth and wellness.
Traditional Lunar New Year meals include dumplings, vegetable spring rolls and small cakes for dessert.
If you are of age, you can also toast to prosperity with seasonal wines or other liquors, so long as you drink responsibly.
Even if you don’t see any massive city-wide celebrations in your own neighborhood, you can ring in the occasion by burning a couple of firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
You can always put your own spin on it, as the general theme of the holiday is all about being with family.
In Korea, the new year is often recognized with a morning of serenity, traditional foods and deep bows to their elders before an evening of celebration.
Many Islamic communities engage in Lunar New Year celebrations of their own.