Lunar New Year Traditions
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and many other East Asian cultures. Key traditions include thorough house cleaning before the new year (sweeping away bad luck), wearing new clothes, giving red envelopes (hongbao), and gathering for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.
The Reunion Dinner
The reunion dinner is the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations. Traditional dishes carry symbolic meaning: whole fish for abundance, dumplings for wealth, long noodles for longevity, and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) for family togetherness. A hotpot dinner is both traditional and practical for gathering around the table.
Decorations
- Red and gold: The primary colours symbolising luck and prosperity
- Lanterns: Paper lanterns in red and gold brighten any space
- Spring couplets: Red banners with auspicious phrases beside the door
- Zodiac animal: Feature the current year's animal in decorations
- Kumquat or orange trees: Symbolise wealth and good fortune
Activities for Everyone
Lion dance performances bring incredible energy to celebrations. Making dumplings together is a fun family activity where everyone participates. Red envelope gifting is a highlight for children. Fireworks and firecrackers (where permitted) traditionally ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year.
Modern Lunar New Year Parties
For a modern take, host a dumpling-making party where guests learn to fold different shapes, a hotpot night with premium ingredients, or a cocktail evening with Asian-inspired drinks. Blend traditional elements with a contemporary setting for a celebration that bridges generations.