Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world, observed by millions of people across Asia and in global communities. More than a single day, it is a season of renewal, reflection, and connection, centered on welcoming a new year with hope, gratitude, and intention.
For many families, Lunar New Year is a beautiful time to gather with loved ones, honor ancestors, share meaningful traditions, and look ahead to the possibilities of the coming year. It is a celebration rooted in culture, history, and the belief that each new year brings fresh opportunity. For adoptive families, it’s an opportunity to celebrate your child’s culture and rich tradition.
What Is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date changes each year, typically falling between late January and mid-February. While often referred to as Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year is celebrated across many countries and cultures, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, and others—each with unique customs and traditions.
Though traditions vary by region, the heart of Lunar New Year remains the same:
celebrating family, honoring the past, and welcoming a hopeful future.
A Time for Cleaning, Letting Go, and Starting Fresh
In the days leading up to Lunar New Year, many households participate in thorough cleaning. This practice symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and negative energy from the previous year to make space for good fortune.
Once the new year begins, cleaning is often paused for a day or two, as it is believed that sweeping could accidentally remove newly arrived luck. The focus shifts from preparation to celebration.
Family Reunions and Shared Meals
At the center of Lunar New Year is family. Many people travel long distances to be together, making reunion dinners one of the most meaningful moments of the season.
Foods served during Lunar New Year often carry symbolic meaning:
- Dumplings – wealth and prosperity
- Fish – abundance
- Noodles – long life
- Rice cakes and sweets – growth and good fortune
Sharing these meals is not just about food—it is about connection, storytelling, and honoring generations.
Red Envelopes, Decorations, and Symbolism
Red and gold are prominent colors during Lunar New Year, representing good luck, happiness, and prosperity. Homes and streets are decorated with lanterns, banners, and calligraphy featuring wishes for health, peace, and success.
A beloved tradition is the giving of red envelopes (often called hongbao or li xi), which contain money and are typically given to children and younger family members as a symbol of good fortune and blessing.
Lion Dances: Bringing Good Luck and Driving Away Evil
One of the most exciting and recognizable traditions during Lunar New Year is the lion dance. Performed by skilled dancers wearing colorful lion costumes, the dance is accompanied by loud drums, cymbals, and gongs, creating an energetic and joyful atmosphere.
The lion dance is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection. In many cultures, the lion symbolizes strength, courage, and wisdom. The lively movements and booming sounds are meant to chase away evil spirits and negative energy, making space for a safe and prosperous new year.
You may see lion dances at community festivals, parades, cultural centers, or even visiting businesses and homes, where the lion “blesses” the space for the year ahead. For children especially, watching a lion dance can be a memorable and magical way to experience Lunar New Year traditions.
The Lunar Zodiac | 2026 The Year of the Horse
Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of twelve zodiac animals, which rotate in a twelve-year cycle:
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig
The zodiac animal of the year is believed to influence the year’s energy and characteristics, and many people enjoy learning what the year’s animal represents.
Why Lunar New Year Matters for Families
For families connected to Asian cultures—whether through heritage, adoption, or global relationships—Lunar New Year offers a meaningful opportunity to honor culture and identity.
Celebrating even in simple ways can help children feel seen and connected:
- Reading books about Lunar New Year
- Cooking a traditional dish together
- Making red paper crafts or lanterns
- Talking about the meaning of new beginnings
These moments communicate an important message: your culture matters, and it is worth celebrating.
A Season of Hope
At its heart, Lunar New Year is about possibility. It reminds us that no matter what the past year held—joy, hardship, growth, or change—each new year offers a chance to begin again.
As families around the world welcome the Lunar New Year, we join in celebrating the richness of culture, the strength of community, and the beauty of new beginnings.
May this season bring peace, health, and hope to you and your loved ones.
