Asian communities worldwide are celebrating the Lunar New Year on February 10 with family gatherings, fireworks, and festivals, according to Multan TV HD.
Known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, it is a day of joy and celebration, lasting multiple days in many Asian countries.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is a significant symbol in Chinese culture, representing vigor, strength, and good fortune.
The lunar new year is marked by the zodiac animal changing to represent the upcoming year.
The celebrations start with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and conclude on the first full moon, fifteen days later. Due to the lunar calendar’s nature, the holiday’s dates vary each year, falling between mid-January and late February.
Beliefs and traditions around the Lunar New Year:
One prominent folk tale is the legendary myth of “Nian.” Nian was a fierce underwater beast with horns and sharp teeth. Every New Year, it would emerge from the water to attack a nearby village.
Once, when the day arrived, the villagers hid, but one old man chose to stay outside. Surprisingly, the old man and the village remained unharmed.
The man scared off the beast by using red clothing, lanterns, and lighting firecrackers. This is why wearing red, hanging red banners, and setting off fireworks are Lunar New Year traditions still followed today.