Lunar New Year is celebrated by many cultures across Asia and around the world. It is often associated with Chinese culture, where it is known as the Spring Festival, but it is also celebrated by people in countries such as Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), and Mongolia (Tsagaan Sar).
While traditions vary, Lunar New Year generally marks the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar, and is a time for family gatherings, cultural rituals, food, and honouring ancestors, as well as welcoming good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
When the zodiac moves from the Snake (contemplation and reflection) to the Horse (momentum and outward expression), it is traditionally seen as a time to move from thoughtful preparation into decisive action. The Horse encourages us to pursue goals more boldly, embrace change, and step into a faster‑paced, more expressive period.
This Lunar New Year, we celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. Fire adds its energy, perseverance, and passion to our momentum and actions.
Below are common traditions on how you and your friends/family can usher in and celebrate the New Year.
Cleaning the house
Start the new year off with a fresh beginning by following this tradition of cleaning your whole house. This cleaning is traditionally done before the official start of the holiday. Whether you are celebrating at your family home, a shared home with roommates, or your own dorm room, take the time this year to get together with loved ones and cleanse your space. This tradition is said to rid your home of bad fortune from the past year, making room for good luck and prosperity.
Giving and receiving red envelopes
Those who are familiar with Lunar New Year celebrations are most likely looking forward to the little red packets they will receive from older relatives, usually filled with gifted money, known as hongbao in Mandarin, laisee in Cantonese, lì xì in Vietnamese, or ang pow in certain Southeast Asian cultures (such as in the Philippines or Singapore). While it is traditionally given to younger, unmarried relatives, celebrate with your friends by exchanging red packets with each other (filled with money — real or chocolate — or other mementos, such as a short note wishing them good fortune in the New Year!).
Setting off firecrackers at night
Firecrackers are a fun and festive tradition that can be set off to celebrate the New Year, and in Chinese legend, they are used to ward off evil and bad luck. Supposedly, the mythical beast Nian in Chinese mythology would lurk around after the Lunar New Year to feast on humans; however, loud noises, bright sparks from fireworks, and the colour red were used to scare it away. Before hosting fireworks at home, be sure to review the bylaws for when and where, as well as safe use guidelines.
Decorate with red
Red is hailed as a colour that brings prosperity, longevity, good health, and fortune in East Asian cultures, especially in China. Decorate your home with vibrant colours such as red and gold, and create a fun craft night with friends and family by making paper lanterns or hanging images and decorations for this year’s Chinese Zodiac, the Horse.
Attending festivities on campus and within the city
Keep an eye out for Asian student associations on campus, as they will typically host events to celebrate Lunar New Year. The Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association also host of events around Waterloo Region. A popular Chinese festival is the Lantern Festival, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month and marking the final day of New Year celebrations. At these festivals, you can expect to see lion or dragon dances, traditional games, lantern decorating, food, and more. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the festivities together!
Eating traditional foods
Lunar New Year is celebrated by many countries around the world, and so there are various traditional foods, typically relating to themes of wealth, health, abundance, and family, that can be eaten to celebrate with your loved ones. You can make the treats below, or purchase most of them from local Asian food outlets.
- For Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year, Koreans eat tteokguk, literally translated as “rice cake soup.” The savory soup is made with thin disk-shaped rice cakes that resemble coins, which symbolize prosperity, while the clear broth symbolizes purity.
- Changshou Mian, known as “longevity noodles,” symbolizes the wish for a long and healthy life in China. Eating a whole fish also symbolizes abundance and prosperity, as the Chinese word for fish (yú, 鱼) sounds like the word for surplus (yú, 余).
- In the Philippines, eating pancit (long noodles) is also done during the Lunar New Year for similar reasons of symbolizing a long life.
- Tikoy (glutinous rice cake) is also commonly eaten, as the stickiness and sweetness symbolize unity and connection with loved ones.
- Pineapple tarts are a staple snack in Singapore during Lunar New Year celebrations. These buttery pastries are filled with sweet pineapple jam, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.
- The traditional Vietnamese rice cake bánh chưng is steeped in legend and culture. Its square shape represents the connection between heaven and Earth, signifying unity and promising good luck and a fruitful harvest. It is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Mandarins, oranges, and tangerines are generally considered lucky fruits to eat during Lunar New Year celebrations. They can be found in most grocery stores.
As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, may its energy, passion, and perseverance inspire you to celebrate boldly and connect deeply with the people who matter most!
新年快乐 (xīnnián kuàilè), 恭喜發財 (gong hay fat choy), Chúc Mừng Năm Mới, 새해복많이받으세요 (Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo) — in whichever way you say it, we wish you a joyful, abundant Lunar New Year filled with good fortune and new beginnings!
*Note: links to the events and recipes above do not equate to endorsement or sponsorship from the University of Waterloo or the Faculty of Engineering. Please review carefully before deciding whether to participate.