The year of the Wood Snake begins this Wednesday, Jan. 29. Lunar New Year is celebrated for two weeks, and many cultures consider it one of the biggest celebrations of the year.
Lunar New Year is a widely celebrated holiday across Asia and beyond. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Rooted in history, this festive period is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and ushering in new beginnings with hope, joy, and renewal.
Lunar New Year was first celebrated in the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC). People believed that the new year should be a time to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead. Each year on the lunar calendar is associated with one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Many people believe that the characteristics of the year’s zodiac animal influence the fortunes of those born within it and determine certain personality traits. The most important part of the Lunar New Year is considered to be the time spent reconnecting with family and community.
Resident Chinese teacher at Metea Racheal Cheng says the holiday is used to “get together with family, be thankful for the year, and then wish for another good year.”
For many communities, Lunar New Year is a way to celebrate their cultural heritage. It’s a way for people to connect with their roots and pass down traditions to younger generations, keeping cultural practices alive and relevant. Junior Madelyn Katuzman believes that it’s important to continue celebrating this historical holiday.
“It’s a good way for everyone to uphold the values that they want to see coming into their new year,” Kautzmann said.
Many spaces are excited to join in on the festive mood. The Downers Grove Library will be hosting a scavenger hunt, and the Warrenville Public Library will be giving out free craft kits. Pacifica Square is hosting a Lion and Dragon dance in a cultural celebration of the holiday.
However, despite the festival having been so deeply celebrated in years past, it seems that the importance of the holiday is fading away. This could be because many people are migrating to other places that don’t celebrate the same tradition. Furthermore, the significance of the Lunar New Year may not resonate in the same way for younger generations that were born or raised outside of places that traditionally celebrate the holiday.
“But nowadays, when I grow older, I feel less and less celebration is going on because the people at the door are busy with other things,” Cheng said. “People celebrate on social media instead of with people.”
As cultures become more interconnected, there’s also a blending of traditions. Lunar New Year is celebrated in various countries and cultures in slightly different ways, which can sometimes lead to a shift in how it’s celebrated. Many cities host parades, festivals and other cultural events to celebrate the holiday, especially in neighborhoods with large Asian populations. Public recognition of the Lunar New Year has also increased, with some businesses and organizations acknowledging it more than in the past.
