This Lunar New Year, we celebrate the Year of the Tiger, which symbolizes strength and, according to Chinese folk tales, the power to ward off disaster.
Celebrated across the world, this holiday marks the start of the new year according to the Lunar calendar and traditionally was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors.
Now, people participate by giving younger family members red envelopes (hóngbāo), preparing feasts featuring “lucky” foods such as dumplings, steamed whole fish, long noodles to represent a long life, and spending time with loved ones.
Each hóngbāo has a gift of money inserted, as wrapping lucky money in red envelopes is expected to bestow upon the receiver happiness and blessings. The color red symbolizes energy, happiness, and good luck. Happy Lunar New Year!