Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, has deep roots in the history of East and Southeast Asia, with traditions passed on from generation to generation in communities and households worldwide.
According to Wake Forest University, the origins of this well-loved, annual celebration date back 3500 years to the farming communities of ancient China. It initially began around agricultural cycles and times of rest, but soon gradually developed with its own legends and mythology.
The most notable traditions include red envelopes with money, honoring deceased ancestors, fireworks, firecrackers, dragon dances, and feasts with cultural foods. Generally, honoring ancestors is the most important of these traditions. All these practices are deeply intertwined with family unity and respect for elders and the idea of cherishing those closest to you. Before the event begins, a prayer for the dead is made in front of images of those who’ve passed away, surrounded by a neatly adorned altar. Following this, firecrackers explode, leading up to the dragon dance performance. As the performance goes on, money is laid in the dragon’s mouth for good luck.
Lunar New Year isn’t just for certain groups of people; it’s a festival where anyone from any background can come and take part in something special and unique. Whether they were born directly into it or are just interested in the culture, everyone is welcome. Many countries with distinct cultures in Asia hold the Lunar New Year in high regard, as a time of great sanctity, love, and obligation, despite their differences.
When the celebration made its way to the United States, it began to impact society in a meaningful way. As immigrants from East and Southeast Asia, mainly Chinese and Vietnamese, traveled to the U.S. in waves over the years, they brought the Lunar New Year with them, as reported by CNN. Many immigrated to the South in states like Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida.
More locally, there’s an annual Lunar New Year celebration near Texarkana, held inside one of the facilities at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church in Shreveport. The South Vietnamese community in Shreveport is undeniably strong, consisting of refugees who arrived en masse, seeking asylum after the Fall of Saigon in 1975, as detailed by the Shreveport Times. Their identity is integral to who they are and how they observe the holiday. For instance, despite the country no longer existing officially after the war, the South Vietnamese anthem is still played before the party starts. The South Vietnamese flag flies high and can be seen placed everywhere as well. Even in the face of persecution and war, the South Vietnamese people still held their traditions close, against all odds.
As the Lunar New Year season progresses, people can come together and recognize what this holiday truly represents.
