February 1st is on the way. If you didn’t like the way 2022 started there is still time to ring in a new one. YOU don’t have to be Asian to celebrate the New Year1
I am not sure if you know it but I am an American and made in America too. And my nationality is a blend of Chinese and European. I have enjoyed all kinds of Asian food and love my Asian friends too.
Chinatown all over the USA are my go to when traveling. So much to explore and so much fun in doing so. All without a plane trip to Asia.
So here’s a peek into a few things about the Lunar New Year. I used to think that only Chinese people celebrate the lunar new year. But did you know not only the Chinese celebrate it the people of Vietnam,South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia do too. So over the next week into the month of February I will be sharing some fun facts and customs you will enjoy as well as some foodie & beauty rituals and delicious recipes.
To prepare and in anticipation of the new year celebration most Asians go shopping for gold and red decor. Lanterns, signs,artwork,candles,red light bulbs and other table top decorations for the meal and home decor. These colors they say bring wealth and good luck! So that is why they surround themselves in these hues.
Asian people stock up on incense to perfume the air for protection and ward off evil spirits at their door. Although it is burned year round at homes and in temples for prayer,meditation and celebrations.
Sandalwood incense rules! When I visited Hong Kong and beyond the cities smelled so lovely with this aromatic scent. I have been burning these sticks since I was a teen. Burning incense for me is quite calming and soothing to your space. Work or home.
They not only stock up on groceries,fruit, ingredients for making dumplings, noodle dishes and buy fresh fish for the new year celebration. They also buy the Togetherness bowl of snacks that is given as a gift or served with an array of nuts,dried fruits and coconut pieces,melon seeds and more. Kumquats and oranges are also enjoyed during this time. Flowers are also celebrated and decorated with all around the house.
They clean their houses and change bed linens to be ready and fresh for the new year to begin.
They also BUY new clothes to wear to celebrate the new year in. It isn’t like our traditional date night new years eve. The lunar new year is all about FAMILY ❤️which they think is the best gift 🎁 of all.
