Chinese New Year is one of the most vibrant parts of the year. When people visit Chinatown during this time of year, one can notice its bright colors and smells of Chinese herbs permeating through the streets.

“It’s a beautiful time of the year,” says Junior Henry Pluim, “All the lanterns hung in Chinatown contribute to the beauty of Chinatown.”

Red is an extremely symbolic color for Chinese people as it symbolizes prosperity and being rich in life energy. Chinatown is full of red colors. For example, red lanterns are hung throughout the streets, red firecrackers that shoot out red confetti are lit, and families give red envelopes with money inside to children. Additionally in Chinese homes, people hang red banners with phrases of good luck

On the day of Chinese New Year (usually at the end of January), it is traditional for people to be with their families and have an eight course meal dinner (eight is a lucky number that symbolizes prosperity). Families typically eat food that symbolizes good luck. Fish symbolizes abundance, shrimp for happiness and noodles for longevity. It is also a tradition for Chinese people to eat turnip cakes and rice flour cakes on the morning of Chinese New Year.

“Chinese New Year is a time for a fresh start,” says Mandarin teacher Yuhong Yao, “These celebrations give good luck for the coming year.”

Family is one of the most important things in Chinese culture. Therefore, Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s presence. Chinese people are also very superstitious, and these superstitions can be seen coming together in places like Chinese homes, and the vibrant Chinatown community. Whether you celebrate Chinese New Year or not, spending time with family and friends is something we can put extra effort into during the coming months.

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Ethan Yap with permissions.