You may have noticed an unusual amount of red and golden decorations that have popped up throughout your neighborhood. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss an announcement about a holiday. These decorations are for those who celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year.

According to the Chinese New Year Info website, Lunar New Year is the first day of the first month within the traditional Chinese calendar. The Chinese Calendar differs from the Gregorian Calendar, instead of the 1st of the month starting right after the 31st. The months are Lunar months that change by phases of the moon. The year has an animal as the “guardian”. This follows the Chinese zodiac which has 12 animals that rotate every year. After 12 years a new cycle begins. This Lunar New year will be the Year of the Pig, and next year will be the start to a new cycle. Lunar New Year started on the 4th and the celebration goes on for 15 days.

Chinese American Allison Huang talks on how Chinese New Year is celebrated.

There are many Chinese Americans that still celebrate the holiday and traditions. First generation Chinese American, Allison Huang, talks about how she and her family celebrate Lunar New Year. “So in my family, Lunar New Year is about family and being together. We eat a lot, give red envelopes for good luck and fortune, and a lot more.” A majority of Huang’s family lives in China so her, her sister, and her father try to get together to celebrate. “When I was younger we use to go to the dragon dances but since it is just my family here it is hard for us to find a day and go together.” Huang says that Chinese New Year is one of the biggest holidays that is celebrated in China, “if I had to find an American holiday to compare it to, the closest I could think of would be Christmas. Just because we all get work off and businesses close for Lunar.”

Every American Holiday has its own way to celebrate and so does Chinese New Year. Each family has their own decorations and traditions. You can go and visit the local temples in the area to learn more about the holiday. The Hsi Lai Temple and The Rose Hills Buddhist Columbarium are both decorated for the New Year and open for visits throughout the year!