Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a vibrant celebration of the beginning of a new lunar calendar. The lunar calendar follows the moons phases and the Earth's orbit around the sun, beginning with the first new moon of the year. This year the New Year begins on January 29th, bringing in the Year of the Snake. The snake is often used as a symbol of wisdom, transformation and intuition in Chinese culture encouraging everyone to look at the next year as time for personal growth and change.
Welcoming the New Year
Celebrated across many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam and South Korea, Lunar New Year is full of important traditions. To welcome in the new year preparations start early, with families engaging in important rituals so their homes are ready for the celebrations. One important tradition is cleaning the home, this is done to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and allow space for new blessings.
Families gather for reunions and feasts, homes are adorned with bold red lanterns and decorations for good fortune. Often offerings will be left for ancestors to honour and respect their heritage and show gratitude to those who were here before us.
The first day is focused on family, with many families reuniting and younger relatives often gifted red envelopes of money (hongbao) as a gin for a prosperous year. Over the course of the 15 days of celebration people will also visit friends, visit deities and certain days stay home to avoid bad luck. Parades are held with festive feasts, firecrackers and the iconic lion and dragon dances, bringing luck and warding off evil spirits. All of these festivities culminate in the Lantern Festival held on the 15th day where communities gather and light paper lanterns, these are sometimes guided to float into the sky or are often hung around streets and on homes. Lunar New Year is a wonderful reminder of the importance of family, culture and hope for a bright year ahead.
Astrological Significance
Lunar New Year always starts with the first new moon of the Lunar Calendar and ends on a full moon. The new moon represents renewal and fresh beginnings, making it the perfect time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. By following the moons phases it is allowing nature to guide the year, traditionally influencing planting and harvesting but also now holds a more spiritual.
Embroidery and art have always taken inspiration from celestial bodies and the spiritual connections we make with them. This has been beautifully captured by our machine department for our Lunar New Year piece. A gorgeous gold snake has been appliqued through the centre of the piece layered with embroidered plum blossoms and floral flourishes. In Chinese culture, plum blossoms are often used the symbolise resilience, hope and renewal as they bloom brightly through the cold winters. Combined with the snake we have created a design that honours the traditions of the Lunar New year and the beauty of new beginnings.
Author: Eve Lynch
