In the heart of Asia, amidst the vibrant red lanterns and the sound of firecrackers, comes a celebration that unites millions around the world. The Lunar New Year, a festival that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and concludes 15 days later with the full moon, has been enthusiastically welcomed in numerous Asian nations and overseas communities.
Welcoming the Year of the Dragon in Taiwan
Among the nations that embraced the festive spirit was Taiwan, where festivities to commemorate the Year of the Dragon were highlighted by appearances of key political figures. Newly elected president Lai Ching-te and Han Kuo-yu, the speaker of the Legislature representing the opposition Nationalist Party, graced the celebrations. The Nationalist Party is known for its support of political unification with China, a sentiment not shared by all.
President Tsai, in her address, highlighted the ongoing conflict between “freedom and democracy versus authoritarianism”. She emphasized that this conflict not only affects geopolitical stability but also impacts the restructuring of global supply chains. Over the past eight years, Tsai said, Taiwan has kept its promises and maintained the status quo, while also demonstrating its determination and strengthening its national defense.
The Lunar New Year, also known for its long-held traditions, saw highways clogged and flights fully booked as residents traveled home to visit their families or took this approximately one-week holiday as an opportunity to vacation abroad.
The Lunar New Year Tradition
Firing bottle rockets and other fireworks is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the ushering in of the new year and the forgetting of any lingering bad memories. Also, children are given red envelopes filled with cash as a show of affection and to help them kickstart their fortunes for the coming months.
In South Korea, millions of people left the densely populated Seoul capital region to visit relatives across the country for the Lunar New Year’s holiday. Royal palaces and other tourist sites were packed with visitors wearing the country’s colorful traditional “hanbok” flowing robes. Despite the heightened tensions with North Korea, the holiday spirit was undeterred.
Global Celebrations
Meanwhile, Vietnam too welcomed the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet. The celebration was not just confined to Asia but extended to cities with large Asian communities overseas. Vibrant parades and commemorations marked the Lunar New Year in cities like New York and San Francisco.
The Lunar New Year, with its rich history and meaningful traditions, truly transcends borders. It is a testament to the strong ties that bind the global Asian community, a beacon of hope and prosperity that lights up the world once a year, and a reminder that despite the challenges we face, there is always a cause for celebration.
For more about the Lunar New Year, check out this comprehensive guide from Britannica.