The scent of boiling noodles in the air, countless family members bustling around the house, and little kids jumping up and down in excitement for their red envelopes. This is the scene of family and tradition, a true Lunar New Year celebration.
It’s the year of the fire horse. According to elements of this zodiac sign, 2026 will be a year of energy and action among all else. These predictions stem from the culture and traditions of Lunar New Year, a holiday celebrated mainly in various parts of Asia.
However, there are communities all over the world that celebrate this holiday– including many students here in our own Shorewood community.
What is Lunar New Year?
A huge part of Lunar New Year is being with family to honor both the beginning of the year and the beginning of spring.
While the westernized New Year begins on Jan. 1, the Lunar New Year, on the other hand, is based on the lunisolar calendar, and usually begins its one-to-two weeklong celebration from late January to mid-February, depending on the year. This year, it begins on Feb. 17.
Students who celebrate
For sophomore Zara Do, Lunar New Year is a big deal in her family. “New Year’s is one day, but it’s really like two weeks-ish,” she said.
The whole two weeks before the first day of holiday celebrations are busy times of preparation and tradition.
“The first week leading up, you need to clean your house…you can’t clean on the day, because you can’t clean away your luck. On New Year’s, that’s when all the luck is in your house,” Do said.
These traditions are ritual, and lots of them, such as these, are shaped by superstitions.
Another student who celebrates is Angel Song, senior. “My mom has a superstition that you can’t wash your hair on the first day of Lunar New Year, because it’ll wash away all of your luck for the year,” Song said.
Similarly, during the dinner celebration, long noodles are served for life longevity. This is a theme in lots of different variations of Lunar New Year, and it is true for the families of both seniors Julia Nakayama and Nicholas Oh. “You’re supposed to eat soba without taking a bite out of it, because it cuts your life short,” Nakayama said.
Although Nakayama and Oh celebrate slightly different versions of the holiday, these little elements remain constant. “There are a lot of small things for good luck,” Oh said.
Along with the long noodles, some families eat oranges, and others mochi.
During these times, often, not only is food passed around, but also red envelopes containing money are handed out by the elders.
This classic tradition is one that symbolizes luck, good fortune, and blessings. Senior Kasey Cheung has another practice in her family in order to receive these red envelopes.
“In the morning, we say these forward blessings, to our parents…and any elders in your community,” Cheung said. “In return, you get money in red envelopes.”
The importance of family
While there are many traditions such as these that families partake
in, the thing that many enjoy most is simply
experiencing the togetherness of family.
“New Year’s for us is the non-negotiable, one holiday celebration that you have to go to,” Do said.
“It’s so familiar. That’s what I love so much about it.”
The volume of the celebration is not just specific to Do’s family, though; for junior Xavier Pajimula, the whole extended family gathers to celebrate.
“You don’t always get to see all your family there, at the same time, so it’s really nice,” he said.
The connectivity and richness of culture rooted in this holiday brings people together, bonding over food and family.
For many, this is the one time of year they get to see their entire extended family, and it’s eye-opening to see that.
“I just love how rooted in tradition it is,” Do said. “It really makes me feel closer to my ancestors and parents, and where I came from, because I’m born here; I’m the first generation in my family born here in the United States. All my other family was born and grew up in Asia, and immigrated here. So it’s kind of easy to feel a disconnect— but for me, New Year’s is that one time of year where it’s like, wow, I feel so close to my people.”
Recognition of tradition
It’s important to recognize the importance of this holiday to so many people, both around the world and in our community.
With every element within it comes a tradition, followed by a superstition or a meaning to it.
“It’s really nice that we have a holiday that has been accepted by a lot of people, even though it’s a lot different than traditional New Year,” Pajimula said. “It’s nice to see that people are acknowledging it and appreciating it a lot more, even if they don’t celebrate the culture.”
Shorelake Arts Lantern
Festival Light & Art!
When: Sunday, February 1 – Sunday, February 15
Where: Uplift Climbing (17229 15th Avenue NE Shoreline, WA 91855)
Cost: Free and open to all
Celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the year of the fire horse by brining people together in honor and recognition of our communities.
