At the Fire Blossom Candle Company we love helping you come up with great party ideas! Another thing we love? Exploring other cultures’ celebrations such as Mexico’s Quincenara or giving you a taste of Birthday Treats from Around the World.

In this post, we will explore Lunar New Year! Check out our Lunar New Year Party Ideas Pinterest Board!

What is Lunar New Year?

In China, Lunar New Year is a national holiday known as the “Nian Festival” (translates to “festival of the year”) and is also referred to as the Spring Festival. Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese calendar with each year being represented by a different animal from the Chinese Zodiac. If you don’t know your Chinese Zodiac, here is a Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculator to help you out. 2014 marks the year of the Horse.

Chinese New is a special time of year to gather with family and friends and celebrate traditions such as lion dances, fireworks, giving red envelopes, and decorating with duilian (couplets in Chinese poetry). Lunar New Year is not exclusive to the Chinese calendar. Many countries across Asia celebrate this holiday and here in the United States, cities commemorate Lunar New Year with parades. Below is the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade.

Lunar New Year Traditions

On New Year’s Eve, many families will gather for an annual dinner. Fish and dumplings are served and represent prosperity. At midnight, fireworks are set off as a way to ward off bad spirits. Fireworks were actually invented in China and their fireworks displays are more elaborate each year. Below is the fireworks display from Hong Kong in 2013.

In addition to fireworks, red packets decorated with gold chinese symbols filled with money are typically handed out from older generations to younger generations, especially children. The red color symbolizes luck and the characters written on the packets symbolize wealth and happiness. Check out these Year of the Horse Red Envelopes from Etsy to share with your family. Fill them with crisp new bills or chocolate coins.

Happy Horse Red Envelopes by simplypearlee

Horse Head Chinese Red by Envelope ChasingCloudsStudio

Zen Year of the Horse Chinese New Year Red Envelopes by ZenBrush

Perhaps the most prevalent tradition of the Lunar New Year is the lion dance where performers dress in ornate lion costumes and dance to mimic a lion’s movement. The dance is said to bring health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Check out how to make your own lion costume for a fun family craft activity and view the video below for an exceptional lion dance performance.

Don’t forget to include a Fire Blossom in your Lunar New Year Celebrations! Check out our “Good Luck” bundle.

NEED MORE IDEAS FOR THROWING A LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY? CHECK OUT OUR Lunar New Year Party Ideas Pinterest Board!