Greater than a billion individuals internationally, from China to the Philippines to diaspora communities in the USA, started celebrating the Lunar New 12 months on Tuesday with fireworks, household time and feasts.
On Wednesday, the primary new moon of the 12 months of the Snake will mark the upcoming arrival of spring.
Often known as Seollal in South Korea and Tet in Vietnam, the start of the lunisolar yr is a very powerful vacation in lots of Asian nations. In China, it prompts the world’s largest annual migration. A whole lot of thousands and thousands of individuals courageous jammed roads, practice stations and airports, many making the exodus from main cities to their hometowns.
Lunar New 12 months traditions differ throughout and inside nations, however related threads run all through: household time, rituals for prosperity and to honor ancestors, and marathon feasts. Many flock to temples to put choices of conventional meals, and light-weight incense at altars for ancestors and elders.
In China, youngsters obtain purple envelopes as blessings from their kinfolk. In Southeast Asia, dragon dances, believed to convey good luck, prosperity and rain, are held within the streets — and generally underwater.
Right here’s how individuals mentioned goodbye to the 12 months of the Dragon and welcomed the 12 months of the Snake:
