Lunar New Year: Cultivating Cultural Appreciation with Our Kids

Lunar New Year was one of my children’s favorite holiday celebrations.  Our whole family would trek,  to Brooklyn Chinatown, wait for an hour so to get to sit in one of the tables where amazing food will be served, and Dragon costumes (they’re actually Lions) were worn by dancers and they snake around the restaurant for people to put money in their mouths!  (actually the dancers’ pockets!).   They loved it !! 

Picture this: red lanterns swaying, dragons dancing through the streets, those snazzy red envelopes, and oranges or tangerines crowding the table!  These aren't just splashes of color and joy; they're snapshots of Lunar New Year...which, by the way, could easily be mistaken for a scene straight out of the New York City subway during the festive season. They're not just decorations, folks; they're beacons of good luck and blessings for our homes.

Yes, our lunar calendar friends ring in their new year a tad after the ball drops on January 1st. And they're not about that one-and-done celebration—nope, they spread the joy over 15 dazzling days! Imagine your kiddo's wide eyes as you dive into this rich tapestry of culture together. It's more than just fun facts; it's a chance to open their world to the vast sea of cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make our world the vibrant mosaic it is.

For the little ones, the Lunar New Year boils down to some pretty sweet concepts:

• Big Lunar Bash: This isn't just any festival. It's a time when people honor the past, from deities to ancestors, and usher in a year ripe with fortune. Because what scares off bad vibes better than a sky lit with joy and noise?

• Red Envelopes: Picture the glee as children receive these packets of luck (and yes, a bit of cash). It’s more than just money or oranges in envelopes; it's about sharing prosperity and luck.

• Spring Cleaning With a Twist: It's out with the old and in with the new, as homes are scrubbed clean to wave goodbye to bad luck and welcome all things auspicious.

• The Power of Red: It's not just any color; it's a symbol of joy, integrity, and all the good vibes, a shield against the mythical Nian. Perfect for a chat about how different cultures celebrate shared values.

• Family Feasts: At its heart, it's about togetherness, sharing, and celebration.

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!

These and other cultural traditions aren't just rituals; they're lessons in generosity, courage, and the warmth of family—all wrapped in a vibrant package that even the youngest minds can grasp. Once a year, we pause, look around at the love and fortune we've gathered, and make sure to pass it on. Because, hey, ain't that what life's all about?