Welcome to the Time Traveller’s Guild, where we explore the world through a unique lens – time travel! For this trip, we are taking you on an exciting adventure to celebrate Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year). This is a holiday that is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is a major event in many countries. As time travellers, we have the opportunity to experience this holiday in different eras and cultures. So, let’s get ready to embark on our Lunar New Year journey!
This trip itinerary is somewhat different to other Guild trips as the Lunar New Year is a recurring event that takes place in many different locations around the world. With this trip, you can customise it to your own interests or sign up to be part of the full immersive package.
Background Information
First things first, let’s dive into the history of Lunar New Year. This holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and has its roots in the ancient Chinese agrarian society. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal. Throughout its long history, Lunar New Year has evolved into a celebration that combines both cultural traditions and religious beliefs.
Time Travelling to Different Eras
As time travellers, we have the unique opportunity to experience Lunar New Year in different eras. With its rich history of over 3,000 years and its possible roots in the ancient Chinese agrarian society. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and renewal. Throughout its long history, Lunar New Year has evolved into a celebration that combines both cultural traditions and religious beliefs.
Ancient Celebrations
If you’re interested in experiencing Lunar New Year in its earliest form, we can take you back to ancient China. Here, you can witness traditional rituals and customs such as offering sacrifices to ancestors, setting off firecrackers, and lighting lanterns. You’ll also get the chance to try traditional foods like dumplings and tangyuan (sweet rice balls) that have been enjoyed during Lunar New Year for centuries.
Han Dynasty
Moving forward in time, we can experience Lunar New Year during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), where we can see the influence of Confucianism and Taoism on the holiday. During this time, people started decorating their homes with red lanterns and scrolls with auspicious sayings, a tradition that is still observed today.
Tang Dynasty
In the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD), Lunar New Year became a grand celebration with elaborate imperial ceremonies and festivities. We can travel to this era and witness the magnificent dragon and lion dances, as well as the stunning lantern shows.
The 12th Century: The Song Dynasty
During the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD), Lunar New Year became a major holiday for people of all social classes. Along with traditional customs such as offering sacrifices and setting off fireworks, new traditions emerged during this time including giving red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried adults. This tradition symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
The 15th Century: The Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD) saw the introduction of many new customs and traditions to Lunar New Year celebrations. One of the most significant additions was the “Nian” dance, which told the story of a mythical beast called “Nian”. It is believed that this dance helped ward off evil spirits during the holiday. Another popular tradition during the Ming Dynasty was the “Beginning of Spring” ritual, where people would visit temples and pray for good fortune in the new year.
The 17th Century: The Late Ming to Early Qing Dynasty
During this time period (1644 – 1911 AD), Lunar New Year celebrations became even more elaborate and grand. The imperial court held huge banquets and performances, while the common people celebrated with firecrackers and dragon parades. This was also the time when the tradition of cleaning and decorating homes with red paper cutouts and couplets began. These decorations symbolize good luck and prosperity for the new year ahead.
The 19th Century: The Late Qing Dynasty
The late Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD) saw the introduction of new customs and traditions to Lunar New Year celebrations, such as the “Peach Blossom Hunt” where unmarried young men and women would go on a match-making outing during the holiday. This tradition is still observed in some parts of China today. Another popular tradition that began during this time was the “Lantern Festival” on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations and is celebrated with bright, colourful lanterns.
21st Century
Fast forward to the present day, we can see how Lunar New Year is celebrated in modern times. From big cities like Shanghai to small villages in rural China, people come together to celebrate with family reunions, feasts, and fireworks displays. It has become a time for people to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the new one, as well as spend quality time with loved ones.
Time Travelling to Different Areas
Destination: China
Now that we have a better understanding of the history and evolution of Lunar New Year, let’s plan our itinerary for this holiday. Our first stop will be China, the birthplace of Lunar New Year celebrations.
In Beijing, we can visit the Temple of Earth Fair to witness traditional folk performances and cultural activities. We can also participate in the annual Spring Festival Temple Fairs, where we can sample traditional foods and buy souvenirs.
Next, we will travel to Shanghai and experience the grandeur of the city’s Lunar New Year festivities. The highlight here is the Lantern Festival, where we can see hundreds of colourful lanterns lighting up the night sky.
To immerse ourselves in local traditions, we will visit a rural village in Yunnan province, where we can join in on the traditional dragon and lion dances and try our hand at making dumplings.
Destination: Singapore
Our next stop is the vibrant city-state of Singapore, which has a large Chinese population and celebrates Lunar New Year with great enthusiasm. Here, we can visit Chinatown and see how this district transforms into a bustling hub of Lunar New Year festivities. From street performances to traditional food markets, we can experience the rich culture and traditions of this holiday.
We will also take a trip to the River Hongbao festival, where we can see stunning fireworks displays and enjoy live performances by local artists.
Destination: Malaysia
Lastly, we will travel to Malaysia, where Lunar New Year is celebrated by people of Chinese descent as well as the local Malay and Indian communities. In Kuala Lumpur, we can visit the historic Thean Hou Temple, which is beautifully decorated for the holiday.
We will also attend open-air concerts and parades in Penang, where we can see a unique blend of Chinese and local Malaysian cultures in the celebrations.
Destination: New York
Our journey continues as we traverse continents to reach the city that never sleeps – New York. With a rich tapestry of culture and a significant Asian population, Lunar New Year is celebrated with great fervour in this cosmopolitan city.
In Manhattan’s Chinatown, we’ll get to witness the spectacle of the New Year Parade, a riot of colour, sound, and energy, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and lion and dragon dances. Don’t miss out on the chance to sample a cornucopia of traditional food from street vendors, providing a delicious gastronomical adventure.
Take a walk around Flushing, Queens, another vibrant neighbourhood that throbs with Lunar New Year festivities. Here, we can join the local community in traditional customs and activities and enjoy the multicultural performances showcased at the Flushing Town Hall.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art organises a Lunar New Year festival annually, offering a wide array of activities like calligraphy workshops, puppet shows, and art exhibitions. This is an ideal destination for art lovers and families alike, offering a cultural immersion like no other.
As we wrap up the Lunar New Year celebrations, let’s not forget the Firecracker Ceremony, a grand tradition intended to ward off evil spirits with the noise of exploding firecrackers. The event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson River, a breathtaking sight that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of renewal and optimism that Lunar New Year represents.
Destination: London
Crossing the Atlantic, our next stop is the multicultural city of London. Although thousands of miles away from the birthplace of Lunar New Year, this city’s significant Asian population ensures vibrant and colourful celebrations. Start your Lunar New Year journey in London’s Chinatown, located in the heart of the city. The streets here come alive with lively parades, traditional lion dances, and beautifully lit lanterns. Explore the myriad of market stalls offering a plethora of Asian cuisine, a culinary delight for any food lover.
A visit to the grand Trafalgar Square is a must, where thousands gather to ring in the Lunar New Year with performances, fireworks, and traditional Chinese games. The British Museum hosts special workshops and exhibitions for Lunar New Year, offering an educational touch to the festivities. Last but certainly not least, let’s make a stop at the iconic London Eye, which lights up in red and gold during Lunar New Year, providing a stunning visual treat against the city’s skyline.
Destination: France
Our journey takes us next to the enchanting city of Paris, France. Despite being far removed geographically from the origin of Lunar New Year, Paris celebrates this festival with a unique blend of Chinese tradition and French flair. In the 13th arrondissement, also known as the “Quartier Asiatique” or Asian quarter, a grand parade is the highlight of the festival. Here, you’ll witness a spectacular procession of dragon and lion dances, traditional music, and martial arts performances.
Venture into Belleville, a neighbourhood with a vibrant Asian community, to experience the charm of local Lunar New Year festivities. Street food stalls pop up, offering delicious traditional Asian fare. The festivities reach a crescendo with a grand fireworks display that lights up the Parisian night sky.
Finally, be sure to visit the Guimet Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Asian art. During Lunar New Year, the museum hosts a variety of cultural activities and workshops, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the history and customs associated with this rich festival. As you explore Paris during Lunar New Year, you’ll find a delightful fusion of cultures that adds a unique flavour to your time-travelling adventure.
Traditions and Foods
In the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations, traditions and foods play a critical role. As part of your time travel experience, you’ll witness the a range of lively and colourful events, music, rituals, and food.
Traditions
While exploring various time periods and destinations, you will likely to witness Dragon and Lion dances. These dances are believed to bring good luck and scare away evil spirits. The houses would be cleaned thoroughly, symbolizing the sweeping away of ill-fortune and the welcoming of incoming good luck. Additionally, red colour, symbolising good fortune and joy, will be everywhere, from red envelopes filled with money given as gifts, to red lanterns adorning streets and homes.
Food
When it comes to food, the Lunar New Year is a gastronomical delight. You’ll be able to taste a variety of dishes that are not only delicious but also carry significant symbolic meanings. Among these is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where families gather around to enjoy the ‘lucky’ foods. These include fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and tangyuan (sweet rice balls), each symbolising prosperity, wealth, and unity. You’ll also experience the tradition of making and eating ‘Nian Gao’, a sticky rice cake that is believed to bring higher income or status in the coming year. With each bite and every shared meal, you’ll be experiencing centuries of tradition and symbolism that continue to shape Lunar New Year celebrations today.
Conclusion
As time travellers, we have the incredible opportunity to experience Lunar New Year in different eras and cultures. From ancient China to modern-day celebrations, this holiday has a rich history that is intertwined with cultural traditions and beliefs. So, let’s pack our bags and get ready for an unforgettable Lunar New Year journey! Keep following the Time Traveller’s Guild for more exciting adventures through time. See you on our next trip! Happy Lunar New Year (Gong Xi Fa Cai)!
Additional Content: Resources for Further Exploration
For those who are eager to delve deeper into the history, traditions, and cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, we recommend the following resources:
Books:
‘Celebrating the Chinese New Year‘ by Sanmu Tang and ‘The Race for the Chinese Zodiac‘ by Gabrielle Wang offer insightful narratives about the Lunar New Year’s myths and customs.
Documentaries:
‘The Chinese New Year: The Biggest Celebration on Earth‘ by BBC and ‘Spring Festival: The Biggest Celebration on Earth’ by CCTV provide a vivid portrayal of Lunar New Year celebrations in China and the diaspora.
Podcasts:
‘The History of Chinese New Year’ by The History of China Podcast and ‘Chinese New Year: Family, Food, and Folklore’ by Cultural Conversations offer fascinating discussions about the Lunar New Year’s origins and how it’s celebrated today.
Websites:
Online platforms like China Highlights and Culture Trip provide comprehensive information about Lunar New Year traditions and festivities.
These resources should provide a grounding for understanding the Lunar New Year beyond our time traveller’s itinerary. Enjoy your further exploration of this captivating holiday!
References
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_New_Year
[2]: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/holidays/spring-festival.htm
[5]: https://www.tripsavvy.com/malaysia-chinese-new-year-1458229
[7]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thean_Hou_Temple
[8]: https://www.timeout.com/penang/things-to-do/chinese-new-year-2019-in-penang
Photo by Easton Mok on Unsplash
