The year of the tiger has come upon us to bring us luck, happiness, and strength into the new lunar year.
The new lunar year, also known as the Spring festival, happens around the end of January or the beginning of February every year. This holiday consists of fireworks, red envelopes and lots of food for celebrations all over the world.
“Holidays are about eating, and the Spring Festival is particularly so. The Chinese traditionally prepare sumptuous feasts during the holiday, featuring fish, pork, chicken, and duck, in addition to various kinds of fruit, candies, and nuts. Dumpling (jiǎo zi) is a must, particularly in northern China.” Dr. Jianguo Chen, an associate professor of Chinese at the University of Delaware said.
The Lunar year is about sending good wishes and receiving luck for the rest of the year. Most people tend to spend this time with their family doing many activities and eating lots of food to bring this luck into their lives.
“People would pay a visit to their elderly and respected by offering good wishes, whereas the elderly and senior would give gift money in red envelopes, known as hónɡ bāo.” Dr. Chen said.
On the lunar Chinese calendar, each year is represented by a zodiac animal ranging from dragons to dogs. This year’s celebration is of the tiger. A symbol of strength, resilience, and the defeat of evil. A symbol that can resonate with many.
“Collectively we have been living in the shadows of a great evil, the pandemic, and I think 2022, the Year of the Tiger, will be a year when there will be a movement towards driving out that evil,” Jonathan H.X. Lee, a professor at San Francisco State University whose research focuses on Asian and Asian American religions and folklore said.
People born during the year of the tiger are typically seen as natural-born leaders. These people tend to be sympathetic and are always willing to help their peers around them.
“There is never a dull moment with a tiger,” Victoria and Albert Museum said.
Works Cited
Chen, J. (2018). Chinese New Year Expert Discusses the Festival’s Sights, Symbols, Foods and Rituals. University of Delaware. https://www.newswise.com/articles/expert-can-discuss-the-history-and-meanings-behind-chinese-new-year
Chinese zodiac: the Year of the Tiger – Victoria and Albert Museum. (2016). Victoria and Albert Museum. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/chinese-zodiac-tiger/
Jiang, F. (2022, January 30). Year of the Tiger 2022: How to Bring You Year-long Good Luck for Horoscope in Chinese New Year. China Highlights – Since 1998! https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/tiger.htm
