However, much like the Chinese New Year that occurred in 2020, this year’s festivities must take place with extreme caution.
Happy new year, again! The Year of the Ox is here at last, and it officially begins on Friday, February 12th. However, much like the Chinese New Year that occurred in 2020, this year’s festivities must take place with extreme caution. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a global crisis. That puts gathering-related holidays in doubt, especially when they carry traditions of family reunions and several weeks of celebrating! Let’s find out how you can put together a memorable occasion this year under unusual circumstances!
Clean Up Your House
One thing you can do with your family is to clean up your house. Besides, you can get a jump start on spring-cleaning. Along with being the biggest and most meaningful holiday for many Chinese households (both in China and abroad), brushing away bad luck starts by renewing your space. Don’t let negative feng shui invite more misfortune and ruin your happiness. Sweeping the floors is a good start, but you should also invest the time and effort into mopping, vacuuming, and dusting. It is a great way to start a new tradition. If a few guests come over, invite them to take their shoes off at the doorway so uninvited bad luck won’t join you.
Put Up Red Decorations
In Chinese culture, red is an auspicious color. It also symbolizes happiness, vitality, and power. All of these qualities and concepts can help you feel better amidst the pandemic’s hardships. Chinese mythology tells us that the beast known as Nian is afraid of red and will be fended off by the bright color. Paper lanterns, streamers, balloons, candles, and flower arrangements can add to the fun!
Have Some Cheerful Toasts
Even if you don’t drink, you can still hoist some cheerful toasts. After all, if it is a regular part of New Year’s celebrations, why can’t Lunar New Year have the same rituals? After all, LNY is just as popular and important in China’s neighboring countries: Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Pomegranate or raspberry cocktails help reinforce the red theme. Citrus fruits supposedly bring good luck, so indulge in orange or tangerine margaritas. Lychee berries yield a yummy liqueur that you can use in your lychee juice cocktail. After all, these berries represent love, beauty, and good health!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.